Azelaic acid (CAS: 123-99-9)

Synonyms: Nonanedioic acid; Azelaicacidtech; Azalaic Acid; Heptane-1,

7-dicarboxylic acid; nonanedioate.

Azelaic acid is an organic compound with the formula (CH2)7(CO2H)2.

This saturateddicarboxylic acid exists as a white powder. It is found in 

wheat, rye, and barley. It is a component of a number of hair and skin conditioners.

Biological function

In plants, azelaic acid serves as a “distress flare” involved in defense responses

after infection. It serves as a signal that induces the accumulation of salicylic

acid, an important component of a plant’s defensive response.

Applications

Polymers and related materials

Esters of this dicarboxylic acid find applications in lubrication and plasticizers.

With hexamethylenediamine azelaic acid forms Nylon-6,9, which finds

specialized uses as a plastic.

Medical

Azelaic acid is used to treat mild to moderate acne, both comedonal acne and

inflammatory acne. It belongs to a class of medication called dicarboxylic acids.

It works by killing acne bacteria that infect skin pores. It also decreases the production

of keratin, which is a natural substance that promotes the growth of acne bacteria

Azelaic acid is also used as a topical gel treatment for rosacea, due to its ability to

reduce inflammation. It clears the bumps and swelling caused by Rosacea. Azelaic

acid has been used for treatment of skin pigmentation including melasma and post

inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in those with darker skin types. It has

been recommended as an alternative to hydroquinone(HQ). As a tyrosinase inhibitor,

azelaic acid reduces synthesis of melanin.

Brand names

AzClear Action (20% lotion, Ego Pharmaceuticals), Azelex (20% cream, Allergan),

White Action cream (20% cream,2% glycolic acid), SynCare), Finacea (15% gel,

Intendis/Berlex Laboratories, subsidiaries of Bayer AG), Finevin (20% cream,

Intendis/Berlex Laboratories), Skinoren (20% cream or 15% gel, Intendis), Melazepam,

Strata Dermatologics, 2oz, Mixed Dicarboxylic Acids 20% Azelaic Acid Cream.,and

Azaclear (azelaic acid and niacinamide, Epikinetics LLC).