Azelaic acid

Azelaic Acid

Unusually versatile and unusually gentle — and one of the few actives considered safe in pregnancy.

strong evidenceTypically 10% over-the-counter, 15–20% prescriptionPregnancy-safeIrritancy 2/5

Azelaic acid is antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and inhibits pigment production, which makes it useful for acne, rosacea, and dark marks simultaneously. That combination is rare. It is also one of the very few genuinely effective actives that is generally regarded as safe during pregnancy, which makes it the workhorse of a pregnancy-safe routine.

What it helps with

Products containing it

Related reading

Routine is educational and is not medical advice. Recommendations are generated from the answers you gave and general dermatological guidance — they cannot account for your full history. For persistent or severe skin conditions, or before starting anything new during pregnancy, speak to a doctor or dermatologist.