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 hyper pigmentation , 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). .