What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid, it is naturally occurring acid found in grains such as barley, wheat and Rye. It is a white powder in its natural form. It is produced naturally by a yeast known as Malassezia furfur  which  lives on the skins surface. It is an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory so works to reduce rosacea and acne prone skin. Alongside this it also brightens and lightens the skin. Unlike many acids it doesn’t cause irritation and has been shown to reduce redness and rosacea.


What are Azelaic Acid’s benefits?

  • Unblocks pores and refines the skins surface.
  • Evens out skin texture.
  • Reduces pigmentation caused from sun damage.
  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

How does Azelaic acid work?

Azelaic Acid

This image displays the effects of Azelaic Acid (AzA) or keratinocytes.

  1. Decreases ATP synthesis by inhibiting respiratory chain molecules in the mitochondrion.
  2. Reversibly inhibits DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in keratinocytes.
  3. Reduces filaggrin expression in keratinocytes

Azelaic acid is an anti-inflammatory ingredient, it helps to reduce the bumps, swelling and redness in acne prone skin, and prevents the formations of comedones. It works to treat the active acne by killing the bacteria that infects pores and decreases the production of keratin. It reduces expressions of kallikrein-5 (KLK-5) and pro-inflammatory cathelicidins such as LL-37. It also works to brighten and lighten the skin and reduce pigmentation by inhibiting the enzyme tyrosinase, which is needed for the production of melanin.


Which of our FTT products contain Azelaic Acid?

FTT Illuminate Skin Brightening Serum - Alpha Arbutin / Azelaeic Acid /Glutathione

Illuminate – Skin Lightening Serum

5% Azelaic Acid, 2% Alpha Arbutin, 2% Glutathione

This highly active serum provides a poly-focal, clinical, approach to areas of skin discoloration. It contains, azelaic acid to help calm inflammation, alpha-arbutin and glutathione to inhibit melanin synthesis, the main cause of pigmentation, together with vitamins E (and) C to provide antioxidant protection. Apply liberally to areas of concern at night-time only.