Azelaic Acid & the Cosmetic Industry
By: Louisa Fugaru
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Uses of Azelaic Acid
in the Cosmetic
Industry
Azelaic Acid is a popular skincare ingredient.
It’s used in topical skincare products to treat
- Acne/blemishes
- Hyperpigmentation (anti-inflammatory
properties)
- Skin-brightening
-
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▪ - Azelaic Acid is a saturated compound
▪ - This compound is made up of 2
carboxylic groups
Functional group
▪ - It is also important to note that this
compound doesn’t have substituent
groups, only functional groups (as
previously listed)
▪
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- The most prolific intermolecular forces
seen in Azelaic Acid would be Hydrogen
Bonding
Intermolecular forces
exhibited
- This bond occurs between the oxygen
atoms, the carboxylic acid groups, and
hydrogen atoms of the hydroxyl group
- Since hydrogen bonds are important in
compounds containing carboxylic acid,
it’s no surprise that azelaic acid, which
contains a carboxylic acid group, uses
H-bonds to attract other molecules
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- Due to the carboxyl group present on
the end of the structure, Azelaic acid is
able to participate in
The types of reactions that
the compound can
participate in based on the
functional groups
- The formation of Esters
(esterification)
- Formation of Amides (amidation)
- Decarboxylation (loss of CO2)
- Oxydation (formation of CO2 and
H2O)
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-
Impact of the
compound on
human health-
-
Azelaic acid is relatively gentle when used to target or help with
skin concerns
While its main uses are to help with acne, melasma, rosacea etc.,
if it used too often (particularly in its gel form), skin problems
may become worse as it could cause irritation
It is also important to note that those suffering from asthma
may want to take so caution when using the compound as it can
worsen symptoms
Additionally, many sources claim that the compound is safe for
pregnant women, but it important to consult with a professional
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Alternatives to the
compound
- While azelaic acid is a more gentle and
accessible way to treat acne/other
various skin concerns, it is definitely
not the most effective compound, as it
isn’t very powerful
Alternatives:
- Tretinoin
- Hydroquinone
*These alternative deliver results more
quickly and they do a better job when
targeting issues like acne and
hyperpigmentation
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Azelaic acid gel: Indications, side effects, warnings. Drugs.com. (n.d.).
https://www.drugs.com/cdi/azelaic-acid-gel.html#:~:text=If%20you%20use
%20azelaic%20acid,azelaic%20acid%20gel%20with%20care
Sources
GeeksforGeeks. (2023, June 15). Carboxylic acids: Structure, examples,
properties, and reactions. GeeksforGeeks.
https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/carboxylic-acids/#:~:text=Reactivity%3A%
20Carboxylic%20acids%20undergo%20various,form%20carbon%20dioxi
de%20and%20water
Ibrahim, D. A. (2023, August 23). Azelaic acid: The powerhouse ingredient
that treats acne, rosacea and Hyperpigmentation. City Skin Clinic.
https://cityskinclinic.com/azelaic-acid/#:~:text=However%2C%20it’s%20im
portant%20to%20note,results%20for%20acne%20and%20hyperpigmenta
tion
What is azelaic acid and its benefits?: Banner health. What is Azelaic Acid
and Its Benefits? | Banner Health. (n.d.).
https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/azelaic-acid-andits-benefits#:~:text=Azelaic%20acid%20is%20a%20skin,who%20are%20
pregnant%20or%20breastfeeding