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Azelaic Acid Ingredient Custom Cosmetics Manufacturer
Discover azelaic acid’s multi-benefit power for blemish care, redness-prone skin, tone evening, and oil/texture control. Learn pH targets, % use levels, suspension vs. PAD (potassium azeloyl diglycinate) strategies, compatible co-actives, packaging/MOQ, and private-label OEM/ODM options for global skincare launches.
What Is Azelaic Acid
Azelaic Acid (AZA) is a saturated dicarboxylic acid valued for anti-blemish, redness-calming, tyrosinase-modulating brightening, and texture-refining effects. It can be delivered as a micronized suspension/cream-gel or via the water-soluble derivative Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (PAD) for lighter, clear formulas.
INCI: Azelaic Acid · CAS: 123-99-9 · White crystalline powder, poorly water-soluble; PAD is water-soluble. (EC CosIng, Wikipedia)
Sources: Commonly produced by oxidation/ozonolysis of oleic acid or via synthetic routes; cosmetic grades offered as micronized powders or pre-dispersions.
Water solubility: Free AZA is sparingly soluble in water; dissolves in glycols/alcohols. Formulate as stabilized suspensions, emulsions, or use PAD for clear, water-phase dosing.
pH flexibility: Free AZA performs well in mildly acidic systems (~4.0–5.5) for comfort; PAD works in pH 5.0–6.5 with excellent tolerance. Avoid prolonged high heat; add AZA at cool-down when possible.
Azelaic Acid Benefits: Mechanisms, Results & OEM Formulation
See how azelaic acid supports acne/blemish management, redness-prone comfort, tone evening, oil/texture refinement, and scalp clarity—plus recommended %, test methods, and co-actives for private-label launches.
Blemish & Congestion Control
Mechanism: Normalizes follicular keratinization and helps clear sebum/debris that contribute to visible comedones; supports a less hospitable surface micro-environment for breakout formation.
Benefits: Fewer blackheads/whiteheads, smoother look across T-zone and jawline.
Importance: Foundational claim for daily clarifying and acne-prone ranges without harsh stripping.
Use level & testing: Free AZA 5–10% in cream-gels/suspensions; or PAD 3–8% in clear serums. Validate via lesion count, Sebumeter (ser), high-res blemish imaging (VISIA/Canfield), and tolerance panels.
Good pairings: Niacinamide 2–5%, salicylic acid 0.5–1% (buffered), zinc PCA 0.3–0.5%, green-tea polyphenols.
Redness-Prone Skin Comfort
Mechanism: Helps down-modulate inflammatory mediators and supports a calmer superficial environment, aiding comfort in easily flushed skin.
Benefits: Reduced visible erythema, less sting/tight feel after cleansing or mask wear.
Importance: Enables “soothe + clarify” stories suitable for sensitive users who avoid strong acids.
Use level & testing: AZA 5–10% emulsions or PAD 3–6% gels at pH 5.0–6.0. Track Δa* (redness), stinging/tolerance panels, standardized photography under controlled lighting.
Good pairings: Panthenol, centella actives, ectoine, multi-weight HA, beta-glucan.
Tone Evening & Post-Blemish Marks
Mechanism: Tyrosinase modulation and o-quinone reduction pathways help limit uneven melanin formation; gentle activity supports recovery from post-inflammatory marks.
Benefits: Brighter look, more uniform tone, diminished appearance of lingering spots.
Importance: Non-peeling brightening route that layers well in multi-active routines.
Use level & testing: AZA 5–10% creams/serums; PAD 5–10% solutions per supplier solids. Evaluate ΔL/ΔE*, Mexameter melanin index, and photo grading at 4–8+ weeks.
Good pairings: Tranexamic acid 2–3%, 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid 2–5%, niacinamide 2–5%, licorice (glabridin).
Texture Refinement & Micro-Surface Smoothness
Mechanism: Gentle keratolytic normalization improves corneocyte cohesion and turnover, reducing the look of rough, uneven patches without aggressive exfoliation.
Benefits: Softer touch, better makeup laydown, refined pore-rim appearance.
Importance: Delivers fast sensory wins while staying low-sting for daily wear.
Use level & testing: AZA 5–10% cream-gels or PAD 3–8% serums; measure profilometry/PRIMOS 3D (Ra/Rz), image-based gloss/illumination, and consumer smoothness scoring.
Good pairings: Low-% lactic/mandelic, light film formers, silicone elastomers for immediate blur.
Oil Balance & Pore Appearance
Mechanism: Supports sebum normalization at the surface and maintains a smoother corneocyte matrix around follicular openings.
Benefits: Shine reduction and a more refined pore look through the day.
Importance: High-demand claims for combination/oily skin and warm climates.
Use level & testing: AZA 5–10% or PAD 3–8%; validate with Sebumeter, glossmeter, and pore imaging (VISIA/Canfield) over 2–4+ weeks.
Good pairings: Niacinamide, zinc PCA, light esters/squalane, green-tea catechins.
Scalp Clarifying & Root Freshness
Mechanism: Mild keratolytic + oil-modulating actions help keep follicular openings clearer on the scalp; supports flake appearance management with adjunct actives.
Benefits: Fresher root feel, improved look of flakes/grease, easier day-2 styling.
Importance: Extends azelaic acid beyond face care into scalp serums and clarifying shampoos.
Use level & testing: PAD 3–6% (water-clear leave-on tonics) or AZA 1–3% (rinse-offs). Track flake scoring, itch scales, time-to-grease, combing force in rinse-offs.
Good pairings: Niacinamide, zinc PCA, piroctone olamine, lightweight esters/silicones.
Best Product Formats for Azelaic Acid
Azelaic Acid fits leave-on and rinse-off formats for clarifying, redness-prone care, tone evening, and oil control. Free AZA works best in pH ~4.0–5.5 suspensions/emulsions; PAD enables clear, water-phase serums at pH 5.0–6.5.
Azelaic Acid Cream
Acne Mask
Azelaic Acid Serum
Skin Brightening Body Lotion
Azelaic Acid Face Wash
Azelaic Acid Toner
Ready to Launch Your Azelaic Acid Line?
Talk to our formulation experts today, get a formula proposal with recommended percentage, base, and co-actives in 48 hours. We tailor free AZA suspensions vs. PAD serums, set pH/sensory, and design stability/micro (ISO 11930) plans. Expect validated claims, premium textures, custom packaging, and full OEM/ODM documentation.
Azelaic Acid Concentration Options | Custom for OEM/ODM
Choose the right azelaic pathway for your market and claims: classic azelaic acid (AA) for blemishes, tone irregularities, and texture; or potassium azeloyl diglycinate (PAD) for water-light clarity with lower sting risk. We align % levels with pH, base type, preservation, and pack—and provide testing dossiers for safe, compliant launches.
1. Concentration Range
PAD (water-soluble): 3–6% leave-on (serums, fluids, mists). Clear systems, easy layering, typically pH 5.2–6.0.
Azelaic Acid (micronized): 5–10% leave-on; 7–10% body (gels, creams, lotions). Typical pH 4.8–5.4 to balance efficacy and tolerance.
Higher strengths 15–20% may be prescription-only in many regions—claims and usage adjusted per local regulations.
2. Typical Use Levels
| Target Use Case | Azelaic Type & % | Best Formats | pH Window | Proof & QA |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Daily tone-evening & texture refine | PAD 3–6% | water serum, essence, mist | 5.2–6.0 | Colorimetry ΔL↑ / Δa↓**, consumer radiance, makeup compatibility |
| Breakout & oil control (leave-on) | Azelaic 10% | hydrogel, micro-dispersion serum | 4.9–5.3 | Lesion count, Sebumeter, VISIA/derm grading |
| Redness-prone/sensitive care | Azelaic 5% | lamellar cream, gel-cream | 4.8–5.4 | *Δa redness↓**, TEWL↓, cumulative irritation |
| Post-acne marks (PIH/PIE) | Azelaic 10% + TXA 2–3% | gel serum, fluid | 4.9–5.3 | Melanin index, *ΔL↑**, photographic panel |
| KP smoothing (arms/legs) | Azelaic 7–10% + Urea/Lactic | body lotion/cream | 4.8–5.2 | Skin roughness profilometry, tactile smoothness |
*Final percentage depends on target claim, skin type, and regional compliance.
Azelaic Acid Formulation & Actives Ingredient Customization
Build formulas around azelaic acid and potassium azeloyl diglycinate (PAD) for blemish control, tone-evening, redness-calming, and texture refinement. Pair with niacinamide, tranexamic acid (TXA), zinc PCA, bisabolol/beta-glucan, and ectoine for comfort.
2. Ingredient Customization Case
Clarifying PAD Serum
Benefits: Smooths texture, evens early tone irregularities, layers cleanly a.m./p.m. under SPF.
Actives: PAD 5% + Niacinamide 3% + TXA 2% + Licorice 0.1%.
Uneven-Tone Corrector
Benefits: Targets post-blemish marks and dullness with gentle exfoliation-free pathway.
Actives: Azelaic Acid 10% + Niacinamide 4% + Panthenol 1%; pH 4.9–5.3.
Redness-Calming Cream
Benefits: Comforts look of persistent redness while supporting barrier.
Actives: Azelaic 5% + Beta-glucan 0.3% + Bisabolol 0.2% + Ceramide NP 0.2%.
Post-Acne Marks Gel
Benefits: Brightens PIH/PIE appearance without acids; non-greasy, quick dry-down.
Actives: Azelaic 10% + TXA 3% + Alpha-Arbutin 2% + Allantoin 0.3%.
Oil-Balance Lightweight Fluid
Benefits: Matte hydration for combination/oily skin; reduces midday shine.
Actives: PAD 5% + Zinc PCA 0.5% + Niacinamide 3% + Low-MW HA 0.1%.
Smoothing Body Lotion
Benefits: Softens “chicken skin” look and rough patches on arms/legs.
Actives: Azelaic 8–10% + Urea 5% + Lactic Acid 3% + Panthenol 2%.
Azelaic Acid Global Trends & Regional Analysis
Azelaic acid, a naturally occurring acid with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. This acid has been used in treating skin conditions like rosacea and acne due to its comedolytic, keratolytic, and antioxidant effects commonly found in hair care products.
1. Azelaic Acid Global Trends
The Global azelaic acid market size is expected to be worth around USD 422.21 million by 2032 from USD 218.29 million in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period from 2022 to 2032.
Azelaic Acid Application Analysis
Based on application, global azelaic acid is segmented into Plastics, Lubricants, Electronics, Pharmaceuticals and Cosmetics, Personal Care, and Other Applications. Among these applications plastic segment dominated the market with a 38.6% revenue share in the year 2022, expected to register a significant percentage in the forecasted period.
In the pharmaceutical sector, it is used in an ointment to treat rosacea and acne. In addition, it can also be found as a bleaching or whitening active compound in skin care products. Over the forecast period, azelaic acids will continue to experience strong demand due to increased skin care product demand.
2. Azelaic Acid Regional Analysis
North America Accounted for 38.7% Of Azelaic Acid
Based on the regional outlook, North America accounted for 38.7% of azelaic acid consumption by revenue. Europe followed closely behind in terms of revenue at approximately 20%. Due to the variety of applications provided by end-use industries, North America and Europe provide ample opportunities for key players in the azelaic acids market, such as those from the U.S.A., Germany, France, and other regions. Over the next decade, there will be numerous mergers and acquisitions among core players in these regions.
Asia Pacific – particularly India and China – offers exciting investment opportunities. India’s economy is expected to experience a substantial compound annual growth rate over this timeframe while China follows behind. Middle East & Africa experience slower market expansion than Latin America.
More azelaic acid product customization instructions and FAQs
Q: What skin types is Azelaic Acid suitable for?
A: Azelaic acid works across most skin types—including oily, acne-prone, combination, sensitive, and redness-prone (rosacea-tendency) skin. It targets blemishes, uneven tone, and visible redness while respecting the barrier when formulated at skin-friendly pH and in non-occlusive gel-cream or lotion bases.
Q: Can Azelaic Acid be used together with Vitamin C, Niacinamide, or Retinoids?
A: Yes—if layered thoughtfully. Pairing with niacinamide or stable Vitamin C derivatives can boost brightening and antioxidant support. Retinoids can be combined on alternate nights or in separate steps to limit irritation. Avoid stacking with strong AHAs/BHAs in the same routine for beginners; introduce gradually.
Q: What’s the difference between 5%, 10%, and 15–20% (Rx) Azelaic Acid?
A:
5%: Gentle entry level for sensitive or redness-prone users; helps refine tone and texture.
10%: Popular OTC strength for breakouts, oil balance, and post-blemish marks; typically pH ~4.5–5.5 in gel-cream/cream.
15–20% (prescription in many regions): More intensive for persistent concerns; higher odds of tingling or dryness—buffer with barrier-supportive moisturizers. Check local regulations for Rx status and claims.
Q: Will Azelaic Acid irritate acne-prone or redness-prone skin?
A: It’s non-acid-exfoliating in the AHA/BHA sense and generally well-tolerated. Mild tingling, dryness, or transient flushing can occur—especially at higher strengths. Start 3–4 times weekly, use a bland moisturizer, and avoid simultaneous use with multiple strong actives until tolerance is established.
Q: How long does it take to see visible results with Azelaic Acid?
A: Oil control, smoother texture, and calmer look may appear in 2–4 weeks with consistent use. For uneven tone, post-acne marks, or visible redness, expect 8–12+ weeks. Steady daily use, photoprotection, and simple layering (cleanser → azelaic acid → moisturizer → SPF a.m.) improve outcomes.
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