Azelaic Acid is an organic compound with the formula (CH2)7(CO2H)2. This saturated dicarboxylic acid exists as a white powder. It is found in wheat, rye, and barley. It is a component of a number of hair and skin conditioners. 

Azelaic Acid is a appearance and properties of colorless to light yellow crystals or crystalline powder. Slightly soluble in cold water, soluble in hot water, ether, soluble in ethanol.Used as plasticizer, and used in alkyd resin, paint and chemical synthesis.

Functions & Applications of Azelaic Acid     

1. It is industrially produced by the ozonolysis of oleic acid. The side product is nonanoic acid. It is produced naturally by Malassezia furfur (also known as Pityrosporum ovale), a yeast that lives on normal skin. 

2. It 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 99% 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.

3. It has been used for treatment of skin pigmentation including melasma and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, particularly in those with darker skin types. It has been recommended as an alternative to hydroquinone (HQ). As a tyrosinase inhibitor, reduces synthesis of melanin.

4. Used as a good skin permeability. Cream cosmetics adding it can increase absorption through the skin functions, and a brightening of the effectiveness of Lipstick.

5. It can inhibit microbial protein synthesis, so for Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis have antibacterial activity, can be used as anti-acne drug.

6. It or zinc salts, and vitamin B6 compatibility, can be used for hair care products for men, hair loss disease etc.