Azelaic acid CAS No:123-99-9 C9H16O4

Pharmacological Effects

1. Azelaic acid inhibits or kills anaerobic and aerobic bacteria on the skin. In vivo studies have shown that topical application of azelaic acid cream for 2 to 3 consecutive months significantly reduces the number of skin bacteria and Propionibacterium species in hair follicles, indicating that this product has a direct antibacterial effect.

2. Topical application of azelaic acid reduces the levels of free fatty acids and lipids on the skin surface. It exhibits an antikeratinizing effect on the skin of both healthy individuals and patients with acne, primarily by reducing the synthesis of filamentous keratin, thereby decreasing follicular hyperkeratosis.

3. Azelaic acid selectively targets abnormal melanocytes and inhibits their excessive activity. Therefore, prolonged topical application of azelaic acid can reduce melanin production in patients with senile lentigines. However, this product does not have a depigmenting effect on normal skin pigmentation.

4. Azelaic acid also exhibits antiproliferative and cytotoxic effects, primarily by disrupting mitochondrial respiratory pathways and inhibiting cellular DNA synthesis.