Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring saturated dicarboxylic acid with the chemical name of 1,7-heptanedicarboxylic acid and a molecular weight of 188.22. Azelaic acid is a dietary component of whole grain cereals and animal products.
The exact mechanism of action of azelaic acid is not known. The antimicrobial action may be attributable to inhibition of microbial cellular protein synthesis. Azelaic acid at high concentrations is bactericidal against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermis and possesses bacteriostatic properties against a variety of aerobic microorganisms, including Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans. In vitro, azelaic acid acted as a scavenger of oxy radicals and inhibits a variety of oxidoreductive enzymes including 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT. Azelaic acid (0.1 to 3.0 mmol/l) has been shown to produce a competitive concentration dependent inhibition of 5-alpha reductase activity in homogenates of human foreskin. Azelaic acid is being studied for potential antimycotic and antiviral properties. The multiple actions of azelaic acid cause a normalization of keratinization and a decrease in the free fatty acid content of skin surface lipids.