Azelaic acid

Azelaic acid (CAS 123-99-9) is a saturated dicarboxylic acid used as a functional building block and active ingredient. Also marketed under the pharmaceutical trade names Skinoren and Skinorem.

Where is Azelaic acid used?

• Personal care and pharmaceuticals: active ingredient in topical products targeting acne and hyperpigmentation, functioning as a pH-regulating and antimicrobial agent
• Polymers: monomer for polyamides and polyesters with improved flexibility and low-temperature performance, particularly in specialty coatings and adhesives
• Lubricants: esters from esterification with branched alcohols serve as synthetic base fluids and plasticizers for high-performance and low-temperature applications
• It also acts as a corrosion inhibitor and dispersant additive in metalworking fluids.

Good to know: Standard commercial grades include technical, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical grades, with the latter meeting USP and Ph. Eur. specifications.

Commercial specifications

• Purity levels of 98–99%+ are typical for high-specification applications