✅ Active Ingredient Overview Table:

🔬 Active Ingredient (Generic Name):	Azelaic Acid
💊 Indication:	Acne Vulgaris (Comedonal & Inflammatory Lesions), Rosacea, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation, Melasma
🇺🇸 US Brand Equivalent:	Azelex (Galderma), Finacea (Finacea 15% Foam)
🏭 Manufacturer:	Micro Labs Limited (Founded: 1973)
📦 Packaging:	15 g Tube
🧪 Strength:	20% w/w
🚚 Delivery Time:	6–15 days

🌿 What is Azelaic Acid 20% Gel (Aziderm)?

Aziderm 20% Gel delivers a higher concentration of azelaic acid to provide enhanced treatment for acne, rosacea, melasma, and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Azelaic acid in a 20% formulation offers superior comedolytic, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory effects compared to lower strengths. Beyond acne, 20% gel is clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmented lesions by inhibiting tyrosinase activity, making it effective for melasma and PIH in diverse skin types.

Acne patients may experience persistent papules, pustules, and dark spots even after inflammation subsides. Aziderm 20% works by normalizing keratinocyte differentiation, reducing follicular blockage, and inhibiting Propionibacterium acnes, while also decreasing reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines. The double-strength gel accelerates lesion clearance and pigment fading, improving skin clarity and patient confidence.

Rosacea sufferers benefit from azelaic acid’s ability to reduce erythema and papulopustular lesions without the irritation often associated with topical antibiotics. For melasma and PIH, Aziderm 20% inhibits melanin synthesis and reduces melanocyte proliferation, leading to gradual lightening of hyperpigmented spots over 8–16 weeks.

🧬 Pharmacology & Mechanism of Action

Attribute	Detail
Chemical Formula	C9H16O4
Molecular Weight	188.22 g/mol
Mode of Action	Inhibits tyrosinase → reduces melanin synthesis; normalizes keratinocyte proliferation; bacteriostatic against P. acnes; anti-inflammatory
Local Activity	Decreases reactive oxygen species; modulates inflammatory mediators

💡 Indications & Application Guidelines

Condition	Application
Acne Vulgaris	• Cleanse and dry affected areas.
• Apply a thin layer of 20% gel twice daily (morning and evening).
• Continue for at least 12 weeks for clinical improvement.
Rosacea	• Apply a pea-sized amount to inflamed and erythematous areas twice daily.
• Monitor for increased sensitivity; continue up to 16 weeks.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) & Melasma	• Apply to pigment-affected areas twice daily.
• Use daily SPF 30+ sunscreen; continue for 16–24 weeks.

Avoid contact with eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes. Use non-comedogenic moisturizer to minimize dryness.

⚠️ Warnings & Side Effects

Common:

Mild burning, stinging, or tingling upon application
Dryness, erythema, peeling in sensitive areas

Serious (rare):

Allergic contact dermatitis (rash, swelling)
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation if overused in darker skin tones

Advise patients to perform a patch test before full-face application. Start with once-daily use if sensitivity occurs, then increase to twice daily. Discontinue if severe irritation develops.

🏥 Storage Instructions

Store Aziderm 20% Gel at 20–25°C in its original tube. Protect from light and high humidity. Keep out of reach of children.

🌐 Availability & Purchasing

USA: Prescription required for 20% azelaic acid gel; over-the-counter 10% products available.
UK & EU: Prescription needed; azelaic acid gels accessible for acne and hyperpigmentation.
Australia: Prescription-only; TGA approved for acne, rosacea, and PIH.

Micro Labs’ Aziderm 20% Gel offers a potent, cost-effective option. Ensure compliance with local prescribing guidelines.

🔗 Related Dermatologic Therapies

Aziderm 10% Gel – lower concentration for mild-to-moderate acne and rosacea.

🎥 Educational Video on Azelaic Acid 20% Therapy

👩‍⚕️ Expert Insight: Dr. Sangeeta Patel, Dermatologist

“Azelaic acid 20% gel provides enhanced efficacy for stubborn acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. Its multi-targeted action, including tyrosinase inhibition, makes it a valuable option for patients with mixed lesions.”