Last reviewed 2026-05-14 · How we verify

Finacea® (Azelaic Acid) Foam

Azelaic acid reduces inflammation and bacterial growth in the skin by inhibiting mitochondrial enzymes and reducing reactive oxygen species production.

Azelaic acid reduces inflammation and bacterial growth in the skin by inhibiting mitochondrial enzymes and reducing reactive oxygen species production. Used for Rosacea, Acne vulgaris, Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

At a glance

Mechanism of action

Azelaic acid exerts antimicrobial effects against Cutibacterium acnes and has anti-inflammatory properties that help normalize keratinization and reduce hyperpigmentation. It works through multiple pathways including inhibition of 5-alpha reductase and reduction of free fatty acids on the skin surface, making it effective for acne and rosacea.

Approved indications

• Rosacea
• Acne vulgaris
• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

Common side effects

• Pruritus
• Erythema
• Burning sensation
• Scaling
• Dryness

Key clinical trials

• A Study to Evaluate Safety and Equivalence of Generic Azelaic Acid Foam and Finacea® Foam in Participants With Rosacea (PHASE3)
• To Evaluate the Therapeutic Equivalence and Safety in Treatment of Moderate Facial Rosacea (PHASE1)

Primary sources

Every claim on this page is sourced from regulatory or scientific primary sources. See our editorial policy for full methodology.

Competitive intelligence

For the full competitive landscape — auto-detected comparators, recent regulatory actions across the set, upcoming PDUFA, patent timeline, sponsor landscape:

• Finacea® (Azelaic Acid) Foam CI brief — competitive landscape report
• Finacea® (Azelaic Acid) Foam updates RSS · CI watch RSS
• Actavis Inc. portfolio CI