#1Bayer / LEO Pharma
Click to View Skinoren 20% Cream
Best Overall Prescription Strength & Clinical Efficacy
Rs. 650 – 850
Summary
Quick Picks: Top 8 Ranked Azelaic Acid Products
Click to View #2Intas Pharmaceuticals / Local Import
Click to View Ezanic 10% / 20% Gel
Best Matte Gel Format for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
Rs. 1,150 – 1,600
#3DECIEM / The Ordinary
Click to View The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Best OTC Cosmetic Derivative for Texture & Redness
Rs. 3,200 – 4,800
#4Paula’s Choice
Click to View Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Best Multi-Active Formula for Stubborn Melasma & PIH
Rs. 8,500 – 11,500
#5Niche Beauty Lab
Click to View Theramid Azelaic Acid 15% Treatment
Best High-Strength 15% Soothing Serum
Rs. 5,200 – 6,800
#6Cos De BAHA
Click to View Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Serum
Best Soothing Hydrating Serum with Niacinamide
Rs. 3,600 – 4,800
#7Micro Labs
Click to View Aziderm 10% / 20% Gel & Cream
Best Alternative Pharmacy Micro-Gel
Rs. 1,200 – 1,750
#8Local Pharma Cosmeceuticals
Click to View Derma-X / Local Pharma Azelaic Acid Gel
Best Accessible Local Pharmacy Backup
Rs. 450 – 650
Side-by-Side Matrix
Compare Azelaic Acid Strengths & Formats
Open Full Interactive Comparison Matrix (All 8 Ranked Products)Tap to Expand
| Rank & Product | Format & Strength | Key Actives | Best For | Observed Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
#1 Skinoren 20% Cream Bayer / LEO Pharma | 20% Micronized Cream (30g) | Azelaic Acid 20% (Micronized), Benzoic Acid, Glycerol, Arlatone 983 S | Rosacea & Inflammatory Erythema | Rs. 650 – 850 |
#2 Ezanic 10% / 20% Gel Intas Pharmaceuticals / Local Import | 10% or 20% Gel Base (15g / 30g) | Azelaic Acid 10% or 20%, Propylene Glycol, Carbomer Gel Base | Extremely Oily Skin | Rs. 1,150 – 1,600 |
#3 The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10% DECIEM / The Ordinary | 10% Silicone Suspension (30ml / 100ml) | Azelaic Acid 10%, Isodecyl Neopentanoate, Dimethicone Matrix | Uneven Skin Texture | Rs. 3,200 – 4,800 |
#4 Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster Paula’s Choice | 10% Multi-Active Lotion (30ml) | Azelaic Acid 10%, Salicylic Acid 0.5% (BHA), Licorice Root Extract, Allantoin | Stubborn Post-Acne Marks | Rs. 8,500 – 11,500 |
#5 Theramid Azelaic Acid 15% Treatment Niche Beauty Lab | 15% High-potency Fluid (30ml) | Azelaic Acid 15%, Carnosine 0.5%, Colloidal Oatmeal, Hyaluronic Acid | Rosacea Flushes | Rs. 5,200 – 6,800 |
#6 Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Serum Cos De BAHA | 10% Fluid Serum Base (30ml) | Azelaic Acid 10%, Niacinamide 2%, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera Base | Sensitive Rosacea-Prone Skin | Rs. 3,600 – 4,800 |
#7 Aziderm 10% / 20% Gel & Cream Micro Labs | 10% or 20% Micro-Gel (15g / 30g) | Azelaic Acid 10% / 20%, Benzoic Acid, Propylene Glycol Base | Targeted Blemish Spot Treatment | Rs. 1,200 – 1,750 |
#8 Derma-X / Local Pharma Azelaic Acid Gel Local Pharma Cosmeceuticals | 10-15% Gel-Cream (20g / 30g) | Azelaic Acid 10-15%, Glycerin, Emulsifying Base | Budget Patients | Rs. 450 – 650 |
Detailed Reviews
Detailed Product Evaluation & Verdicts
#1Zoom
ZoomSkinoren 20% Cream
Best Overall Prescription Strength & Clinical Efficacy
Observed Price RangeRs. 650 – 850
Brand / Origin: Bayer / LEO Pharma (Germany / Local Pharmacy (DRAP Registered))
Format & Strength: 20% Micronized Cream
Pack Size: 30g
Key Actives: Azelaic Acid 20% (Micronized) • Benzoic Acid • Glycerol • Arlatone 983 S
Best Suited For: Rosacea & Inflammatory Erythema, Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH), Acne Vulgaris
Less Ideal For: Hypersensitive skin during first 2 weeks of acid introduction
Climate Fit: Formulated to adhere securely in high humidity without slipping off skin.
The clinical gold standard worldwide and in Pakistan. Contains 20% micronized azelaic acid in an emollient cream base, fully registered with DRAP.
Final Verdict: At under Rs. 850 at local chemists, Skinoren delivers unmatched 20% therapeutic potency at a fraction of imported cosmetic prices.
Verify Authenticity & Pharmacy Notes
DRAP registered medicine available in every major pharmacy (Shaheen, D.Watson, Fazal Din); check for batch embossing on tube tail.
#2Zoom
ZoomEzanic 10% / 20% Gel
Best Matte Gel Format for Oily & Acne-Prone Skin
Observed Price RangeRs. 1,150 – 1,600
Brand / Origin: Intas Pharmaceuticals / Local Import (India / Regional Pharma)
Format & Strength: 10% or 20% Gel Base
Pack Size: 15g / 30g
Key Actives: Azelaic Acid 10% or 20% • Propylene Glycol • Carbomer Gel Base
Best Suited For: Extremely Oily Skin, Active Acne Papules, Summer Daytime Layering
Less Ideal For: Dry, flaking skin needing barrier lipid support
Climate Fit: Dries to a completely invisible matte finish; ideal under sunscreens in 40°C heat.
The preferred gel alternative for oily skin types who find 20% creams too heavy in summer heat.
Final Verdict: Provides fast absorption without pilling. 10% concentration is perfect for acid beginners.
Verify Authenticity & Pharmacy Notes
Imported through pharmacy trade networks; check foil seal under cap.
#3Zoom
ZoomThe Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%
Best OTC Cosmetic Derivative for Texture & Redness
Observed Price RangeRs. 3,200 – 4,800
Brand / Origin: DECIEM / The Ordinary (Canada / EU Import)
Format & Strength: 10% Silicone Suspension
Pack Size: 30ml / 100ml
Key Actives: Azelaic Acid 10% • Isodecyl Neopentanoate • Dimethicone Matrix
Best Suited For: Uneven Skin Texture, Mild Surface Redness, Acne-Prone Beginners
Less Ideal For: Layering under water-heavy serums (can pill if not rubbed in thoroughly)
Climate Fit: Silicone base matrix acts as a smooth primer in AC environments.
Multifunctional brightening cream-gel that target blemishes, uneven skin tone, and stubborn dark spots.
Final Verdict: The global OTC favorite. Excellent entry point if prescription 20% feels too strong for your barrier.
Verify Authenticity & Pharmacy Notes
Widespread grey-market fakes exist in PK; purchase only from authorized stores with batch code cross-checks.
#4Zoom
ZoomPaula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster
Best Multi-Active Formula for Stubborn Melasma & PIH
Observed Price RangeRs. 8,500 – 11,500
Brand / Origin: Paula’s Choice (USA Import)
Format & Strength: 10% Multi-Active Lotion
Pack Size: 30ml
Key Actives: Azelaic Acid 10% • Salicylic Acid 0.5% (BHA) • Licorice Root Extract • Allantoin
Best Suited For: Stubborn Post-Acne Marks, Melasma & Brown Spots, Texture Refinement
Less Ideal For: Strict budget restrictions
Climate Fit: Absorbs instantly without stickiness or residue.
Synergistic formulation combining 10% azelaic acid with BHA and soothing licorice root to tackle hyperpigmentation on multiple biological pathways.
Final Verdict: A premium dermatological powerhouse. High cost is justified by its multi-ingredient soothing performance.
Verify Authenticity & Pharmacy Notes
Luxury import; verify batch details on tube seal against Paula’s Choice online tracker.
#5Zoom
ZoomTheramid Azelaic Acid 15% Treatment
Best High-Strength 15% Soothing Serum
Observed Price RangeRs. 5,200 – 6,800
Brand / Origin: Niche Beauty Lab (Spain (EU Import))
Format & Strength: 15% High-potency Fluid
Pack Size: 30ml
Key Actives: Azelaic Acid 15% • Carnosine 0.5% • Colloidal Oatmeal • Hyaluronic Acid
Best Suited For: Rosacea Flushes, High Strength Sensitivity, Post-Acne Erythema
Less Ideal For: Basic budget routines
Climate Fit: Ultra-lightweight soothing fluid that wears effortlessly in hot weather.
Advanced European 15% azelaic acid treatment formulated with anti-glycation carnosine and soothing oats.
Final Verdict: Offers maximum 15% strength with zero stinging or drying base effects.
Verify Authenticity & Pharmacy Notes
Imported via EU specialty skincare stockists.
#6Zoom
ZoomCos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Serum
Best Soothing Hydrating Serum with Niacinamide
Observed Price RangeRs. 3,600 – 4,800
Brand / Origin: Cos De BAHA (South Korea (K-Beauty Import))
Format & Strength: 10% Fluid Serum Base
Pack Size: 30ml
Key Actives: Azelaic Acid 10% • Niacinamide 2% • Hyaluronic Acid • Aloe Vera Base
Best Suited For: Sensitive Rosacea-Prone Skin, Combining Hydration with Acid Treatment
Less Ideal For: Those wanting a dry matte powder finish
Climate Fit: Aloe vera and hyaluronic acid base absorbs comfortably without feeling occlusive.
High-performance K-beauty serum combining 10% azelaic acid with Niacinamide and soothing organic aloe.
Final Verdict: Ideal for sensitive skin types who want 10% brightening with deeply soothing hydration.
Verify Authenticity & Pharmacy Notes
Imported directly via Seoul importers; check dropper bottle seal.
#7Zoom
ZoomAziderm 10% / 20% Gel & Cream
Best Alternative Pharmacy Micro-Gel
Observed Price RangeRs. 1,200 – 1,750
Brand / Origin: Micro Labs (India / Pharmacy Import)
Format & Strength: 10% or 20% Micro-Gel
Pack Size: 15g / 30g
Key Actives: Azelaic Acid 10% / 20% • Benzoic Acid • Propylene Glycol Base
Best Suited For: Targeted Blemish Spot Treatment, Comedonal Acne
Less Ideal For: Severely barrier-damaged skin
Climate Fit: Gel format sets quickly in humid conditions.
Reliable pharmaceutical alternative widely used across Asia for localized acne papule resolution.
Final Verdict: Great alternative gel formulation when Ezanic or Skinoren stock varies by region.
Verify Authenticity & Pharmacy Notes
Check pharmacy box batch stamps and outer seal.
#8Zoom
ZoomDerma-X / Local Pharma Azelaic Acid Gel
Best Accessible Local Pharmacy Backup
Observed Price RangeRs. 450 – 650
Brand / Origin: Local Pharma Cosmeceuticals (Pakistan (Local Mfr))
Format & Strength: 10-15% Gel-Cream
Pack Size: 20g / 30g
Key Actives: Azelaic Acid 10-15% • Glycerin • Emulsifying Base
Best Suited For: Budget Patients, Mild Acne Maintenance
Less Ideal For: Severe stubborn melasma requiring 20% micronized precision
Climate Fit: Light local formulation designed for tropical conditions.
Accessible local cosmeceutical alternatives manufactured locally for daily acne maintenance.
Final Verdict: Extremely affordable alternative when Skinoren stock is temporarily depleted at neighbourhood chemists.
Verify Authenticity & Pharmacy Notes
Purchased directly over pharmacy counters across Pakistan.
How to Use Azelaic Acid Safely in Hot Humid Pakistani Climates
Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid that inhibits tyrosinase (reducing melanin synthesis) and clears follicular kerantinization (reducing acne comedones).
Application Routine: Apply a pea-sized amount to clean dry skin 1–2 times daily. If experiencing mild transient tingling, use the "sandwich method" (apply a light moisturizer like Dermive Oil Free first, followed by azelaic acid). Always follow with a broad-spectrum sunscreen in daytime.
Subreddit Threads & Community Experiences
r/PakistaniSkincare: Skinoren Itching?
"The 20% Skinoren cream burned for the first week, but buffering it over my Dermive lotion completely stopped the itch while still clearing my PIH."
Context: Affirms clinical expectation of transient tingling during introduction.
r/PakistaniSkincare: Cream vs Gel Texture
"Skinoren is great but melts off my face in Karachi humidity. Ezanic 20% Gel dries matte and feels like absolutely nothing under sunscreen."
Context: Highlights why Ezanic Gel ranks higher for oily skin environments.
r/SkincareAddiction: Combining Actives
"Switching to an all-in-one azelaic acid and niacinamide serum saved my compromised barrier from the irritation of using separate high-strength layers."
Context: Validates the popularity of multi-active serums like Cos De BAHA.
What to Use Instead (For Azelaic Acid Specifically)
If you want evidence-based information on azelaic acid in Pakistan, use:
- ✓PubMed (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) — search "azelaic acid acne" or "azelaic acid melasma"
- ✓Cochrane Library — systematic reviews
- ✓AAD Guidelines (aad.org) — American Academy of Dermatology
- ✓DRAP (drap.gov.pk) — Pakistan's drug regulator, for product registration
- ✓A dermatologist — the ultimate source for your specific skin