Action Medicated Lotion Contains 20% w/w Azelaic Acid — Reddit Reviews
by Azclear
Updated October 7, 2026
20% azelaic acid lotion for rosacea, redness, and PIE; stingy at first.
What the community says
A 20% azelaic acid lotion that Redditors use for rosacea, redness, PIE, and acne. Studies found azelaic acid helps acne better than placebo and about as well as tretinoin. The catch is the sting-dry phase and occasional new breakouts.
What this means for you
What people love
- Rosacea and redness workhorse
- Lotion texture layers under tret
- Can fade PIE and dark spots
Watch out for
Product details
Where to buy
What the science says vs. what Reddit says
Acne
Strong evidence
Azelaic Acid: 22 studies tested it on its own. See all 31 studies
On Reddit: Azelaic acid 20% targets dark spots and flattens pimples during tretinoin co-use for clear skin over months. 3 mentions
What the studies found
- Most studies found it helped clear acne
- It usually worked better than a placebo for pimples, blackheads and whiteheads
- It often worked about as well as tretinoin and some other common acne treatments
- Some studies found it worked less well than benzoyl peroxide or benzoyl peroxide with clindamycin
- Side effects were usually local skin irritation, and some studies found fewer of these than tretinoin
Studied at 5–20%this product: 20%
Hyperpigmentation
Strong evidence
Azelaic Acid: 12 studies tested it on its own. See all 15 studies
On Reddit: Lotion formulation targets redness and scarring for significant improvement in post-inflammatory erythema within months. 4 mentions
What the studies found
- Most studies found it helped fade dark spots or patches
- In melasma, it usually worked better than a placebo
- It often worked about as well as hydroquinone, and sometimes better than weaker hydroquinone
- It also helped fade dark marks left after acne in one small study
- One small study found it did not help sun spots
Studied at 15–20%this product: 20%
Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.
Real Reddit threads — 35 mentions across 30 threads
Azclear Action Medicated Lotion Contains 20% w/w Azelaic Acid on Reddit, in one place — 30 threads from r/AsianBeauty, r/tretinoin and 6 more, summarized.
“Been using AzClear for a few months now and my skin is looking so good!”
Positive
“Azelaic Acid. I avoided it for so long”
Positive
“the first time I used it years ago it made me itchy”
Positive
“AZclear Azelaic acid 20% to scarring/redness areas”
Positive
“Yeah! I use the AA on my redness/scarring only, leave for a few minutes then apply the tret cream all over.”
Positive
“The combo changes the game. Definitely made a massive difference for me after adding it to my routine.”
Positive
“azclear 20%”
Positive
“yes i do! the azelaic acid i use is azclear, it’s formulated into a lotion so that is enough for my skin most nights.”
Positive
“6 months between these pics”
Positive
“Azclear Azeliac Acid (doesn't pill up on me like it does for others)”
Mentioned
“PCA Skin Pore Refining Treatment, Lucy Minerals Foundation (Oil Control with CC and CBD), Azclear Azeliac Acid”
Mentioned
“Vit C: Melano CC”
Mentioned
“azclear azaleic acid 20% lotion,”
Positive
“i just started the azclear yesterday, im hoping ill have another even better after picture to post in a month ❤️🩹”
Positive
“yup ! the azclear is formulated into a lotion so it’s moisturizing at the same time, really gentle on my skin !!”
Positive
“I use the Finacea 15% in the morning and 20% Azclear at night for my rosacea.”
Positive
“20% Azclear at night”
Positive
“Luckily it’s over the counter here in Australia!”
Positive
Dupes & Alternatives
Stridex
Daily Care Acne Pads With Salicylic Acid, Maximum Strength
Better for Acne
2 shared traits
137 mentions