Action Medicated Lotion Contains 20% w/w Azelaic Acid — Reddit Reviews

• Acne

  Strong evidence

  Azelaic Acid: 22 studies tested it on its own. See all 31 studies→

  On Reddit: Flattening pimples is the reported payoff, though they may flare again. 3 mentions

  What the studies found

  • Most studies found it helped clear acne
  • It cleared acne better than a placebo in several studies
  • 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 and moderate, with fewer local side effects than tretinoin in one study

  Studied at 5–20% · this product: 20%

• Rosacea

  Strong evidence

  Azelaic Acid: 17 studies tested it on its own. See all 20 studies→

  On Reddit: Flare-up nights are when people reach for it, sometimes alongside tret. 7 mentions

  What the studies found

  • Most studies found it helped rosacea more than a placebo
  • It often reduced red bumps and redness
  • It worked about as well as metronidazole, and some studies found it worked better
  • Some studies found better overall skin ratings and quality of life
  • The most common side effects were mild stinging and other mild local skin reactions, with no serious treatment-related side effects reported

  Studied at 15–20% · this product: 20%

• Hyperpigmentation

  Strong evidence

  Azelaic Acid: 12 studies tested it on its own. See all 16 studies→

  On Reddit: Dark spots fade while breakouts nearly disappear, according to one user. 4 mentions

  What the studies found

  • Most studies found azelaic acid helped fade dark patches better than a placebo
  • In melasma, it often made patches lighter and less widespread
  • It worked about as well as hydroquinone in some studies, and better than weaker hydroquinone in others
  • It also helped fade dark marks left after acne in one study
  • The most common side effects were burning and stinging, and severe side effects were not reported

  Studied at 15–20% · this product: 20%

Research context, not treatment advice. Studies are about the ingredient, not necessarily this exact product.