Azelaic acid
A quiet achiever. In studies it calmed breakouts about as well as adapalene while bothering skin less, and it can slowly fade the dark marks pimples leave behind. Expect mild tingling for the first few weeks. It usually settles down. The evidence is real but not as deep as benzoyl peroxide's, which is why it's a solid second choice rather than the default.
what the evidence says
Conditional recommendation in the AAD 2024 guidelines; trials show lesion reduction comparable to adapalene 0.1% with lower irritation scores.
sources
note:Skinformed is general education, not medical advice. It doesn't know your skin, can't diagnose anything, and is no substitute for a clinician. If something on your skin hurts, spreads, or worries you, that's a doctor visit, not a product search.