Worked MUCH better for my mild acne than retinoids did.  I use Finacea, which is 15% azelaic acid.  I had no side effects (just very mild itching when I first apply it), no worsening of my acne like I did with Differin.  I am surprised to see so many negative reviews here.  Most people on acne.org who post about using azelaic say it works really well for them.  It also has great anti-inflammatory effects and reduces red marks and hyperpigmentation from old breakouts.

read the prescription warning for this one

Not a fan. Have been on most topical acne solutions and this is one really irritated my eyes and sometimes stung on my skin (maybe a little too mcuh in a spot). Never saw much improvement with this, but then again I used it for about 30 days b/c of the stinging. Like another comment stated the cream left marks on my pillowcases.

My acne seemed to get way worse with this, more so than ever. I started to get larger and deeper red acne as well. I was really devastated.

I would have to say this was a terrible experience. It was not for me or my skin. I had some sort of an allergic reaction to it and it made my face 1000x's worse- tiny little, itchy bumps everywhere. My face felt so irritated.

Let's see...I would like to compare Azalex to a thousand tiny needles dipped in itching powder and then inserted in to each pore on my face. I can't imagine a worse torture! If you have sensitive/dry skin STAY AWAY!

I have sensitive skin, and although this initially had some tingling, it went away, and overall stung alot less than other topical tretinoids, (I do only use it once a day, to lessen irritation) after 2 months my skin was alot better and it even reduced alot of the old red blemishes that I had had for a long time

Azelex was a waste of time. First off, if you have sensitive skin it will sting like heck once you put it on. After a few weeks my skin got worse and it still stung to put it on. If you have only mild acne don't bother!!!

wasn't strong enough for my acne. Seemed like it help diminish red spots left by acne.

I tried to use azelaic acid cream for about two weeks, but had to discontinue it due to the extreme burning sensation I experienced. This product may be OK for people with normal skin, but I recommend that you steer clear of it if you have sensitive skin.

What was it meant to do again?!?!.....Didnt really do a thing!

Azelaic prevents mild blemishes, but the effect diminishes with extended use over time. The worst side effect - used it at night, so it would get on my pillow, and eventually into my eyes. It was irritating and made my eyes feel dry, and this side effect would last for a couple days.

This medicine still is not strong enough to kill cystic acne.