Azelaic acid has antibacterial, keratolytic, comedolytic, and Antioxidant properties. Since it inhibits the synthesis of microbial cellular proteins, azelaic acid is bactericidal toward acne. Azelaic acid's antibacterial and mild comedolytic properties have been shown to have less side effects in acne treatment than benzoyl peroxide treatment.

Azelaic acid is also a mild pigment lightening agent that is less irritating than other pigmentation agents such as hydroquinone and Retinoid.