Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate
Water-soluble azelaic acid derivative. Gentler but less effective than pure azelaic acid. Used in OTC brightening products.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Small sponsor-conducted studies show a brightening effect, but less pronounced than azelaic acid. No independent RCTs. The advantage is compatibility with other actives at neutral pH.
- Viyoch J, Buranajaree S, Grandmottet F, et al. Effects of trans-4-(aminomethyl)cyclohexanecarboxylic acid/potassium azeloyl diglycinate/niacinamide topical emulsion in Thai adults with melasma: a single-center, randomized, double-blind, controlled study. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp. 2010;71(6):345-359.. PMID 24688154
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Caution
- Suitable for
- Sensitive, Normal, Combination, Oily
About this ingredient
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate (Azeloglicina) is a water-soluble azelaic acid derivative, a conjugate with two glycine molecules and a potassium salt. Active at pH 5-6 (does not require acidic pH, unlike pure azelaic acid). Where applied. OTC serums and creams for acne, melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, rosacea patients (5-10%). Alternative to pure 15-20% azelaic acid, which in the EU is a medicine (Skinoren, Finacea) requiring prescription. Mechanism. Releases azelaic acid on skin, delivering its effects: tyrosinase inhibition (brightening), keratinisation normalisation (anti-comedonal), Cutibacterium acnes suppression, inflammation reduction. Evidence base. Few direct comparative RCTs with azelaic acid. Sirin (2017) in 30 melasma patients showed 25-30% MASI improvement over 12 weeks of 5%. Effect milder and slower than 15% Skinoren but without irritation. Safety. CIR confirmed safety. Hypoallergenic, non-irritating at standard concentrations. Does not photosensitise. Pregnancy and lactation – use with caution. Pure azelaic acid 15-20% is considered safe in pregnancy (topical, AAD 2024). Azeloglicina has no pregnancy-specific studies but is structurally considered acceptable. In lactation – no restrictions (minimal systemic absorption).
Frequently asked questions
Is Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate safe during pregnancy?
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate should be used with caution during pregnancy. Consulting a dermatologist or OB-GYN is advisable.
What skin types is Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate for?
Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate suits: sensitive, normal, combination, oily.
What is Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Water-soluble azelaic acid derivative.
What's the INCI name for Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate?
The INCI name is Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate. It may also appear as: Azeloglicina.
See Potassium Azeloyl Diglycinate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar in action
Explore by category
Ingredients in the same category
Rice Ferment Filtrate, Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tartaric Acid, Alpha-Arbutin, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Fruit Extract, Hexapeptide-2, N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Published: · updated: