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Skinoren cream contains 20% azelaic acid, a prescription treatment for acne. It’s currently unavailable from our pharmacy, but our prescribers can recommend an alternative.
Skinoren is currently unavailable. Similar options we can supply:
Finacea 15% gel (azelaic acid, the same medicine as Skinoren in a lighter gel), licensed for acne and rosacea;
Differin (adapalene), which also treats blackheads, whiteheads and spots;
Epiduo (adapalene with benzoyl peroxide), a NICE first-choice gel;
Acnecide (benzoyl peroxide), available without a prescription.
Start a consultation and our prescriber will suggest the right one.
Order before 3pm — same-day dispatch (MON - FRI)
~5 min consultation
Suitable age
18 years +
Max per order
Currently unavailable
Consultation
Yes, for prescription alternatives
Skinoren cream contains 20% azelaic acid and is licensed for acne vulgaris. Azelaic acid reduces the acne bacteria (Cutibacterium acnes) and helps stop pores becoming blocked, so it treats blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots. It’s applied twice a day, and a clear improvement usually shows after about 4 weeks. NICE includes azelaic acid as an option alongside an antibiotic tablet for moderate to severe acne.
Skinoren is currently out of stock at our pharmacy. We don’t yet know when it will return. Azelaic acid is still available as Finacea 15% gel, which is licensed for acne. Our prescribers can also recommend another alternative, such as Differin, Epiduo or Acnecide. To learn more about azelaic acid, read our complete guide to Skinoren. For every option, see our acne treatments.
| Active ingredient | Azelaic acid 20% |
| Type | Cream |
| Licensed for | Acne vulgaris |
| How to use | Twice a day, morning and evening |
| Time to work | A clear improvement usually after about 4 weeks |
| Availability | Currently out of stock: alternatives available |
| Prescription status | Prescription-only medicine (POM) |
Wash the skin with water (or a mild cleanser) and dry it.
Twice a day, morning and evening, rub a thin layer gently into the whole affected area. About 2.5cm of cream covers the whole face.
Keep it away from your eyes, mouth and the inside of your nose; wash your hands afterwards.
Use it regularly. A clear improvement usually shows after about 4 weeks, and treatment often continues for several months.
Source: Skinoren 20% Cream SmPC, section 4.2.
Skinoren cream is currently out of stock at our pharmacy, and we don’t know when it will return. Azelaic acid is still available as Finacea 15% gel, which is licensed for acne. Our prescribers can also recommend Differin (adapalene), Epiduo (adapalene with benzoyl peroxide) or Acnecide (benzoyl peroxide). Start an online consultation and a pharmacist prescriber will suggest the right option.
Skinoren 20% cream is licensed to treat acne: blackheads, whiteheads and red, inflamed spots. It contains azelaic acid, which reduces acne bacteria and helps unblock pores.
The closest alternative is Finacea 15% gel: the same medicine (azelaic acid) in a lighter gel, licensed for acne and rosacea. For blackheads, whiteheads and spots, Differin (adapalene) is another option. Epiduo adds benzoyl peroxide and is one of NICE’s first-choice acne gels. Acnecide doesn’t need a prescription. Your prescriber will advise which suits your skin.
Skinoren 20% cream is licensed for acne. The 15% azelaic acid gel, Finacea, is licensed for both acne and papulopustular rosacea. See our rosacea treatments.
Burning, itching and redness where it’s applied are very common, and usually settle as treatment continues. A small number of people find their acne gets worse. Our Skinoren cream for acne guide explains what to expect week by week.
A clear improvement usually shows after about 4 weeks of using it twice a day, according to its product information. Treatment often continues for several months.
Skinoren cream is prescription-only. It’s currently out of stock at our pharmacy, but you can start an online consultation and a pharmacist prescriber will recommend an alternative that’s available now.
Helpful articles and clinical guides related to this treatment category.
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