Rx

Azelaic acid 15%

Azelaic acid reduces dark spots and skin discoloration for a more even complexion.*

Dark spots/Melasma Icon Dark spots/Melasma
Topical gel Icon Topical gel

$90 for a 3-month supply

Medication shipped and billed every 3 months. One bottle of medication contains a 3-month supply. Medication costs vary based on prescribed treatment. Additional costs apply, including a consultation and periodic support fee.

This treatment requires an online consultation with a Nurx medical provider. If prescribed, they'll check in to ensure your treatment is working.

A woman with long brown hair looks to the side, pondering the effectiveness of Hydroquinone Cream against a plain background.

How azelaic acid treats melasma*

  • Reduces dark spots caused by melasma
  • Reduces hyperpigmentation and uneven pigmentation
  • Reduces skin discoloration
Find my treatment
Close-up of a smooth, creamy white substance with a glossy texture, resembling a swirl; it could easily be mistaken for tretinoin cream.
DID YOU KNOW?

Safe for sensitive skin

Studies indicate that azelaic acid can be used for reactive and sensitive skin*

Real patient stories

The science behind it

Fact 01

Anti-inflammatory

Hyperpigmentation can be caused by inflammation in the skin, and azelaic acid has antimicrobial properties to reduce this.

Fact 02

Part of a balanced routine

If you've been using hydroquinone to treat melasma for 3-6 months, your Nurx provider may recommend switching to azelaic acid to give your skin a break.

Two women sit on a couch engaged in conversation, with one smiling. A large plant is in the background.
A person applies a small amount of hydroquinone cream to the back of their hand near a sink area.

How to use azelaic acid

Consistency is key to maximizing the effectiveness of your melasma treatment.

Drug facts

Tip 1

Apply twice a day if tolerated (we recommend applying after you wash your face in the morning and at night).

Tip 2

Before sun exposure, apply sunscreen as azelaic acid can make skin more sensitive to the sun.

Tip 3

If you have sensitive skin, try applying azelaic acid just once a day and then gradually increase to twice a day.

How Nurx works

1

Request treatment

Complete our online medical consultation, which asks questions about your health history and skin concerns.

2

Connect with a provider

After evaluating your consultation, a provider licensed in your state will prescribe treatment (if clinically appropriate).

3

Get it delivered

We’ll send a 3-month supply to your doorstep and check in with you to see how it’s working. Pause or cancel anytime.

Close-up of a person with red hair and freckles, showing the side of the face and neck, highlighted by the subtle glow from a recent application of hydroquinone cream.

100%

online expert-level care

2+ million

Nurx patients served

A person wearing headphones and a beige sweater holds a smartphone with a floral case, glancing at an article on Tretinoin Cream.
Why Nurx?

Affordable

Affordable out of pocket pricing

Convenient

Free shipping & pause or cancel anytime

Personalized

Providers help you find the right treatment

Supportive

Unlimited messaging for any questions, anytime

Common questions

  • What does azelaic acid do to your skin?

    Azelaic acid helps reduce pigmentation by inhibiting melanin production, leading to a more even complexion.

  • Does azelaic acid have any side effects?

    Common side effects include mild redness, dryness, itching, or a stinging sensation at the application site. These effects are usually temporary and can be addressed by decreasing the frequency of application to once a day or every other day.

  • Is it bad to use azelaic acid every day?

    Azelaic acid is generally safe to use daily, but if you have sensitive skin you may try to start using it every other day to allow your skin to adjust. If well-tolerated, you can gradually increase to daily or twice daily use.

  • How long does it take azelaic acid to work?

    Results from azelaic acid typically take 4-8 weeks to become noticeable. For significant improvement in skin conditions like melasma and acne, it may take up to 3-6 months.

  • What skin conditions does azelaic acid help with?

    Azelaic acid is effective for treating acne, rosacea, and melasma. It also helps with post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation from acne and overall skin texture.

  • What precautions should I take when using azelaic acid?

    Apply azelaic acid to clean, dry skin and follow up with sunscreen during the day, as it may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Avoid using it with harsh exfoliants or other potentially irritating skincare products. Rarely, azelaic acid has been reported to exacerbate asthma.

  • Can I use this medication if I am pregnant, breastfeeding, or trying to conceive?

    Azelaic acid is safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

  • How much does melasma treatment from Nurx cost?

    Consultation
    Anyone who requests melasma treatment will be charged a $40 consultation fee. Please note that at this time, we do not submit claims to insurance for the medical consult fee.

    Medication
    Medication prices for melasma range from $50-$90 for a three-month supply, and are not covered by insurance. Shipping is always free.

    Support Fee
    Nurx will charge a flat $3 support fee each month one or more of your orders are processed. This fee covers your unlimited, on-demand access to our customer care team as well as certain processing fees. This fee will only be charged once in any month, even if you have multiple orders processed that month. This fee applies whether the order is filled through Nurx or at your local pharmacy. If your order is filled via Nurx, the support fee is billed at the time of fulfillment. If your prescription is sent to a local pharmacy, a support fee will be applied at that time. In the future, the support fee will be applied on a cadence that matches your medication refill cadence.

  • Does Nurx accept insurance for melasma treatment?

    These medications are not covered by insurance and are only available with out-of-pocket pricing.

Bald man in a gray suit and red patterned tie, smiling slightly, against a plain white background.
DR. PETER YOUNG, MEDICAL DIRECTOR

Meet your medical team

Peter Young, MD is the Medical Director for Nurx’s Dermatology specialty. Dr. Young is a board-certified dermatologist who advises the Nurx medical team on how to provide the highest quality of care for dermatology conditions through telehealth.

†Azelaic acid gel 15%, Rx only, has not been approved by the FDA as safe and effective to treat melasma, however studies have shown its effectiveness for treating hyperpigmentation associated with hyperpigmentation. Azelaic acid gel 15% may also cause side effects including skin burning, itching, or dryness. By providing this content, Thirty Madison, Inc. in no way supports or endorses the use of this product for such condition(s). Such determination must be made by a licensed clinician who may prescribe Azelaic acid gel 15% because in their clinical judgment, use of the product is medically appropriate.
*Individual results may vary.
‡The information provided here is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You should not rely upon the content provided here for specific medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns, please talk to your provider.
◊Services not offered in every state. Medications prescribed only if clinically appropriate, based on completion of the required consultation.

Talk to our experts

Not sure if this medication is right for you?

Connect with a Nurx provider for a personalized treatment recommendation.

Exceptional care at every step

At Nurx, we make it easy to get the expert healthcare you deserve. From schedules to health history, everybody is different—so we provide treatment and care that’s personalized to you. Through life’s cycles, changes, and transitions, we’re here to help you make informed choices about your health.

Mockup of the Nurx app actions
Back to top