Finacea
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Reviewed on Aug 27, 2025. by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell Writer & Clinical Content Reviewer Registered with GPhC (No. 2241935) Next review due on August 26, 2028.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell

Last updated on Aug 27, 2025.

Product info

  • Anti-inflammatory gel to soothe and treat perioral dermatitis.

  • Helps unblock pores and reduce redness and swelling.
  • Can start improving skin within four weeks.[1][2]

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15% Out of stock
£39.95
  • Prices include:
    Express shipping

    24 hour shipping by secure courier.

  • Consultation + Access to our clinicians

    Ask our experts anything you like, any time you want.

  • Total
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    Save £0.00 each order
  1. Bayer (2014). FINACEA Gel: HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. FDA. 
  2. Jansen, T., Melnik, B.C. and Schadendorf, D. (2010). Steroid-induced Periorificial Dermatitis in Children-Clinical Features and Response to Azelaic Acid. Pediatric Dermatology, 27(2), pp.137–142.
Finacea Azelaic acid

What is Finacea?

Finacea is a gel containing 15% azelaic acid. It’s often prescribed for acne and rosacea, but it can also help manage perioral dermatitis – a rash of small bumps, redness and irritation that appears around the mouth, nose, or eyes.

It works in two ways, by targeting bacteria that’s linked to skin irritation, and by calming inflammation.[1] This makes it particularly useful for steroid-induced or recurrent perioral dermatitis, where it’s common to have redness, swelling, and small spots.[2]

How does Finacea work?

Finacea contains azelaic acid, which is both antibacterial and anti-inflammatory.[1] It helps to treat the symptoms of perioral dermatitis in three ways, by:

  1. Reducing the amount of bacteria on your skin’s surface, which may contribute to flare-ups.
  2. Easing redness and swelling by calming inflammation.
  3. Unblocking pores and follicles, which can help to stop new bumps from forming.

What doses of Finacea are there?

Finacea comes as a gel containing 15% azelaic acid. It’s applied directly to the affected areas, usually twice a day.

Treated trusted sources:

  1. ‌Sauer, N., et al. (2023). The multiple uses of azelaic acid in dermatology: mechanism of action, preparations, and potential therapeutic applications. Postępy Dermatologii i Alergologii, 40(6), pp.716–724
  2. Tolaymat, L. and Hall, M.R. (2020). Perioral Dermatitis. PubMed. 
treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 1218322
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on August 27, 2025. Next review due on August 26, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Finacea Azelaic acid

How to use Finacea

Wash and dry your skin fully before applying Finacea. Apply a thin layer of gel to your affected skin twice a day, morning and evening, unless your doctor advises otherwise. Gently rub it in and wash your hands afterwards.

Avoid getting any gel in your mouth, eyes, or nose. If this happens, make sure to rinse well with water.

How long does Finacea take to work?

How long you’ll need treatment will depend on your individual condition. You could start to see improvements in redness and bumps within a few weeks, but it can take longer for your skin to fully clear.[1] In children’s studies, azelaic acid (the active ingredient of Finacea) helped to clear perioral dermatitis in 4-8 weeks.[2]

Keep using Finacea for the full course that you’re prescribed, even if your symptoms improve sooner.

What if I make a mistake while using Finacea?

If you forget to apply a dose of Finacea, do it when you remember, unless it’s nearly time for the next one. In that case, skip the missed dose.

If you use too much, you might notice some more irritation or dryness. Wash the area with a gentle cleanser and water, then continue as normal with your next dose.

Treated trusted sources:

  1. Bayer (2014). FINACEA Gel: HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION. FDA. 
  2. Jansen, T., Melnik, B.C. and Schadendorf, D. (2010). Steroid-induced Periorificial Dermatitis in Children-Clinical Features and Response to Azelaic Acid. Pediatric Dermatology, 27(2), pp.137–142.
treated.com This page was written by The Treated Content Team.
Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell 1218322
This page was medically reviewed by Dr Alexandra Cristina Cowell on August 27, 2025. Next review due on August 26, 2028.

How we source info.

When we present you with stats, data, opinion or a consensus, we’ll tell you where this came from. And we’ll only present data as clinically reliable if it’s come from a reputable source, such as a state or government-funded health body, a peer-reviewed medical journal, or a recognised analytics or data body. Read more in our editorial policy.

Finacea Azelaic acid

Finacea isn’t suitable for everyone, and there are some things that you need to be aware of when using it.

Here’s all the official info on it. If anything is unclear, let our doctor know, and they can talk with you about it.

Finacea Azelaic acid

FAQ: Finacea

Have something specific you want to know? Search our info below, or ask our experts a question if you can’t find what you’re looking for.

How does Finacea compare with azelaic acid?

Answer:
They’re the same. Finacea contains 15% azelaic acid, but there are other topical azelaic acid treatments that come in different concentrations, like Skinoren (20% azelaic acid). The concentration that works best for you will depend on your condition and the treatments you’ve tried before.

How does Finacea compare with alternatives?

Answer:
The first line of treatment for perioral dermatitis is usually stopping the use of topical steroid treatments.[3] If this doesn’t help, other treatments can include topical antibiotics like metronidazole, or azelaic acid gels and creams, like Finacea or Skinoren.

For cases of perioral dermatitis that are more severe or resist treatment, sometimes oral antibiotics like doxycycline are prescribed instead, or as well, topical treatments.

How well does Finacea work?

Answer:
Studies on children show that azelaic acid can be effective for steroid-induced perioral dermatitis, with most patients seeing a complete improvement in 4-8 weeks.[1]

In broader studies of azelaic acid for other inflammatory skin conditions, it’s been shown to reduce redness, bumps, and irritation significantly compared to a placebo (a gel with no active ingredients).[2]

Will I get side effects using Finacea?

Answer:
You could. Not everyone gets side effects, but some possible common ones include:

  • Mild burning, stinging, or tingling where the gel is applied

  • Redness or dryness

  • Temporary worsening of irritation in the first few days


These usually improve as your skin adjusts. If you develop severe itching, swelling, or any signs of an allergic reaction, stop using it and seek medical advice.

Can I use Finacea alongside other skincare treatments?

Answer:
You can, but it will depend on which treatment it is. You should avoid using retinoid treatments, like Tretinoin, as these can cause irritation which might worsen any similar side effects from using Finacea.

Can I use Finacea alongside moisturiser?

Answer:
Yes, you can use Finacea alongside moisturiser. If you’re treating perioral dermatitis, it’s a good idea to use a light, fragrance-free moisturiser. Whether you apply Finacea before or after moisturiser is up to what works best for you (unless a doctor advises otherwise).

Can I use Finacea when pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer:
You shouldn’t use Finacea when pregnant or breastfeeding unless a doctor has prescribed it and deemed it absolutely necessary. This is because the studies on how azelaic acid (the active ingredient in Finacea) affects pregnancy and breastfeeding are limited.

Treated trusted sources:

  1. Jansen, T., Melnik, B.C. and Schadendorf, D. (2010). Steroid-induced Periorificial Dermatitis in Children-Clinical Features and Response to Azelaic Acid. Pediatric Dermatology, 27(2), pp.137–142.
  2. King, S., et al. (2023). A Systematic Review to Evaluate the Efficacy of Azelaic Acid in the Management of Acne, Rosacea, Melasma and Skin Aging. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(10). 
  3. Tolaymat, L. and Hall, M.R. (2020). Perioral Dermatitis. PubMed.

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