Azelaic acid stands out as a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with the molecular formula C9H16O4. It can be derived from grains such as wheat, rye, and barley, but much of what’s used in industry comes from chemical synthesis for consistency and purity. In the lab, it appears as a white, crystalline solid but it can also be processed into flakes, powder, beads, or pearls depending on end-use. With a molecular weight of 188.22 g/mol and a melting point of about 106.5°C, azelaic acid has a density close to 1.2 g/cm³, making it easy to handle as a raw material for various products. In its pure state, azelaic acid doesn’t flow like a liquid unless heated well above room temperature.
The physical properties of azelaic acid shape how it’s used in industry. Its low volatility ensures little risk from inhalation under normal conditions, but fine powders still call for care to avoid dust formation. Azelaic acid dissolves only slightly in water at room temperature, but it mixes well with alcohols and glycols, forming solutions needed in personal care and pharmaceuticals. Chemical suppliers assign it HS Code 29171300 for global trade. While generally classified as low-toxicity, it can cause skin irritation in high concentrations. Standard labeling warns against ingestion and recommends minimizing skin and eye contact, especially for workers in production or handling roles. The material’s irritant potential comes from its ability to disrupt skin barrier proteins—hand protection and proper ventilation let people work with it safely.
As a straight-chain dicarboxylic acid, azelaic acid carries two carboxyl groups at each end of a nine-carbon backbone. This structure lets it link to other molecules to produce polymers or esters, making it valuable for specialty chemicals and plastics. This same backbone explains why it appears as flakes, powder, or even pearls, shaped by how it's cooled during purification. Its crystalline structure leads to a powdery, slightly gritty texture, which consumers notice in some formulations. Unlike liquids, crystal or solid forms offer easy weighing and measuring, essential for batch processing in manufacturing. In cosmetic and pharmaceutical applications, its solid state maintains stability and prevents degradation compared to liquids susceptible to oxidation.
Azelaic acid’s properties shape its use as a raw material. In skin care, concentrations around 10-20% help manage acne and rosacea—its mechanism comes from anti-inflammatory effects and an ability to normalize follicle keratinization. In plastics and coatings, it acts as a building block for polyamides and polyesters. In technical fields, its consistent melting point and chemical reactivity open doors for lubricants, plasticizers, and adhesives. Folk wisdom from the shop floor: the quality of end product really hinges on azelaic acid’s purity and particle size, so attention to batch testing takes on high priority.
Handling of azelaic acid needs to follow environmental and regulatory frameworks. Most suppliers certify that their azelaic acid meets standards like REACH in Europe and TSCA in the US. Workers rely on clear safety instructions, and downstream users have to secure chemical storage with sealed, labeled containers. Waste streams require neutralization or incineration, limiting releases to the environment. Many industries now focus on improving traceability back to source—making sure raw materials meet documentation requirements avoids production hiccups. In safety planning, it’s good practice to run through the worst-case scenarios, testing containment systems, and training staff on chemical risks before scaling up operations.
Whether bought in kilograms or metric tons, clear specs matter. Good suppliers provide azelaic acid with a minimum purity—usually over 98%—with moisture content, melting point, and particle size distribution documented on the certificate of analysis. Crystal, solid, powder, pearl, and flake forms each suit different manufacturing setups. Bulk drums, lined bags, or super sacks prevent contamination and help keep properties stable over time. Especially in personal care, careful measurement and storage ensure each batch meets expectations for texture and performance; it’s the difference between a gritty and a smooth product.
No raw material is without risk if mishandled. People using azelaic acid in the workplace should wear protective gloves, and eye shields if dust is present. Washing hands well after handling and keeping all containers closed when not in use prevents exposure and waste. In case of spills, scooping up loose material and ventilating workspaces deals with the minor hazards. Logistics teams pay attention to the HS code (29171300) for customs and shipping. Because harmful effects arise from improper disposal or large accidental releases rather than regular, controlled use, each site tailors its practices to local guidelines and available technology. From small-lab pilots to full-scale production, responsible stewardship makes sure benefits reach the end user without harm to staff or environment.
