Finacea 15% Gel (For Perioral Dermatitis)

Finacea is a topical treatment that can be used for perioral dermatitis and may be used alone or combined with oral antibiotics for more severe cases. It reduces redness, inflammation and spots and has antibacterial properties. It has exfoliant properties and may help with discolouration and scarring. It is found naturally in barley, wheat and rye and is produced by a yeast that lives naturally on normal skin. It is well tolerated by most people however it is recommended to start applying once a day and then increase to twice daily to help avoid any irritation. It can be used continuously if needed to keep the skin looking healthy and keep perioral dermatitis at bay. Some improvement should be seen after 3-4 weeks but maximum benefit is usually seen at 3 months.

Azelaic acid reduces the amount of bacteria on the skin. This reduces the breakdown of sebum (grease) into free fatty acids and leads to reduction of inflammation, redness and spots. Azelaic acid is thought to improve rosacea through it’s anti-inflammatory effect whereby it can significantly reduce redness. It is also keratolytic which means it regulates the shedding of the outer layers of skin which prevents the build-up of spots and leaves the skin softer. Additionally, azelaic acid It has anti-oxidant properties and inhibits the enzyme tyrosinase, which is involved in the production of melanin. Interestingly, it appears to only target abnormal melanocytes which means it can lighten darker areas without altering the colour of nearby skin.

• Apply to the affected areas of skin twice daily (mornings and evenings) after cleansing with a mild cleanser or lukewarm water, and pat dry.

• A fingertip (2.5cm) of gel is enough to cover the area of the entire face.

• If you have sensitive skin, start by applying once daily in the first week then increase (as tolerated) to twice a day in the second week.

• You should see a good improvement after about 4 weeks but for best results continue for several months.

• If the skin becomes slightly irritated, try reducing the amount of cream you are using until it settles. Consider having a few days break to give the skin chance to recover. If this doesn’t work, stop using the cream and seek medical advice.

•    Keep out of the sight and reach of children.
•    For external use only- do not swallow and keep away from eyes.
•    Finacea contains benzoic acid and propylene glycol which may cause local irritation.

Azelaic acid is thought to be safe to use during pregnancy. In animal studies, researchers haven’t seen birth defects. However, we would advise to speak to a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before using this product to discuss the risks versus benefits. See our FAQ section in our Acne guide for more information.

Active Ingredients: Azelaic Acid 15%Other Ingredients: Lecithin (soy), Triglycerides (medium chain), Propylene glycol, Polysorbate 80, Carbomer 980, Sodium hydroxide, Disodium edetate, Purified water, Benzoic acid

Shelf Life: 3 years

All medications and products can potentially cause side effects- If they are severe, or are mild and do not improve, then you should speak to your pharmacist or doctor immediately. This list may not be exhaustive so please consult the patient information leaflet for the full list.


Very Common Side effects (affecting >10% of people): Application site Burning, Pain and Itching
Common Side effects (affecting 1%- 10% of people): Rash, Paraesthesia (Tingling), Numbness, Dry Skin, Oedema (Swelling)

There are many other Rosacea treatments available which are listed in our Rosacea and Acne guides. If you need help choosing, then start a quick questionnaire-based consultation or book in for a friendly telephone or video consultation with one of our dermatology pharmacists.