azelate (nonanedioate)

Azelaic acid is a saturated dicarboxylic acid found naturally in wheat, rye, and barley. It is also produced by _Malassezia furfur_, also known as _Pityrosporum ovale_, which is a species of fungus that is normally found on human skin. Azelaic acid is effective against a number of skin conditions, such as mild to moderate acne, when applied topically in a cream formulation of 20%. It works in part by stopping the growth of skin bacteria that cause acne, and by keeping skin pores clear. Azelaic acid's antimicrobial action may be attributable to inhibition of microbial cellular protein synthesis.