Skinoren Cream 20% (Azelaic Acid) 10g

OBS Pharma (Pvt) LtdDRAP reg. 012722

Prescription required

We accept a prescription from any registered doctor in Pakistan.

Pack

10g tubeRs 807In stock

Same day or next day in Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi for orders confirmed before 6pm. Tracked courier, 2 to 4 working days everywhere else. Delivery Rs 250 in Rawalpindi and Islamabad, Rs 300 everywhere else, cash on delivery. Delivery details

Prices in PKR, checked 15 October 2026.

What Skinoren is

A cream containing azelaic acid. DRAP records OBS Pharma (Pvt) Ltd, Lahore, as the registration holder.

Registered with DRAP under number 012722. DRAP’s registry gives a registration date of 6 July 1991, a 10gm aluminium tube, and the label claim “Azelaic Acid.....0.2gm”, which does not say per how much cream. Read per gram, that is 20%, the strength sold as Skinoren 20% Cream in the UK and Germany. Check the strength on the carton.
Some pharmacy listings still name Bayer, its former maker (for example). VIS Credit Rating reports that OBS Pharma was set up to buy brands and a factory from Bayer AG, under an agreement of 21 November 2022, and lists Skinoren among them. DRAP’s record shows no transfer entry.
DRAP’s notified price index has no entry for Skinoren, and the registry lists the tube as de-controlled with no approved price. We list the lower of the prices we found in other pharmacies until we have read the price printed on our own carton.
Prescription: OBS Pharma’s own product listing says “To be sold on prescription only.” That is the maker’s web listing; OBS’s insert is not published online. We dispense it on prescription. It is also a prescription-only medicine in the UK (“Prescription only medicine”) and in Germany (“Verschreibungspflichtig”).

What is in the cream

One active ingredient, azelaic acid, from the label claim in DRAP’s registry.

Skinoren active ingredient
Active ingredient	Label claim
Azelaic acid	0.2 g (20% if per gram of cream)

DRAP’s label claim reads: “Azelaic Acid.....0.2gm”. The UK product information for Skinoren 20% Cream also lists benzoic acid, propylene glycol and cetostearyl alcohol among its other ingredients; we have not yet read the Pakistani cream’s full list of ingredients from its carton.

What it is approved for, what the Pakistani maker claims, and what DRAP’s alert says

Regulators in the US, the UK and Germany approve azelaic acid 20% cream for acne. None lists skin pigmentation or melasma as an approved use. In Pakistan, OBS Pharma, which holds Skinoren’s registration, claims melasma as well, on its own product listing.

What azelaic acid 20% cream is used for, by source
Source	What it says
US Azelex label (revised February 2024)	“indicated for the topical treatment of mild-to-moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris.”
UK product information (Skinoren 20% Cream, revised 6 September 2023)	“Topical treatment of acne vulgaris.”
German product information (Skinoren Creme, October 2020)	“Topische Behandlung der Acne vulgaris” (topical treatment of acne vulgaris).
Pakistan, OBS Pharma’s product listing (maker’s claim, not an approval)	“Skinoren is indicated for the topical treatment of acne vulgaris and melasma.”
DRAP Alert No. I/S/12-24-56 (10 December 2024)	“Azelaic acid is used for the treatment of skin pigmentation and acne.” This sentence is from DRAP’s alert about a falsified gel, not from an approval of any product.

The sources disagree, and we don’t resolve it. OBS’s melasma claim is the maker’s own, on a web listing; no regulator we checked approves the 20% cream for melasma or any other pigmentation. If a doctor prescribes Skinoren for melasma, that is their decision.

OBS’s listing also says: “use of sunscreen is mandatory during treatment to prevent exacerbation.”

Other strengths are different products with different approvals. Azelaic acid 15% gel is approved for acne and rosacea in the UK (sold there as Finacea) and in Germany (Skinoren 15% Gel), but for rosacea only in the US (Finacea gel).

Lighter patches on darker skin

Azelaic acid can make skin lighter than it should be (hypopigmentation). The US and Canada warn people with darker skin to watch for it; the UK and Germany list it only as a side effect.

Hypopigmentation with azelaic acid, by source
Source	What it says
US Azelex label (revised February 2024), Warnings	“There have been isolated reports of hypopigmentation after use of azelaic acid. Since azelaic acid has not been well studied in patients with dark complexions, these patients should be monitored for early signs of hypopigmentation.”
Health Canada, Finacea 15% gel monograph (authorised 4 March 2026)	“Since azelaic acid has not been well studied in patients with a dark complexion, these patients should be monitored for early signs of hypopigmentation.”
UK product information (Skinoren 20% Cream, revised 6 September 2023)	No warning. “Skin depigmentation” is listed as an uncommon side effect (up to 1 in 100 people), and discolouration where it is applied as a common one (up to 1 in 10).
German product information (October 2020)	No warning. “Hautdepigmentierung” (skin depigmentation) is listed among side effects.

If pale patches appear where you use it, stop and see your doctor.

Before you use it

UK product information (Skinoren 20% Cream, revised 6 September 2023) gives one reason not to use it at all: an allergy to azelaic acid or any ingredient. It also warns:

Warning: Asthma: “Worsening of asthma in patients treated with azelaic acid has been reported rarely during post-marketing surveillance” (UK product information, section 4.4). The German product information says the same.
Warning: The US Finacea gel label (15%, a different product) puts it more strongly, under Warnings and Precautions: “Worsening of asthma has been reported in patients using azelaic acid formulations including FINACEA Gel. Consult a physician if asthma is exacerbated”. The US Azelex cream label lists worsening of asthma only among rarely reported adverse experiences.
For the skin only. Keep it away from the eyes, mouth and other mucous membranes; if it gets in, wash with plenty of water, and see a doctor if eye irritation continues. Wash your hands after using it (UK product information).
The cream contains benzoic acid and cetostearyl alcohol, which can irritate the skin or cause local skin reactions, and propylene glycol (UK product information).
Children: “The safety and efficacy of Skinoren Cream in children below the age of 12 years have not been established” (UK product information). The US Azelex label and the German product information say the same of under-12s.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

No regulator we checked forbids azelaic acid in pregnancy. All three ask for caution, each in its own words.

Azelaic acid 20% cream in pregnancy and breastfeeding, by source
Source	What it says
US Azelex label (revised February 2024)	“Because animal reproduction studies are not always predictive of human response, this drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.”
UK product information (Skinoren 20% Cream, revised 6 September 2023)	“Caution should be exercised when prescribing azelaic acid to pregnant women.” It notes there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
German product information (October 2020)	“Schwangeren sollte Azelainsäure nur mit Vorsicht verschrieben werden” (azelaic acid should be prescribed to pregnant women only with caution).
Breastfeeding, UK product information (Skinoren 20% Cream, revised 6 September 2023)	“Infants must not come into contact with treated skin/breast.” Caution is advised when a nursing mother uses it. The German product information says the same.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding before you use it.

Skinoren or Skin A Cream?

Both are prescription acne creams we stock. They contain different medicines, and they differ most in pregnancy. Which one suits you is your doctor’s decision. (Skin A Cream has its own page.)

Skinoren and Skin A Cream compared: active ingredient, approved use and pregnancy
	Skinoren	Skin A Cream
Active ingredient	Skinoren: Azelaic acid 20%	Skin A Cream: Tretinoin 0.05%, a retinoid
Approved for	Skinoren: Acne (UK, Germany, US)	Skin A Cream: Acne (US Retin-A label)
Pregnancy	Skinoren: Not contraindicated. Caution: UK and Germany; “only if clearly needed”: US.	Skin A Cream: Contraindicated in pregnancy: EU and UK. When planning a pregnancy: contraindicated in the EU; the UK says women “should be advised not to use topical retinoids”. The US label does not contraindicate it: only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the baby.
Who it is for	Skinoren: People with acne whose doctor prescribes it, including during pregnancy if the doctor judges it needed.	Skin A Cream: People with acne whose doctor prescribes it, who are not pregnant and not planning a pregnancy.

Side effects

From UK product information (Skinoren 20% Cream, revised 6 September 2023). The most frequent are burning, itching and redness where it is applied. It says local skin irritation generally settles in the course of treatment.

Side effects of Skinoren 20% Cream, from UK product information
How often	Side effects
Very common (more than 1 in 10)	Burning, itching and redness where it is applied.
Common (up to 1 in 10)	Peeling, pain, dryness, discolouration or irritation where it is applied.
Uncommon (up to 1 in 100)	Oily skin (seborrhoea), acne, skin depigmentation; tingling, inflammation (dermatitis), discomfort or swelling where it is applied.
Rare (up to 1 in 1,000)	Inflamed lips (cheilitis); blisters, eczema, warmth or an ulcer where it is applied; allergy to the medicine; worsening of asthma.
Not known	Hives, rash; and, with an allergy, swelling of the face, eyes or deeper skin (angioedema) and contact dermatitis.

Checking your pack is genuine

No DRAP alert we found names Skinoren. One names a falsified azelaic acid gel with a similar name, reported to DRAP by OBS Pharma, the company that holds Skinoren’s registration.

The carton and tube should say azelaic acid.
They should show a batch number and an expiry date. The falsified gel DRAP describes had neither.
The brand name should be the same everywhere on the pack. The falsified gel named a different brand in its dosage text.

DRAP Alert No. I/S/12-24-56, 10 December 2024: A falsified “Askinoren Gel (Azelaic Acid 15%)”, purportedly made by Medshare Pharma, Risalpur, reported to DRAP by OBS Pharma (Pvt.) Limited. Its packaging “shows no Batch number and Expiry date”, and “a different brand name Acnoren was mentioned under the heading of dosage”. It had no Urdu instructions. The alert does not name Skinoren.

We buy only from authorised distributors, and check the batch and expiry on every item before it is packed.

Information as of 15 October 2026. DRAP publishes new alerts on dra.gov.pk.

Returns and replacements

Medicines and supplements can’t be returned once they have left our pharmacy.

Returned medicine can never go back into saleable stock. That is a safety rule, not a commercial one.
If an item arrives damaged or wrong, tell us on WhatsApp within 24 hours and we replace it. That is us fixing our mistake, not a return.
Anything that arrives expired or within a month of expiry we replace or refund, your choice, with no time limit.

Our returns policy

Frequently asked questions

What is Skinoren Cream used for?

Acne. The UK product information for Skinoren 20% Cream lists “Topical treatment of acne vulgaris” as its only use, and the US and German product information say the same of azelaic acid 20% cream. DRAP’s alert of 10 December 2024 describes azelaic acid as used “for the treatment of skin pigmentation and acne”, but that is an alert, not an approval. OBS Pharma, which holds Skinoren’s registration in Pakistan, claims acne and melasma on its own product listing; that is the maker’s claim, not a regulator’s approval. Skinoren is not approved for pigmentation by any regulator we checked.

Is Skinoren Cream good for skin whitening?

It is not approved for that. No regulator we checked lists whitening, pigmentation or melasma as an approved use of Skinoren 20% Cream; its approved use is acne. DRAP’s alert of 10 December 2024 describes azelaic acid as used for skin pigmentation and acne. OBS Pharma’s own listing claims melasma, a condition of patchy dark skin: that is a maker’s claim about a skin condition, not a whitening claim, and no regulator we checked approves it. The US label warns that people with darker skin should watch for skin becoming lighter than it should (hypopigmentation).

Can Skinoren remove dark spots?

It is not approved for dark spots. Its approved use in the UK, Germany and the US is acne. DRAP’s alert of 10 December 2024 describes azelaic acid as used for skin pigmentation as well as acne; that is DRAP’s description in an alert, not an approved use. OBS Pharma’s own listing claims melasma; that is the maker’s claim, not an approval. Ask your doctor whether it suits your marks.

What are the side effects of Skinoren?

The commonest, in the UK product information for Skinoren 20% Cream, are burning, itching and redness where it is applied, in more than 1 in 10 people. Peeling, pain, dryness, discolouration and irritation are common. Skin depigmentation is uncommon; worsening of asthma and allergic reactions are rare. It says local irritation generally settles with continued treatment.

Do I use Skinoren every day?

Yes, twice a day: the UK product information says to apply it to the affected skin “twice daily (mornings and evenings)”, and the US Azelex label for the same strength says the same. For sensitive skin, the UK product information says to use it only once a day, in the evening, for the first week, then twice daily. Clean the skin with plain water and dry it first, and wash your hands afterwards.

What is azelaic acid cream used for?

Azelaic acid 20% cream is approved for acne in the UK, Germany and the US. Azelaic acid 15% gel, a different product, is approved for rosacea, and for acne too in the UK and Germany. No regulator we checked approves the 20% cream for pigmentation, though DRAP’s alert of 10 December 2024 describes azelaic acid as used for skin pigmentation and acne.

Does azelaic acid lighten your skin?

It can make skin lighter than it should be, as a side effect. The UK product information lists skin depigmentation as uncommon, and the US and Canadian labels warn people with darker skin to watch for early signs of hypopigmentation. Lightening is not an approved use: the 20% cream is approved for acne.

Questions about Skinoren Cream 20% (Azelaic Acid) 10g?

Send your question on WhatsApp and a pharmacist will come back to you.

WhatsApp Order Call 0316 5534828

Written by the ePharmacyy pharmacy team.

Last checked against the sources below on 15 October 2026

DRAP registration

Skinoren Cream (012722), OBS Pharma (Pvt) Ltd. DRAP’s registry shows: Reviewed, “Not Verified”.
Skinoren Cream (017022-EX), Atco Laboratories Limited. DRAP’s registry shows: no status shown, “Not Verified”.

DRAP publishes no definition of this verification flag, so we can’t tell you what it means. We searched DRAP’s website for “Skinoren” and “azelaic” on 16 October 2026 and found no alert naming Skinoren; one about a falsified azelaic acid gel with a similar name (under “Checking your pack is genuine”). When we tested it, the search did not find a word that appears only inside an alert’s attached PDF, so an alert that names a product only in its PDF may not show up. DRAP describes its registered products index as a provisional list that “cannot be used as a reference for any purpose”. Checked against the registry between 14 October 2026 and 15 October 2026.