Epikinetics Pharma has pushed out a press release today (reproduced in full on sfgate.com which seems a bit sad; for a newspaper to just re-publish press releases I have to say) promoting a new product called AzaClear.
AzaClear combines Azelaic Acid, Niacinamide and Glycerin.
The manufacturers say this product is “designed to address the visible effects of problem or aging skin” and they also “consider azelaic acid + niacinamide a potent and highly effective cosmetic topical agent “.
Active Ingredients
The two main active ingredients in AzaClear are Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3).
Azelaic Acid is the active ingredient in Finacea.
We know from some small studies that rosacea sufferers can benefit from using a moisturizer that improves the Strata Corneum barrier, and Niacinamide is thought to offer this benefit.
How To Obtain
Epikinetics are marketing AzaClear to aesthetic physicians who can then make it available directly to their patients or forward the prescription to their web site. The product is also being promoted as “Distributed and available to you by EpiKinetics, LLC. without prescription”, so it is not entirely clear if you require a prescription or not.
Cost
The clear pump is for day use and is $75 for 50gm. The 50gm Night cream contains more emollients and is $85.
The marketing material is using terms such as “Skin Aging Control”, “Pigment Control” and “Blemish Control” to detail how they want to position this product.
The trademark for AzaClear is assigned to Dr. Christopher J. Dannaker who is also the author of the related patent titled Waterborne Topical Compositions for the Delivery of Azelaic Acid.
See the AzaClear Patient Information for more information.
My Thoughts
Finacea seems to in general be quite well tolerated by rosacea sufferers, and the inclusion of niacinamide could also be a reasonable addition.
The price seems steep, too much to be considered an everyday moisturizer for the majority. This is disappointing as this sort of product needs to be used regularly to achieve the maximum benefit possible.
Also the failure to list all ingredients is a concern. We are left to believe statements like [azaclear] “contain(s) pharmaceutical grade ingredients and to be produced in a FDA licensed facility that meets GMP (good manufacturing practices)”
AzaClear Ingredients
[update: the ingredients listing has now been added to their web site] Purified water (aqua), azelaic acid, glycerin, sorbitol, cetyl alcohol, niacinamide, stearyl alcohol, isopropyl palmitate, phenoxyethanol, caprylyl glycol, cyclomethicone, peg/ppg-18/18 dimethicone, polysorbate 80, sodium polyacrylate, dimethicone crosspolymer, cyclopentasiloxane, ethylhexyl stearate, laureth-7, polysorbate 20, ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate beheneth-25 methacrylate crosspolymer, polyisobutane, c13-c14 isoparrafin.
Related Product
Thank you for your comments concerning AzaClear. I wanted to reassure you that AzaClear, unlike many or perhaps most cosmetics, is indeed manufactured in a USA based facility that is registered by the FDA for production of both cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals. AzaClear was born out of the need to both better the cosmetic effects of current azelaic acid products and to minimize irritant contact dermatitis that was reported in nearly 50 percent of trial subjects involved in clinicals of Finacea (See manufacturer’s information).
We strongly feel AzaClear is more than just azelaic acid. The addition of niacinamide, which you correctly point out is a skin humectant, asks synergistically with the azelaic acid. Both help neutralize irritation and aid the favorable effects of azelaic acid. It is also noteworthy that as monotherapy, niacinamide has some overall benefit to reduce skin inflammation. AzaClear utilizes a proprietary micronization process to complex azelaic acid and niacinamide microparticles. There was significant bonafide scientific research and development necessary to create this product.
The ingredients of AzaClear are fully disclosed on the packaging as well on the product container which exceeds US requirements for product labeling. The vehicle ingredient content is discussed in detail in our physician brochure. It was felt this discussion is too technical for the general public. For example, AzaClear, unlike all previous azelaic acid creams, does not contain propylene glycol or fatty acids. This is a very important technological advance of azelaic acid cosmetic chemistry. In addition, we attempted to avoid other unwanted additives such as all fragrances, formalin releasing biocides, parabens, colorants, etc. All creams must have additives to make it safe, stable and effective. Like pharmaceutical products, AzaClear was developed with sensitive and reactive skin in mind and this mission is reflected in it’s cosmetic chemistry.
Finally, please consider when pricing our product we had to calculate the significant development costs. AzaClear is a product of scientific investigation and is novel for the aforementioned reasons. In addition, our 50ml airless pump, if used once a day, will provide well over three months supply (we estimated 5 months depending on how much is used). We feel our price, considering the technology and 50 ml quantity (compared to the usual 15 and 30 gm tubes) is an excellent value.
Great to see that Epikinetics are following online discussions of AzaClear.
I look forward to reading how in particular rosacea sufferers respond to this product.
If you wanted to list the ingredients here, you would be welcome.
davidp.
I wonder if you can use this if you already use Finacea twice a day. An azaleic overdose?!
why can’t they sell 25gms for half the price – far more people could afford it that way, or are they not really convinced it’s good enough for us not to come back for more…
Certainly getting back the money invested in the research and development required for new products is important. If companies have no prospect of making a profit from their investments then we will never have new products or even people to buy `old’ products from.
We can hope that if products such as this do prove successful that the volumes over time will enable it to become more affordable a greater proportion of potential users.
davidp.
If they sold half the amount for half the price and it actually works then people will come back for more therefore they would get the same amount of money in fact probably a lot more as more people could afford to try it in the first place. If they make it more expensive far more people are put off despite it lasting twice as long, we live in a time of austerity people have budgets to abide by.
This product sounds intriguing, but I will refrain from purchasing it until a complete ingredient listing (including the percentage amounts of active ingredients) is disclosed online. Most other topical skincare preparations include this information within the full drug information sheet (usually a PDF) on their web sites. As someone who has been burned (literally and figuratively) by many skincare products, I need to know the facts about something before I test it on my skin. On that note, perhaps Epikinetics will consider special offers such as samples and coupons for first time users (as is becoming standard with many prescription products) in an effort to help defray the initial cost of starting treatment with Aza Clear.
Thank you for your continued comments regarding AzaClear. Our product is classified as a cosmeceutical and as such requires full ingredient listing on the container box. In addition, we list the ingredients on the product container.
Your suggestion to list the product ingredients on the web site is a good one. This will be done.
Rosacea prone skin is sensitive. Sometimes irritation is interpreted as burning or stinging. The best way to determine if a product is likely to cause such a side effect, without being a professional cosmetic chemist, is to look for irritancy studies rather than sift through the ingredients and try to discover a possible cause. AzaClear’s strength is in its tolerability and emolliency. We feel this is due to the SynergyE(tm) base which consists of a proprietary mixture of azelaic acid, glycerin and niacinamide. The product has patent pending protection. In addition, it is sometimes important to know what a product does not contain such as propylene glycol, fragrances, colorants and formalin releasing biocides, all of which seem to irritate sensitive skin. AzaClear is free of these additives.
AzaClear was tested using semi occlusive patch tests for Fitzpatrick skin Types II-VI in 71 test subjects and none developed irritant contact dermatitis. Clinical testing also demonstrated remarkable tolerance, even for those with sensitive skin.
As for the product size, we felt the approximately 3 month supply (50gm) was the right amount of time for users to appropriately access the product.
Again, thank you for your interest and comments.
Finacea has 15% azelaic acid. What is the percentage of azelaic acid in Aza Clear?
I don’t they have ever mentioned the amount of azelaic acid in AzaClear, so I don’t know Sharon.
I just purchased this product from http://www.jaliman.com. You can buy it from this site without a prescription. I don’t have rosacea but I bought it for recurrent cystic acne and related scarring and pigmentation. I also have sensitive skin. Will update once I have used an entire supply (1 bottle).
My insurance (Humana Medicare PPO) will no longer pay for my Rx fo Finacia, $300.00 for a tube so my dermatologist offered AzaClear night therapy, 1.76 fl oz for $89.00.
Two or three months ago my rosacea really flaired, partly from stress (I was to have complete shoulder replacement surgery) and I was having a glass or two of wine daily, which I know is a big no no. I was not only using the last of my Finacia, but was also on antibiotics AND steroid cream for this super big flair and there were no signs of improvement.
I have been using AzaClear once or twice a day for six weeks (starting right after I got home from the hospital) and since I only need to use a tiny amount each time, the jar still looks full. I just noticed a few days ago my skin not only shows no signs of rash or redness, but my skin has not looked this good for years! Just about all of the fine lines and wrinkles have disappeared, my skin looks clear, even-toned, smooth and is very soft and silky to the touch. I am 62 years old and people are commenting on how much younger I look! This never happened using Finacea or any other skin care product.
Though this jar is supposed to be a six month supply when used once a day, I think it will last much longer even though I am using it more often. If a jar lasts 9 months, that comes out to $11.25 a month, or $0.37 per day. Quite a bargain for not only clearing up the signs of rosacea, but for the marvelous more healthy, soft and more youthful looking skin.
P.S. I do not have any connection to the company that manufactures or markets AzaClear. I am just a consumer.
I sent an email to AzaClear asking about the percentage of azelaic acid in their products and still, they wouldn’t outright give me an answer, their reply was for me to call them. Huh? why does it have to be so difficult? That really puts me off trying them and honestly makes me wary of their products. Differin, Azelex, Epiduo, etc all have detailed info regarding their products on their websites. Why so secretive, AzaClear?