Azelaic acid (Anchoic acid) is a component of hair and skin conditioners and is produced by the ozonolysis of oleic acid. Azelaic acid has bacteriostatic activity against Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis by inhibiting protoprotein synthesis in microbial cells. Azelaic acid also has the ability to inhibit pigmentation due to its free radical scavenging action.