Written byDr. Adeline Carol PetersBachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) — Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE)
Last updated:
Key Information
What is Skinoren 20% Cream?
Skinoren 20% Cream contains azelaic acid 20% and is supplied in a 30g tube.
It belongs to a class of medicines known as dicarboxylic acids.
It is a non-prescription product, dispensed by a registered pharmacist.
Read the pack and leaflet before use, and use it only as directed on the label or as advised by your pharmacist.
Is this strength right for me?
Skinoren is available as a 20% cream only. Check the pack and leaflet for the directions for use.
Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin, as directed on the pack. Follow the frequency stated on the label or advised by your pharmacist.
Do not use more than directed, and do not use it for longer than advised.
It should be used with caution if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Not sure whether it suits you? Ask our pharmacist before ordering.
Delivery, packaging and ordering
Choose your product and place your order. No prescription is needed, and your order is dispensed by a registered pharmacist.
You can consult a doctor or pharmacist online on DoctorOnCall about this product before or after you order.
The product page lists fast delivery. Check the page for current delivery options and charges.
Check the product packaging for its Malaysian registration details, and verify them through the relevant Ministry of Health Malaysia resources.
Side effects, safety and when to seek help
There are a few possible side effects with azelaic acid, although not everyone will experience them. Common effects of this type of product include mild burning, stinging, itching or redness where it is applied.
Do not use it if you are allergic to azelaic acid, propylene glycol, or any other ingredient in the cream.
It is for topical use, and generally has no significant food or drug interactions when applied externally. Tell your pharmacist about any other skin products you use. Avoid contact with your eyes, mouth and broken skin.
Stop using it and ask your pharmacist or doctor if you develop severe irritation, swelling, blistering, or signs of infection. Seek immediate medical attention for swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing, or any severe or unexpected reaction.
How to use your Skinoren 20% Cream
Read the pack and leaflet, and check with your pharmacist if you are unsure whether Skinoren suits you. Tell them about any allergies (including to propylene glycol), skin conditions, whether you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and any other skin products you use.
Wash the area gently and dry it completely before applying.
Gently apply a thin layer to the affected area of clean, dry skin, as directed on the label or by your pharmacist. Rub it in lightly, avoid your eyes, mouth, nostrils and broken skin, and wash your hands afterwards.
Use it only as directed, and do not apply more than advised. Stop and ask your pharmacist or doctor if irritation is severe or does not settle.
Delivery & Returns
Malaysia-wide delivery
No prescription needed
Licensed pharmacy
Doctor consultation
If your order arrives damaged
Do not use Skinoren 20% Cream if the packaging is damaged, the tube is leaking or torn, or the seal appears to have been tampered with.
Check the tube and carton carefully before use.
Contact us on WhatsApp immediately and provide photos of the outer packaging and the tube.
We’ll review the issue and arrange a replacement at no extra cost if the delivery issue is verified.
Returns policy
For safety reasons, Skinoren 20% Cream cannot be returned or exchanged once it has left our pharmacy, except in cases involving a verified delivery issue, such as damaged packaging, an incorrect item or a missing item.
If there is a problem with your order, contact us within 24 hours of delivery so we can review the issue and advise you on the next steps.
A small, pea-sized amount is generally enough to cover the whole face; using more does not improve results and may increase irritation. Some people are advised to start with once-daily application in the first week and build up to twice daily as tolerated, and treatment is usually continued for several months to achieve and maintain results.
Shelf Life
Unopened, Skinoren 20% Cream is generally stable until the expiry date printed on the packaging. Once opened, it is best used within the period stated on the carton (commonly several months) as the product’s stability and effectiveness can reduce over time after opening.
Storage Instructions
Do
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from direct sunlight.
Keep the cap tightly closed after each use.
Keep out of reach of children.
Check the expiry date printed on the tube before use.
Don't
Don’t leave it in a hot car, bathroom or near a stove.
Don’t use it after the expiry date.
Don’t share your tube with others.
Don’t use it if the cream changes colour or texture, or the tube is damaged.
Side Effects
Skinoren 20% Cream may cause local skin reactions, particularly during the early weeks of treatment. These reactions are often mild, but their severity and duration can vary between individuals. Monitor your skin and seek medical advice if symptoms become severe or persistent.
Burning, Stinging or Tingling
A burning, stinging or tingling sensation may occur after application, particularly during the first few weeks.
Skin Redness
The treated area may appear red or look more irritated than usual.
Dryness and Peeling
The skin may become dry, flaky or start to peel in the treated area.
Itching
Itching may develop at the application site and can occur alongside other local skin reactions.
Mild Skin Irritation
Mild irritation may be more noticeable early in treatment and may lessen as the skin adjusts. If it persists or worsens, seek medical advice.
Rare Allergic Skin Reactions
Rarely, contact dermatitis or a more pronounced allergic skin reaction may occur. Stop applying the cream and seek medical advice if a significant reaction develops.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek prompt medical advice if skin irritation becomes severe, spreads beyond the treated area or continues to worsen. Get emergency medical help if you develop facial or throat swelling, difficulty breathing or other signs of a severe allergic reaction.
This information does not replace the product leaflet or advice from a healthcare professional. Follow the product instructions and consult a healthcare professional if you are concerned about any reaction.
Contraindications
Known hypersensitivity to azelaic acid or to propylene glycol or other excipients in the cream
Application to broken, infected, or eczematous skin without medical advice
Use around the eyes, mouth, nostrils, or on mucous membranes
Concurrent use of other harsh or drying topical acne products without spacing them out, as this can worsen irritation
Drug / Food Interactions
Minimal systemic absorption means significant drug interactions are unlikely
Combining with other topical acne treatments (such as retinoids or benzoyl peroxide) at the same time may increase skin irritation, so alternate application times or space products apart as advised
No specific food interactions are expected as this is a topical skin product
Inform your pharmacist if you are using other prescription topical treatments on the same area of skin
Quick Tips
Apply sunscreen during the day, as treated skin can be more sensitive to sun exposure
Avoid contact with the eyes, mouth, and mucous membranes; rinse thoroughly with water if contact occurs
Be patient — visible improvement usually takes at least 4 weeks of consistent use
Start with once-daily use in the first week if your skin is sensitive, then build up to twice daily
Avoid using other strong exfoliating or acne products at the same time without spacing them apart
This medicine is generally safe during pregnancy, though minor risks may exist in rare cases.
Breastfeeding
Limited Data
Limited data on excretion in breast milk. Consult a doctor before use.
Kidney
Use With Care
Use cautiously. Dose adjustment or monitoring may be required.
Liver
Use With Care
Use cautiously. Liver function monitoring may be required.
Alcohol
No Data
No data is available regarding the interaction of alcohol with this medicine.
Driving
Generally Safe
This medicine is generally safe and should not impair your driving ability.
Relevant Information
Azelaic acid is often chosen for people who cannot tolerate stronger acne treatments such as retinoids or who have rosacea alongside acne, as it tends to be gentler while still being effective. If irritation is severe or persistent, or if there is no improvement after 2-3 months of consistent use, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted to review the treatment plan.
How to buy
Go to the DoctorOnCall website
Visit the DoctorOnCall website, then choose or search for Skinoren 20% Cream and add it to your cart.
Place your order
Review your cart, enter your delivery details and complete your payment securely. No prescription is needed.
Pharmacist dispenses
A registered pharmacist reviews your order and prepares your medication in accordance with professional pharmacy standards.
Receive your order
Your order is packed securely and delivered to your address, with fast delivery options available. Check your parcel when it arrives.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Skinoren 20% Cream is a non-prescription product and can be ordered without a prescription. It is still dispensed by a registered pharmacist on DoctorOnCall.
Skinoren 20% Cream is a cream containing Azelaic Acid 20% w/w – the active ingredient. The full ingredient list is shown in the Composition or Ingredients section on this page and on the product packaging.
It is supplied in a pack size of 30g. Choose the pack size you need from the options shown on this page before adding the item to your cart.
This page is limited to product, safety and handling information in line with Malaysian rules on medicine information. If you want advice on whether this product suits you, book an online consultation with a doctor or pharmacist on DoctorOnCall.
Follow the instructions printed on the label and in the leaflet supplied with the pack, and do not exceed the stated amount or duration. Handling steps are set out in the Directions for Use section on this page.
Yes. DoctorOnCall offers online consultations with licensed doctors and registered pharmacists, so you can ask about this product, your existing medicines, or anything on the label before you place an order.
Store below 25°C in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, and keep the tube tightly closed between uses. Keep out of the sight and reach of children, and avoid storing it in direct heat, such as a car dashboard or bathroom windowsill. Keep it in its original pack and do not use it after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
Stop using the product and speak to a doctor or pharmacist about any reaction that concerns you. Seek medical care immediately for signs of a severe reaction such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, lips or throat, or a widespread rash. Reported reactions are listed in the Side Effects section on this page.
Within Malaysia, standard delivery takes 3 to 5 working days. Same-day delivery is available in the Klang Valley for orders placed before 12pm; orders placed after 12pm arrive by the end of the next day.
Orders to Singapore are sent as international deliveries and take 5 to 9 working days. A lump-sum shipping and handling fee applies to every overseas delivery and is shown at checkout.
Customers in Malaysia can pay by FPX online banking, credit or debit card (Visa and Mastercard), and supported e-wallets including Touch ‘n Go eWallet, GrabPay and ShopeePay.
FPX and local e-wallets are tied to Malaysian bank and wallet accounts, so if your delivery address is in Singapore, use the payment options displayed at checkout for that address rather than assuming the same list applies.
Yes. DoctorOnCall ships to Singapore as an international order dispatched from Malaysia, arriving in 5 to 9 working days with a lump-sum shipping and handling fee.
Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) allows personal imports of up to three months’ supply of a medicine for your own use or an immediate family member’s, as long as it contains no controlled drugs, psychotropic substances or prohibited items. Keep the product in its original labelled packaging and keep a copy of your prescription or doctor’s letter with it. Quantities above three months’ supply, and medicines containing controlled substances, require prior HSA approval.
Products listed on DoctorOnCall are registered with Malaysia’s Ministry of Health for supply in Malaysia, and each pack carries its MAL registration number.
An order delivered to Singapore arrives as a personal import of a Malaysia-registered product; HSA product registration is not required for personal-use quantities, but it is also not the same as a product registered for sale in Singapore. If you need a locally registered Singapore product, buy it from a pharmacy in Singapore.
DoctorOnCall’s customer care team handles order, delivery and product queries through the contact channels on the site, including WhatsApp and the online help centre.
For deliveries to Singapore, allow more time before chasing an order than you would for a local Malaysian delivery, as the parcel passes through customs clearance and tracking updates can appear later in the journey.
Product Specifications
Brand
Skinoren
Manufacturer
LEO Laboratories Limited
Classification
Non-prescription
Ingredients / Active Ingredients
Azelaic Acid
Weight
30g
Strength
20% w/w
Pack Size
30 g tube
Dosage
Apply a thin layer to clean, dry skin as directed on the pack or by your pharmacist.
Shelf Life
Typically 3 years from the date of manufacture. Refer to the expiry date printed on the packaging. Do not use after the expiry date.
Pack Contents
1 tube of 30 g cream
Registration holder
DKSH Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Form
Cream
Route
Topical use (on the skin only)
Per Dose
A thin layer on the affected area
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep out of reach of children.
Excipients
Contains propylene glycol, among other ingredients. Refer to the package insert for the full list.
What condition or symptom are you treating with this medication?
Please select your condition / symptom before adding to cart.
*Please select the closest match. A pharmacist may call to verify your selection before dispensing.
Important Medical Information
💊 Recommended Dosage:
A small, pea-sized amount is generally enough to cover the whole face; using more does not improve results and may increase irritation. Some people are advised to start with once-daily application in the first week and build up to twice daily as tolerated, and treatment is usually continued for several months to achieve and maintain results.
🛑 Contraindications (Do not use if):
Known hypersensitivity to azelaic acid or to propylene glycol or other excipients in the cream
Application to broken, infected, or eczematous skin without medical advice
Use around the eyes, mouth, nostrils, or on mucous membranes
Concurrent use of other harsh or drying topical acne products without spacing them out, as this can worsen irritation
If you are unsure, please chat with us or consult your doctor.
⚠️ Common Side Effects:
Mild burning or stinging on application
Skin dryness or peeling
Itching or tingling sensation
Redness or irritation at the site of application
Stop taking this medication immediately and consult your doctor if you experience severe allergic reactions or side effects.
Please tick this box to confirm you are 18+ before adding to cart.
IMPORTANT: Unsure? Chat with our pharmacists (Mon - Sat, 9:00am - 6:00pm) before buying.