Key takeaways: Finacea gel in the UK
- Prescription only: Finacea 15% gel is a prescription-only medicine. It contains 15% azelaic acid.
- What it is licensed for: According to the product information (SmPC), it is for mild to moderate papular-pustular acne of the face (from age 12) and for papulopustular rosacea (in adults).
- How it is used: It is applied to the affected skin twice a day, morning and evening. About 2.5 cm (0.5 g) of gel is enough for the whole face.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The product information advises caution. Speak to a prescriber before using it.
- If supply is a problem: Ask another pharmacy and talk to your prescriber. Several other prescription treatments can be used for rosacea and acne.
What is Finacea gel and what is it used for?
Finacea is a water-based gel containing 15% azelaic acid. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring acid with anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, and it also helps to keep the openings of hair follicles from becoming blocked. According to the UK product information, Finacea is licensed for two conditions.
1. Papulopustular rosacea
Papulopustular rosacea causes persistent facial redness together with inflamed red bumps (papules) and pus-filled spots (pustules), usually on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin. Finacea is licensed for the topical treatment of this type of rosacea in adults. Alongside any medicine, the NHS advises wearing a high SPF sunscreen of at least SPF 30 every day, avoiding known triggers and using gentle skincare products. See our guide to rosacea treatment.
2. Mild to moderate acne on the face
Finacea is also licensed for the relief of mild to moderate papular-pustular acne of the face, including in adolescents from the age of 12. Azelaic acid helps by reducing inflammation and bacteria on the skin and by helping to stop pores from becoming blocked. Read more about acne treatments and online prescription skincare for adult acne.
Marks left after spots
Azelaic acid is also used to help fade the dark marks that can remain after inflamed spots heal (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation). This is a secondary benefit and not a licensed indication for Finacea.
Where can you get Finacea gel in the UK?
Because Finacea is a prescription-only medicine, a prescriber has to decide it is appropriate before a pharmacy can supply it. There are two main routes:
- NHS prescription: Your GP or another NHS prescriber can issue a prescription, which a community pharmacy dispenses. NHS prescription charges may apply in England.
- Private prescription: You can be assessed by a private GP or an online clinic. A UK-registered prescriber reviews your answers, and if Finacea is suitable the prescription is dispensed by a registered UK pharmacy and delivered to you.
Only get prescription medicines from a registered UK pharmacy and a prescriber who has assessed you. Avoid websites or sellers that offer prescription-only medicines without any consultation.
What if your pharmacy cannot supply Finacea?
Supplies of azelaic acid products have been intermittent in the past, and availability can change from week to week. For example, an NHS Scotland Medicine Supply Alert Notice from October 2023 reported that Skinoren 20% cream was out of stock, while Finacea 15% gel remained available but could not support extra demand. It advised prescribers to consider alternative topical treatments where patients could not get enough. That notice is historical, so check with your pharmacy for the current position.
If you cannot get your usual gel:
- Ask another pharmacy: Stock varies between pharmacies, and a pharmacist can check with their wholesaler.
- Do not stop suddenly without advice: If the gel was keeping your skin under control, tell your prescriber so they can help you avoid a gap in treatment.
- Ask about alternatives: Your prescriber can recommend another treatment that suits your skin, medical history and any pregnancy or breastfeeding plans.
- Do not swap strengths yourself: Azelaic acid products differ in strength, formulation and licensed use, so only change on a prescriber's advice.
How does Finacea compare with other treatments?
Several prescription creams and gels are used for rosacea and acne. Which one suits you depends on your condition, how your skin reacts and your medical history. No single option is best for everyone, and a prescriber should make the choice.
| Treatment (active ingredient) |
Mainly used for |
How it differs from Finacea |
Finacea gel
Azelaic acid 15% |
Papulopustular rosacea (adults) and mild to moderate facial acne |
Water-based gel applied twice a day |
Skinoren cream
Azelaic acid 20% |
Acne vulgaris |
Higher strength in a cream base. Licensed for acne rather than rosacea |
Soolantra cream
Ivermectin 10 mg/g |
Papulopustular rosacea |
Different active ingredient, applied once a day |
Rozex gel and cream
Metronidazole 0.75% |
Rosacea |
Topical antibiotic often used for inflammatory rosacea |
Differin gel and cream
Adapalene (a retinoid) |
Acne vulgaris |
Works by speeding skin turnover. Retinoids can irritate and are not usually used for rosacea |
Some of these medicines are not suitable in pregnancy, and some are only licensed for certain ages or conditions, so always follow your prescriber's advice. If your acne has not responded to treatment, our guide to treating persistent acne online explains the next steps.
How to apply Finacea gel
Always follow the directions from your prescriber and the patient leaflet. The product information gives this general guidance:
- Clean your skin: Wash the affected area thoroughly with water and dry it. A mild skin cleanser can be used if you prefer. Avoid soaps and other products that could irritate your skin during treatment.
- Apply twice a day: Rub a small amount into the affected skin in the morning and in the evening. About 2.5 cm (0.5 g) of gel is enough for the whole face.
- Use it continuously: It is important to keep using the gel for the whole course of treatment, as directed.
- Protect your skin: Many people find a gentle, fragrance-free moisturiser helpful, and the NHS recommends a daily sunscreen of at least SPF 30 for rosacea.
The most common side effects are itching, burning and pain where the gel is applied. If your skin becomes irritated, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist. The product information says the amount of gel can be reduced, or applied once a day until the irritation settles, on a clinician's advice.
Getting Finacea or an alternative with PrivateDoc
PrivateDoc is a CQC-registered UK clinic. If you would like to be assessed for Finacea or another skincare treatment, you complete an online consultation and a UK-registered prescriber reviews your answers. Treatment is prescribed only if it is clinically appropriate for you. You can see current prices on our Finacea page.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and does not replace personalised medical advice. Finacea is a prescription-only medicine. Always follow the advice of your prescriber and the patient information leaflet.
