Systematic reviews & clinical guidelines
Useful for understanding the broader body of evidence and established clinical consensus.
Our Standards
Evidence
before claims.
Skincare science deserves more than marketing language.
Our editorial approach separates what research says about an ingredient from what can responsibly be said about a particular finished product.
Our Core Principle
Ingredient evidence
≠ product evidence.
A study showing that an ingredient produced a particular outcome does not automatically prove that every product containing that ingredient will produce the same result.
Concentration, formulation, delivery system, study population, application frequency and treatment duration can all influence an outcome.
When research involves a different concentration or formulation from ours, we aim to make that distinction clear.
Evidence Hierarchy
What carries
the most weight?
Randomised controlled trials
Particularly valuable when evaluating whether an intervention produced a measurable outcome under controlled conditions.
Other peer-reviewed research
Includes mechanistic, observational and laboratory research that can help explain how an ingredient may behave.
Authoritative medical sources
Dermatology organisations, regulatory information and recognised medical references provide important clinical and safety context.
Manufacturer technical evidence
Supplier studies and technical documentation can provide valuable information about specialised ingredients, but are identified separately from independent clinical research.
How We Write
Our editorial rules.
Identify the concentration.
When clinically relevant, we identify the concentration used in the research rather than generalising the result.
Identify the formulation.
Evidence from a pharmaceutical gel, cream or other delivery system is not automatically attributed to a different cosmetic formulation.
Separate evidence from marketing.
Scientific findings and product descriptions should not be blended in a way that exaggerates what has actually been demonstrated.
Link to the research.
Important scientific guides should provide references so readers can inspect the underlying evidence themselves.
Acknowledge uncertainty.
When the available evidence cannot support a precise conclusion, we would rather say so than manufacture certainty.
Review as evidence changes.
Research guides carry review information and can be updated as stronger or newer evidence becomes available.
Important
Education,
not diagnosis.
Content on AzelaicAcid.co.za is provided for general educational and product-information purposes.
It is not intended to diagnose, treat or replace advice from an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
People with persistent, severe or concerning skin conditions should seek appropriate professional advice.