What Is Finacea? Uses, Dosage, and What You Need to Know in 2026

Finacea is a prescription topical medication used to treat rosacea — a chronic inflammatory skin condition that causes facial redness, visible blood vessels, and acne-like bumps. If your dermatologist or doctor has prescribed Finacea, this guide gives you a complete overview of what it is, what it treats, how to use it, and what to realistically expect during treatment.

What Is Finacea?

Finacea is the brand name for azelaic acid 15% topical gel and foam. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid — a substance found naturally in grains like wheat, rye, and barley, and also produced in small amounts by the body. At prescription concentrations (15%), it is used to treat two distinct skin conditions:

Rosacea (Finacea 15%): Specifically the inflammatory papules and pustules of mild-to-moderate rosacea.

Acne (Azelex 20%): A different brand at a higher concentration is approved for acne.

Finacea is manufactured by LEO Pharma. It is available in two formulations: a gel (in a tube or pump bottle) and a foam (in a pressurized aluminum can). Both contain 15% azelaic acid and are applied twice daily.

What Does Finacea Treat?

Finacea is FDA-approved to treat the inflammatory papules and pustules of mild-to-moderate rosacea. Rosacea affects an estimated 16 million Americans and is characterized by:

Persistent facial redness (erythema), usually on the cheeks, nose, chin, and forehead

Inflammatory papules and pustules (red bumps and pimple-like lesions)

Visible blood vessels (telangiectasias)

Burning, stinging, or facial flushing

In clinical trials, Finacea gel reduced the number of inflammatory facial lesions by approximately 58% after 12 weeks, compared to about 40% with a placebo gel. About 78% of patients using azelaic acid showed good-to-excellent improvement, compared to 64% using metronidazole 0.75% gel.

What Forms Does Finacea Come In?

Finacea Gel 15%: A white to yellowish-white opaque gel dispensed from a tube or pump bottle. A generic version (azelaic acid 15% gel) is widely available and significantly less expensive.

Finacea Foam 15%: A white to off-white foam dispensed from a pressurized aluminum can. The foam is generally better tolerated (less burning/stinging) than the gel but is harder to find and more expensive.

How Do You Use Finacea?

Standard dosing instructions for Finacea:

Gently cleanse your face with a mild, soapless cleanser and pat dry.

Apply a thin layer of Finacea gel or foam to the affected areas of your face (cheeks, chin, forehead, and nose).

Gently massage into the skin.

Apply twice daily — morning and evening.

Wash your hands immediately after applying.

Wait for the gel or foam to fully dry before applying cosmetics.

Avoid: alcoholic cleansers, tinctures, astringents, abrasive scrubs, and peeling agents. Also avoid spicy foods, hot drinks, and alcohol while using Finacea, as these can trigger rosacea flares.

How Long Does Finacea Take to Work?

Most patients begin to see improvement in rosacea symptoms within 4–8 weeks of twice-daily use. Full benefit is typically assessed at 12 weeks. The prescribing information recommends reassessing diagnosis and treatment if no improvement is seen after completing 12 weeks of therapy.

Is Finacea a Controlled Substance?

No. Finacea (azelaic acid) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It does not have abuse potential and has no special prescription restrictions. It can be prescribed by any licensed provider with prescribing authority, including PCPs and nurse practitioners, and can be prescribed via telehealth.

Is Finacea Available as a Generic?

Yes. Generic azelaic acid 15% gel is widely available from multiple manufacturers and is significantly less expensive than the brand. With a GoodRx coupon, the generic can cost as little as $27 for a 50g tube. A generic foam version has been FDA-approved but is not yet widely available at retail pharmacies.

Need help finding it at a pharmacy near you? medfinder can call pharmacies on your behalf. Or learn more about side effects: Finacea Side Effects: What to Expect