Ingredient guide

Azelaic acid: what it does and how to use it

Updated November 2026

Safety first: general cosmetic information, not medical advice. Patch-test new products and follow label directions. Pregnant, breastfeeding, using prescription skin treatment or managing a skin condition? Ask your doctor before trying new actives. Medical disclaimer
In short: A gentle multitasker that calms redness, fights acne bacteria and fades discoloration. Best used morning or night. Top benefit: calms the look of redness.

A gentle multitasker that calms redness, fights acne bacteria and fades discoloration. It suits redness-prone and sensitive skin.

Best timeMorning or night
StrengthGentle
Good forCalms the look of redness

Benefits

Who it's for

Acne, redness, sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation.

How to use it

Use once or twice daily after cleansing. A mild tingle in the first week is normal.

Watch out for

May itch briefly at first. If irritation persists, reduce to every other day.

Best azelaic acid products

Serum$
The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%

Calms redness, fights breakouts and evens tone, and is gentle enough for daily use.

Azelaic acid
Check price on Amazon →
Serum$$
Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster

Azelaic acid with soothing licorice to even tone and calm bumps.

Azelaic acid
Check price on Amazon →

Can you mix azelaic acid with…

✅RetinolYes, with a slow start✅Vitamin CYes, generally fine together✅NiacinamideYes, a calming pair⚠️AHAsGo slow⚠️Salicylic acidGo slow✅Benzoyl peroxideYes, effective for acne✅Hyaluronic acidYes, generally fine together✅PeptidesYes, generally fine together✅CeramidesYes, generally fine together✅SunscreenYes, generally fine together✅Tranexamic acidYes, great for discoloration✅BakuchiolYes, generally fine together✅Centella (cica)Yes, generally fine together✅SqualaneYes, generally fine together

Routines that use azelaic acid

Oily, Acne-Prone SkinDry, Acne-Prone SkinCombination, Acne-Prone SkinNormal, Acne-Prone SkinOily Skin with Dark SpotsDry Skin with Dark SpotsCombination Skin with Dark SpotsNormal Skin with Dark Spots

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FAQ

What does azelaic acid do for skin?

A gentle multitasker that calms redness, fights acne bacteria and fades discoloration. It suits redness-prone and sensitive skin.

When should I use azelaic acid, morning or night?

Use once or twice daily after cleansing. A mild tingle in the first week is normal.

Who should use azelaic acid?

Acne, redness, sensitive skin and hyperpigmentation.

This page is general cosmetic information for educational purposes. It is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, and it doesn't replace a dermatologist or other qualified professional. Product formulas change, so always read the label. Full medical disclaimer.