An error occured on the server, please try later or contact the customer service

You're in offline mode with limited website functionalities. Please check your network connection.

Javascript seems to be disabled in your browser. In order to get the best possible experience please enable Javascript and reload the page.

Find Professional

Log in
My cart

Main content

Back to Skincare Ingredients Explained

Close up texture shot of Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment – a pale green moisturiser with a raked effect running through

The Dos & Don’ts of Mixing Azelaic Acid With Other Skincare Ingredients

The gentle exfoliator azelaic acid has plenty of benefits when used in skincare formulations. In fact, this naturally derived dicarboxylic acid, found in grains such as wheat and barley, is particularly beneficial when used on blemish-prone skin.

This is due to the way that azelaic acid clears the pores, helping to prevent future blemishes and improve the appearance of existing imperfections. It also increases skin-cell turnover, but as this action can cause some dryness and flaking, it’s important to combine it with complementary ingredients that will keep the skin hydrated.

Read on to find out the do’s and don'ts of mixing azelaic acid with other products in your skincare regime.

24 Aug 2024

Azelaic Acid and Vitamin C

Azelaic Acid and Retinol

Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide

Azelaic Acid and Hyaluronic Acid

Azelaic Acid and Glycolic Acid

Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid

Azelaic Acid and Ferulic Acid

Q: Can you combine azelaic acid and vitamin C?

A:

Yes, it’s perfectly safe to use azelaic acid and vitamin C together. They are both known to help reduce the appearance of dark spots and help smooth the skin. Experience pairing your chosen azelaic acid formulation with Silymarin CF, our award-winning vitamin C serum formulated for oily, blemish-prone skin. Also suitable for acne prone skin.

"This vitamin c serum is the perfect serum for patients with oily and blemish prone skin. These patients struggled with antioxidants in the past but the addition of Silymarin and salicylic acid has given the dual benefit of skin protection and treatment of oily skin."
- Dr. Wassim Taktouk, Cosmetic Doctor

Birdseye image of Silymarin CF serum and Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment moisturiser lying diagonally and flat against a grey background, creating a shadow

Q: Can you combine azelaic acid and retinol?

A:

Yes, you can. Even though azelaic acid and retinol both have an exfoliating effect on the skin, azelaic acid is much gentler. This means that they complement each other well but need to be used at different times of the day. As retinol makes the skin more photosensitive, it should be used in the evening. You could try using a product containing azelaic acid in the morning, or on a different day to retinol.

Q: Can you combine azelaic acid and niacinamide?

A:

Yes, you can. Combining azelaic acid and niacinamide is an effective way of reducing congestion and breakouts in the skin. How so? Together they have complementary actions – azelaic acid removes dead skin cells while niacinamide helps to control oil production and strengthen the skin barrier. This means they’re also safe to be used at the same time of the day.

Q: Can you combine azelaic acid and hyaluronic acid?

A:

Yes! Hyaluronic acid and azelaic acid are a brilliant pairing due to the way they complement one another. While azelaic acid exfoliates the skin and increases cell turnover, hyaluronic acid can help retain water in the skin, plumping the dermis and strengthening barrier function. Enjoy the benefits of this ingredient combination in our brightening moisturiser Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment.

A bottle of SkinCeuticals Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment on a geometric pedestal, highlighting its skincare benefits.

Q: Can you combine azelaic acid and glycolic acid?

A:

Yes, you can combine azelaic acid with glycolic acid, but they need to be used carefully. Both ingredients are well-tolerated by the skin. However, even though azelaic acid is considered gentle, it’s recommended that you use them on alternate days, or in lower potencies. They should also be used in conjunction with broad-spectrum sunscreen as they make the skin more sensitive to the sun.

Q: Can you combine azelaic acid and salicylic acid?

A:

Yes, you can use azelaic acid and salicylic acid in the same routine safely and they can have excellent results. Both ingredients exfoliate the skin and help to clear the pores but work at slightly different strengths. As such, it’s recommended that you use both ingredients together in weaker potencies, and in higher strengths on alternative days. Try Phyto A+ Brightening Treatment, with azelaic acid, and Blemish + Age Defense, with salicylic acid, for the perfect anti-blemish routine.

Q: Can you combine azelaic acid and ferulic acid?

A:

Yes, you can combine ferulic acid with azelaic acid as they have complementary actions on the skin. Ferulic acid is a powerful antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radicals and premature signs of ageing, while azelaic acid gently exfoliates and clears the pores.

Discover which SkinCeuticals’ products contains azelaic acid, for you to add in to your skincare routine today!