Can You Use Retinol and Azelaic acid Together?

Yes, they work well together

Usually, yes. Azelaic acid is generally gentle, and many people use it with a retinoid. If either is new to you, introduce them a few weeks apart so you can tell which one your skin reacts to.

How to use retinol and azelaic acid in one routine

Morning

Cleanser, azelaic acid, moisturizer, sunscreen

Night

Cleanser, retinol, moisturizer

Why

Azelaic acid is a conditionally recommended acne treatment in the 2024 American Academy of Dermatology guidelines. It isn’t a strong exfoliant.

Putting azelaic acid in the morning and retinol at night spreads any irritation across the day.

What to watch for

Start retinol slowly. If you add azelaic acid in the same month, you won’t know which one caused any redness.

Check your whole routine

The checker below starts with this pair selected. Tap anything else you use to see every pairing and a routine that keeps them apart.

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Retinol + Azelaic acid
Fine together
Usually well tolerated. Introduce them a few weeks apart so you know which one your skin reacts to. Read more

A routine that keeps them apart

Morning

Cleanser → Azelaic acid → moisturizer → sunscreen

Night

Cleanser → Retinol → Azelaic acid → moisturizer

On a prescription? Ask your prescriber before adding other actives. Want this checked against your actual products? Acnera scans your whole routine.

Frequently asked questions