Can You Use Salicylic acid and Azelaic acid Together?

Yes, they work well together

Usually, yes. Azelaic acid tends to be gentle, and both are conditionally recommended acne treatments. Introduce one, wait a few weeks, then add the other so you know which one your skin is reacting to.

How to use salicylic acid and azelaic acid in one routine

Morning

Salicylic acid cleanser, moisturizer, sunscreen

Night

Cleanser, azelaic acid, moisturizer

Why

The 2024 American Academy of Dermatology guidelines list both azelaic acid and salicylic acid as conditionally recommended acne treatments.

A Cochrane review found the evidence for both is of limited quality, so neither is a miracle on its own. Using them at different times of day keeps irritation low.

What to watch for

Azelaic acid can tingle at first. Salicylic acid can dry. If both happen at once, drop one for a couple of weeks.

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.

Tap the actives you use (pick two or more)

1 pairing checked

Salicylic acid (BHA) + Azelaic acid
Fine together
Azelaic acid tends to be gentle. Start one at a time and watch for irritation.

A routine that keeps them apart

Morning

Cleanser → Azelaic acid → moisturizer → sunscreen

Night

Cleanser → Salicylic acid (BHA) → 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