Glycolic Acid + Azelaic Acid
Safe to Combine
These ingredients are generally well-tolerated together with no special precautions needed.
Azelaic acid and glycolic acid complement each other well, targeting different aspects of skin improvement.
What the Research Says
Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid naturally produced by yeast on the skin. It has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and tyrosinase-inhibiting properties, making it effective for acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. Its mechanism of action is fundamentally different from glycolic acid: while glycolic acid works primarily by dissolving intercellular bonds to exfoliate, azelaic acid targets specific cellular processes like melanin production and bacterial growth.
The combination is well-studied and commonly recommended by dermatologists. Glycolic acid enhances the penetration and effectiveness of azelaic acid by removing the dead cell layer that can block absorption. Meanwhile, azelaic acid's anti-inflammatory properties can help mitigate the irritation sometimes caused by glycolic acid. For hyperpigmentation specifically, this dual approach - accelerated cell turnover from glycolic acid plus melanin suppression from azelaic acid - is more effective than either ingredient alone.
Azelaic acid is also pregnancy-safe (Category B), making this combination a popular choice for those who cannot use retinoids during pregnancy but still want an effective anti-acne and anti-pigmentation routine.
Timing & How to Use
Can be used in the same routine. Apply glycolic acid first, wait a few minutes, then apply azelaic acid. Alternatively, use glycolic acid in the evening and azelaic acid in the morning. Start with alternating days if your skin is sensitive.
Practical Tips
- 1This combination is particularly effective for post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (dark marks from acne)
- 2Azelaic acid is one of the few actives safe during pregnancy - pair with glycolic acid for acne management
- 315-20% azelaic acid is prescription strength; 10% is the typical over-the-counter concentration
- 4If both products cause initial tingling, introduce them one at a time over 2-3 weeks
References
- Schulte BC, et al. Azelaic acid: Evidence-based update on mechanism of action and clinical application. J Drugs Dermatol. 2015;14(9):964-8.
- Fitton A, Goa KL. Azelaic acid: A review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic efficacy in acne and hyperpigmentary skin disorders. Drugs. 1991;41(5):780-98.
- Mastrofrancesco A, et al. Azelaic acid modulates the inflammatory response in normal human keratinocytes through PPARgamma activation. Exp Dermatol. 2010;19(9):813-20.
