Can you use retinol with azelaic acid?

Yes, they can be used together, but both can sting or dry the skin at first. Many people use azelaic acid in the morning and retinol at night.

Why

There's no known chemical conflict, and a small study found a routine combining azelaic acid, salicylic acid and retinol well tolerated. Azelaic acid can cause mild redness, dryness, itching or burning, usually early on, which can add to a retinoid's adjustment period. Splitting them across the day gives your skin time to adapt to each.

Sources

1. 1Cosmeceuticals in acne vulgaris: from mechanism of action to clinical application · Skin Health and Disease, 2026
2. 2A randomized controlled double-blinded split-face prospective clinical trial to assess the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a novel 3-step routine compared to benzoyl peroxide for the treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024

General cosmetic information, not medical advice. Written with AI assistance from the sources above; updated October 2026.