Azelaic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid: Which One is Better for Skin?

Deep | 07 Mar 2025

When it comes to tackling acne, uneven skin tone, and inflammation, two powerhouse ingredients often steal the spotlight—Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid. But which one deserves a spot in your skincare routine? Are they rivals or the ultimate dream team?

While both are packed with skin-loving benefits, they work in different ways to target specific concerns. Whether you're looking to calm redness, clear breakouts, or refine texture, understanding their strengths can help you make the best choice. Let’s break it down and find out which acid is your skin’s perfect match!

What is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid derived from grains like barley, wheat, and rye. It’s known for its ability to reduce inflammation, brighten skin, and treat mild to moderate acne.

Key Benefits of Azelaic Acid:

Treats Acne: Kills acne-causing bacteria and reduces inflammation.
Fades Hyperpigmentation: Reduces post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and evens out skin tone.
Reduces Redness: Soothes irritation, making it ideal for sensitive or rosacea-prone skin.
Gentle on Skin: Non-irritating and suitable for most skin types.
Improves Texture: Smooths rough or bumpy skin caused by conditions like keratosis pilaris.

What is Salicylic Acid?

Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into pores to exfoliate and remove oil, dirt, and dead skin cells. It’s particularly effective for oily and acne-prone skin.

Key Benefits of Salicylic Acid:

Unclogs Pores: Dissolves oil and debris, preventing clogged pores.
Treats Acne: Reduces blackheads, whiteheads, and active breakouts.
Exfoliates: Improves skin texture by removing dead skin cells.
Controls Oil Production: Reduces sebum over time, minimizing shine.
Soothes Inflammation: Calms redness and irritation caused by acne.

How They Compare

Feature	Azelaic Acid	Salicylic Acid
Primary Function	Soothes inflammation and brightens skin tone.	Unclogs pores and treats acne.
Acne Treatment	Effective for mild to moderate acne.	Highly effective for blackheads, whiteheads, and oily skin.
Exfoliation	Mild, surface-level exfoliation.	Chemical exfoliation deep within the pores.
Hyperpigmentation	Excellent for fading dark spots and melasma.	Minimally fades post-acne marks.
Oil Control	No direct effect on sebum production.	Reduces oil and prevents clogged pores.
Skin Type	Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive and rosacea-prone.	Best for oily, combination, or acne-prone skin.
Anti-Inflammatory	Highly effective for calming redness and irritation.	Moderate; reduces redness caused by acne.
Frequency of Use	Safe for daily use, morning and night.	Use 2–3 times a week initially; increase as tolerated.
Irritation Potential	Very low; gentle on skin.	Moderate; can cause dryness or irritation if overused.

Which is Better for Your Skin?

The choice between azelaic acid and salicylic acid depends on your skin concerns:

Choose Azelaic Acid If:

You have sensitive or rosacea-prone skin and need a gentle treatment.
Your primary concern is hyperpigmentation, redness, or uneven skin tone.
You want a multitasking ingredient to treat acne and brighten skin simultaneously.
You’re looking for an ingredient that’s safe for long-term use and daily application.

Choose Salicylic Acid If:

You have oily or acne-prone skin and want to reduce breakouts.
Your primary concern is blackheads, whiteheads, or clogged pores.
You’re looking for an effective exfoliant to improve skin texture.
You need an ingredient to help control oil production over time.

Can You Use Azelaic Acid and Salicylic Acid Together?

Yes, azelaic acid and salicylic acid can be used together, and they often complement each other well:

Salicylic Acid Preps the Skin: Exfoliates and clears pores, creating a smooth base for azelaic acid to work.
Azelaic Acid Soothes and Brightens: Treats redness, reduces pigmentation, and enhances skin tone.

How to Use Them Together:

Apply Salicylic Acid First: Use salicylic acid after cleansing to exfoliate and unclog pores.
Follow with Azelaic Acid: Apply azelaic acid to soothe, brighten, and treat pigmentation.
Finish with Moisturizer: Lock in hydration to prevent dryness.
Sunscreen is Essential: Both ingredients can increase sun sensitivity, so always wear SPF 30 or higher during the day.

Alternatively, you can use them on alternate days to minimize irritation.

Who Should Use Both?

Acne-Prone Skin with Redness: Salicylic acid treats breakouts, while azelaic acid calms redness and irritation.
Oily Skin with Hyperpigmentation: Salicylic acid controls oil, and azelaic acid brightens dark spots.
Sensitive Skin with Blemishes: Azelaic acid is gentle enough for sensitive skin, while salicylic acid tackles clogged pores.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overusing Salicylic Acid:
Excessive use can lead to dryness and irritation. Introduce it slowly into your routine.
Skipping Sunscreen:
Both azelaic acid and salicylic acid increase sun sensitivity, so sunscreen is essential.
Neglecting Hydration:
Always follow salicylic acid with a moisturizer to replenish hydration.

Science Backing

Azelaic Acid: Studies in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology confirm azelaic acid’s efficacy in reducing hyperpigmentation and calming inflammation.
Salicylic Acid: Research in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology highlights salicylic acid’s effectiveness in treating acne and improving skin texture.
Combination Use: Dermatologists recommend combining azelaic acid and salicylic acid for a comprehensive approach to acne and pigmentation, as noted in the Journal of Dermatological Science.

Conclusion

Both azelaic acid and salicylic acid are excellent skincare ingredients, but they address different concerns. Choose azelaic acid for brightening, calming redness, and treating sensitive skin. Opt for salicylic acid to target acne, blackheads, and clogged pores.