# Glycolic acid and azelaic acid

Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid

The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Australia.

Keep them apart

Use them on alternate nights, applying [glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid) first and [azelaic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid) next, because combining them causes too much irritation. Using both together can over-exfoliate your skin and cause redness, peeling, or irritation. You can try a lower strength of each product or leave more time between them to let your skin adjust.

- [All about glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid)
- [All about azelaic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid)

### [Glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid) products

- [The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-ordinary/glycolic-acid-7-toning-solution/for/combination-skin) — Superior fit — [A$14.20 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0DMTDN158?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [RoC Retinol Correxion Deep Wrinkle Night Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/roc/retinol-correxion-deep-wrinkle-night-cream/for/dark-spots) — High fit
- [First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/first-aid-beauty/kp-bump-eraser-body-scrub/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [A$48.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B095Z7HQP3?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [First Aid Beauty Facial Radiance Pads](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/first-aid-beauty/facial-radiance-pads/for/sensitive-skin) — Superior fit — [A$62.73 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0G8TPX5DR?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Murad Rapid Dark Spot Correcting Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/murad/rapid-dark-spot-correcting-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [A$145.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B08KR79NBR?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Skinbetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/skinbetter-science/alpharet-overnight-cream/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit
- [St. Ives Apricot Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/st-ives/apricot-scrub/for/dry-skin) — Average fit
- [COSRX AHA/BHA Clarifying Treatment Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cosrx/aha-bha-clarifying-treatment-toner/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [A$21.80 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00OZ63ODA?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/dr-dennis-gross/alpha-beta-universal-daily-peel/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [A$169.49 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0CSKS5X7X?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Pixi Glow Tonic](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/pixi/glow-tonic/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [A$59.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00KH6QX08?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Good Molecules Overnight Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/good-molecules/overnight-exfoliating-treatment/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit
- [CeraVe Skin Renewing Nightly Exfoliating Treatment](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cerave/skin-renewing-nightly-exfoliating-treatment/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit

### [Azelaic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid) products

- [The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/the-ordinary/azelaic-acid-suspension-10/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [A$19.40 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B06WD5J8KY?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/paula-s-choice/10-azelaic-acid-booster/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [A$64.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00V4PNAI4?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Topicals Faded Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/topicals/faded-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit
- [NATURIUM Azelaic Topical Acid 10%](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/naturium/azelaic-topical-acid-10/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [A$41.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B086Z6T13D?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Musely The Spot Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/musely/the-spot-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit
- [Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/topicals/faded-brightening-and-clearing-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [Bioderma Pigmentbio Sensitive Areas](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/bioderma/pigmentbio-sensitive-areas/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [A$61.68 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07RPBDXHM?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Peach Slices Redness Relief Azelaic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/peach-slices/redness-relief-azelaic-acid-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit — [A$43.45 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B0D2QPWNVG?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Finacea Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/finacea/gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [NATURIUM Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3%](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/naturium/niacinamide-cleansing-gelee-3/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit
- [NATURIUM Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10%](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/naturium/azelaic-acid-emulsion-10/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [A$42.12 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B086Z6T13D?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- [Cos De BAHA Azelaic Acid 10% Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/p/cos-de-baha/azelaic-acid-10-serum/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [A$20.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B07QM5KGDK?tag=lovi-care-web-product-22&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)

## Questions and answers

### Can you use glycolic acid and azelaic acid together?

No, you should keep [glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid) and [azelaic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid) apart in your routine because combining them may lead to over-exfoliation and inflammation. Instead, you can alternate their use on different days or use products like StriVectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads separately.

### Which goes first, glycolic acid or azelaic acid?

Keep glycolic acid and azelaic acid apart in your routine by using them on alternate days, or find them together in StriVectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads. Combining them in the same routine over-exfoliates the skin and may lead to inflammation.

### Are glycolic acid and azelaic acid good for sensitive skin?

Keep glycolic acid and azelaic acid apart in your routine, as combining them may lead to over-exfoliation and inflammation. They are suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive and acne-prone, when you alternate their use or buffer them with soothing actives.

## Research on glycolic acid and azelaic acid

- [Efficacy and Safety of Azelaic Acid Nanocrystal-Loaded In Situ Hydrogel in the Treatment of Acne Vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33923739/) Azelaic acid · Pharmaceutics, 2021
- [Microneedling by dermapen and glycolic acid peel for the treatment of acne scars: Comparative study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30548170/) Glycolic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019
- [The efficacy of glycolic acid, salicylic acid, gluconolactone, and licochalcone A combined with 0.1% adapalene vs adapalene monotherapy in mild-to-moderate acne vulgaris: a double-blinded within-person comparative study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30858720/) Glycolic acid · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019
- [Effects of 15% Azelaic Acid Gel in the Management of Post-Inflammatory Erythema and Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation in Acne Vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38734843/) Azelaic acid · Dermatology and Therapy, 2024
- [The usefulness of a dermocosmetic containing Myrtus communis extract and azelaic acid for maintenance phase of adult female acne: Results from a randomized exploratory investigator-blinded comparative study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36729399/) Azelaic acid · Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 2023

## Other combinations

- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and benzoyl peroxide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-benzoyl-peroxide)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinol)
- Depends on the strength: [Glycolic acid and niacinamide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-niacinamide)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and sodium lactate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-sodium-lactate)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-tromethamine)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and betaine](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-betaine)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and glycerin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-glycerin)
- Depends on the strength: [Glycolic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and carnosine](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-carnosine)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Adapalene and glycolic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/adapalene-and-glycolic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and granactive retinoid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-granactive-retinoid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and hydroxypinacolone retinoate](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-hydroxypinacolone-retinoate)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and pro-retinol](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-pro-retinol)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and retinal](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinal)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and retinoid blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-retinoid-blend)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and tretinoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-tretinoin)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and gluconolactone](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-gluconolactone)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and lactobionic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-lactobionic-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and cholesterol](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-cholesterol)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-lauric-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and linoleic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-linoleic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and arginine](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-arginine)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-gaba)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and silk amino acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-silk-amino-acids)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and taurine](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-taurine)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-theanine)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and ferulic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-ferulic-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and vitamin E](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-vitamin-e)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-salicylic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-lactic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-mandelic-acid)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-salicylic-acid)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and allantoin](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-allantoin)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-bisabolol)
- Work well together: [Glycolic acid and panthenol](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-panthenol)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-bio-placenta-peptides)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-collagen-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-copper-peptide)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-hexapeptide)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma)
- Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend)

## About the Lovi Fit

Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes.

Lovi checks every pairing with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning.

Behind this pairing advice: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board).

Page built Nov 8, 2026.

More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt

## This page in other countries

- United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid
- United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid
- Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid
- Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid
- France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid
- Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid
- Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid
- Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid
- Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid
- Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid (this page)
- Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid
- Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid
- United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid