# Azelaic acid and citric acid Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for the Netherlands. Keep them apart Use them at different times of day, applying [azelaic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid) in the morning and [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid) at night. Combining these two exfoliating acids can over-exfoliate your face, leading to redness and irritation. You can make this routine work by choosing a lower strength or waiting longer between applications. - [All about azelaic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid) - [All about citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid) ### [Azelaic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid) products - [The Ordinary Azelaic Acid Suspension 10%](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/azelaic-acid-suspension-10/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [€14.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0BBLZ2YBP?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Paula's Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/paula-s-choice/10-azelaic-acid-booster/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [€49.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B09S9R72XB?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Topicals Faded Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/topicals/faded-serum/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit — [€9.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0FT32CL2W?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [NATURIUM Azelaic Topical Acid 10%](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/naturium/azelaic-topical-acid-10/for/acne-prone-skin) — Superior fit - [Musely The Spot Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/musely/the-spot-cream/for/mature-skin) — High fit - [Topicals Faded Brightening & Clearing Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/topicals/faded-brightening-and-clearing-serum/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit - [Bioderma Pigmentbio Sensitive Areas](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/bioderma/pigmentbio-sensitive-areas/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit — [€39.46 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B09231D8X3?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Peach Slices Redness Relief Azelaic Acid Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/peach-slices/redness-relief-azelaic-acid-serum/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit - [Finacea Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/finacea/gel/for/oily-acne-prone-skin) — High fit - [NATURIUM Niacinamide Cleansing Gelée 3%](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/naturium/niacinamide-cleansing-gelee-3/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit - [NATURIUM Azelaic Acid Emulsion 10%](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/naturium/azelaic-acid-emulsion-10/for/acne-prone-skin) — High fit - [StriVectin Daily Reveal Exfoliating Pads](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/strivectin/daily-reveal-exfoliating-pads/for/oily-skin) — Average fit — [€38.78 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B089TPYFX3?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) ### [Citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid) products - [The Ordinary Salicylic Acid 2% Solution](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/the-ordinary/salicylic-acid-2-solution/for/dry-skin) — Average fit — [€6.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0C3PCJ6SD?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Dr. Bronner's Pure-Castile Liquid Soap (Baby Unscented)](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-bronner-s/pure-castile-liquid-soap-baby-unscented/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit - [Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/thayers/hydrating-milky-toner/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [€24.93 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B0BQCRH6D8?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Seven Minerals Organic Aloe Vera Gel](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/seven-minerals/organic-aloe-vera-gel/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — Average fit - [SkinCeuticals Blemish + Age Defense](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/skinceuticals/blemish-age-defense/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [€131.10 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B005GK77SM?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Naturie Hatomugi Skin Conditioner](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/naturie/hatomugi-skin-conditioner/for/sensitive-skin) — High fit - [E45 Cream](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/e45/cream/for/dry-skin) — High fit — [€22.99 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B001RYUCQ0?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [NATURIUM BHA Liquid Exfoliant 2%](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/naturium/bha-liquid-exfoliant-2/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [€54.63 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B08881VH6J?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Dr. Sam's Flawless Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/dr-sam-s/flawless-cleanser/for/dry-skin) — High fit - [Kiehl's Calendula Deep Cleansing Foaming Face Wash](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/kiehl-s/calendula-deep-cleansing-foaming-face-wash/for/oily-skin) — Superior fit — [€21.01 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B00XM74LS0?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Neutrogena Hydro Boost Micellar Water](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/neutrogena/hydro-boost-micellar-water/for/dark-spots) — Average fit — [€9.95 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.nl/dp/B07JMXSSYN?tag=lovi-care-web-product085-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Garnier SkinActive Blackhead Eliminating Scrub](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/p/garnier-skinactive/blackhead-eliminating-scrub/for/oily-skin) — Low fit ## Questions and answers ### Can you use azelaic acid and citric acid together? Keep [azelaic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid) and [citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid) apart because combining strong exfoliants may over-exfoliate your skin and lead to inflammation. Alternate their use in your routine or buffer them with soothing ingredients. ### Which goes first, azelaic acid or citric acid? Keep azelaic acid and citric acid apart in your routine to avoid over-exfoliation and potential inflammation. Instead, alternate their use or buffer them with soothing actives. ### Are azelaic acid and citric acid good for sensitive skin? No, you should keep azelaic acid and citric acid apart in your routine. Combining these strong actives may lead to over-exfoliation and inflammation. ## Research on azelaic acid and citric 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 - [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 - [Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a facial serum containing dioic acid, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, LHA, citric acid, and HEPES in treating post-inflammatory hyperchromia and controlling oily skin in patients with acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33617668/) Citric acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021 - [Comparison of clindamycin 1% and benzoyl peroxide 5% gel to a novel composition containing salicylic acid, capryloyl salicylic acid, HEPES, glycolic acid, citric acid, and dioic acid in the treatment of acne vulgaris](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23545907/) Citric acid · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013 ## Other combinations - Keep them apart: [Benzoyl peroxide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/benzoyl-peroxide-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinol-and-citric-acid) - Depends on the strength: [Niacinamide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/niacinamide-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Sodium lactate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/sodium-lactate-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Citric acid and tromethamine](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tromethamine) - Work well together: [Betaine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/betaine-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Glycerin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/glycerin-and-citric-acid) - Depends on the strength: [Hyaluronic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and hyaluronic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-hyaluronic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Acetyl hexapeptide-3 and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/acetyl-hexapeptide-3-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Bio-placenta peptides and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/bio-placenta-peptides-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Carnosine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/carnosine-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Collagen peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/collagen-peptide-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Copper peptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/copper-peptide-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Hexapeptide and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/hexapeptide-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Citric acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid-and-hexapeptide-9) - Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4) - Keep them apart: [Citric acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1) - Keep them apart: [Citric acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma) - Keep them apart: [Citric acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid-and-triple-peptide-blend) - Keep them apart: [Adapalene and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/adapalene-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Granactive retinoid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/granactive-retinoid-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Hydroxypinacolone retinoate and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/hydroxypinacolone-retinoate-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Pro-retinol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/pro-retinol-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Retinal and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinal-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Retinoid blend and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/retinoid-blend-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Tretinoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/tretinoin-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Gluconolactone and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/gluconolactone-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Lactobionic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/lactobionic-acid-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Cholesterol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/cholesterol-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Citric acid and lauric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid-and-lauric-acid) - Work well together: [Linoleic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/linoleic-acid-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Citric acid and tri-ceramide complex](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid-and-tri-ceramide-complex) - Work well together: [Arginine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/arginine-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Citric acid and GABA](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid-and-gaba) - Work well together: [Silk amino acids and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/silk-amino-acids-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Taurine and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/taurine-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Citric acid and theanine](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid-and-theanine) - Work well together: [Ferulic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/ferulic-acid-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Vitamin E and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/vitamin-e-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and aha blend glycolic and citric acids](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-aha-blend-glycolic-and-citric-acids) - Keep them apart: [Salicylic acid and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/salicylic-acid-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Glycolic acid and azelaic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/glycolic-acid-and-azelaic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and lactic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-lactic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and mandelic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-mandelic-acid) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and salicylic acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-salicylic-acid) - Work well together: [Allantoin and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/allantoin-and-citric-acid) - Work well together: [Citric acid and bisabolol](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/citric-acid-and-bisabolol) - Work well together: [Panthenol and citric acid](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/panthenol-and-citric-acid) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and acetyl hexapeptide-3](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-acetyl-hexapeptide-3) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and bio-placenta peptides](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-bio-placenta-peptides) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and collagen peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-collagen-peptide) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and copper peptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-copper-peptide) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and hexapeptide](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-hexapeptide) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and hexapeptide-9](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-hexapeptide-9) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and palmitoyl pentapeptide-4](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-palmitoyl-pentapeptide-4) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and palmitoyl tripeptide-1](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-palmitoyl-tripeptide-1) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and peptide-rich plasma](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-peptide-rich-plasma) - Keep them apart: [Azelaic acid and triple peptide blend](https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/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/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid - United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid - Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid - Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid - France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid - Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid - Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid (this page) - Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid - Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid - Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid - Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid - Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid - United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/ingredients/azelaic-acid-and-citric-acid