Key Takeaways:
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Both azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide treat acne by reducing bacteria and inflammation.
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Azelaic acid is typically gentler and also helps with redness and post-acne dark spots.
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You can use azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide together, but always check for reactions and start slowly if you have sensitive skin.
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If you’re unsure where to start, azelaic acid is often the better option for sensitive or redness-prone skin.
Azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are two ingredients typically recommended for acne-prone skin, but they work differently, feel different on skin, and may be better suited for different concerns.
If you’re comparing azelaic acid vs. benzoyl peroxide for acne, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Azelaic Acid and How Does It Work for Acne?
Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid found in grains like wheat, barley, and rye. It has antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties which makes it a common choice for acne, hyperpigmentation, rosacea, and minor skin irritations.
Azelaic acid also has potent antioxidant effects, which helps to neutralize the free radicals that lead to environmental damage in all types of skin, including sensitive skin. With its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, the naturally-occuring acid helps to eliminate acne-causing bacteria on the skin while disrupting the link between increased levels of testosterone and other hormonal changes to minimize hormonal breakouts.
Benefits of Azelaic Acid
Azelaic acid benefits include:
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Eases irritation and redness
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Kills bacteria on skin to minimize and heal acne breakouts
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Brightens skin
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Unclogs pores and removes dead skin cells
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Improves skin texture
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Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles
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Lightens acne scars and hyperpigmentation
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Minimizes hormonal breakouts
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Gentle enough for sensitive skin
Azelaic Acid 14% Cream
• Brightens skin, fades brown spots
• Unclogs pores, improves texture
What Is Benzoyl Peroxide and How Does It Work?
Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antiseptic that treats acne by releasing free radicals into the skin to kill acne-causing bacteria. It has mild sebostatic and keratolytic properties, which means it inhibits excess oil production and dissolves skin flakes and lesions. These effects help to clear up acne breakouts, but may cause the skin to dry and peel.
Like azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide is also a powerful anti-inflammatory, making it useful in decreasing redness and irritation and easing other skin conditions like rosacea.
Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide
Benzoyl peroxide benefits include:
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Clinically proven to reduce rosacea lesions in some formulations
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Soothes inflamed skin
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Controls oil production
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Unclogs pores
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Clears away dead skin cells
Is Azelaic Acid Better Than Benzoyl Peroxide?
When it comes to benzoyl peroxide vs. azelaic acid, choosing the right option for you depends on your skin type and goals.
In clinical studies comparing the ingredients, azelaic acid has been shown to be similarly effective to benzoyl peroxide for mild-to-moderate acne, with fewer reports of irritation and dryness.
Choose azelaic acid if:
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You want an effective acne treatment that’s gentle enough for daily use
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Your skin is sensitive, redness-prone, or easily irritated
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You’re concerned about post-acne dark marks or uneven tone
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You also deal with rosacea
Benzoyl peroxide may be helpful if:
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You experience frequent inflamed breakouts
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You’re looking for short-term spot treatment
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Your skin tolerates stronger, potentially drying ingredients
Can You Use Azelaic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Together?
Yes, it’s possible to use azelaic acid with benzoyl peroxide, but carefully.
Because azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide work through different mechanisms, some dermatologists may recommend using them together in certain cases. Azelaic acid’s anti-inflammatory and pigment-balancing effects may also complement benzoyl peroxide’s antibacterial action. However, combining active ingredients can increase irritation, so it’s best to introduce them gradually.
If combining:
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Start slowly (alternate days at first)
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Apply benzoyl peroxide first, then azelaic acid
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Use moisturizer to reduce irritation
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Wear daily SPF 30+
If irritation occurs, reduce frequency, or use one in the morning and one at night.
When & How To Use Azelaic Acid vs Benzoyl Peroxide
Both azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide can be used once or twice daily depending on your skin type and condition. If you’re using the two ingredients together, it is recommended to cleanse skin first, moisturize, apply benzoyl peroxide first, and then apply azelaic acid last in your routine.
Whether you use azelaic acid or benzoyl peroxide, or both, be sure to follow up with a sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher. Though azelaic acid has more of a protective effect and will not make you more sensitive to sunlight, it is still always recommended to wear sunscreen to protect your skin and your health.
Foundation Skincare Azelaic Acid 14% Cream is dermatologist and chemist engineered with the highest non-prescription percentage of azelaic acid available. Formulated with a hydrating cream base, the product layers well with other ingredients without causing irritation or pilling. It can be especially useful when used alongside a drying ingredient like benzoyl peroxide because it can help moisturize skin.
Other products you may want to add to your acne-fighting routine include FS Niacinamide Lotion 10%, which calms skin and contributes to DNA repair, FS Hyaluronic Acid Lotion to lock moisture in, and Night Renewal Cream with 2% Granactive™ Retinoid to improve overall skin texture.
Related Articles: Adult Acne 101, Does Face Lotion Hurt or Help Acne?, Hormonal Acne: How to Prevent Breakouts
The Bottom Line
In summary, azelaic acid is good for acne, but so is benzoyl peroxide. Both kill acne-causing bacteria on the skin, both reduce inflammation, and both unclog pores while clearing away dead skin cells. However, when it comes to the differences between azelaic acid and benzoyl, there are a few key ones to consider:
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Azelaic acid is typically gentler and also helps fade dark spots and calm redness. In addition to treating acne, it supports more even tone and is often better tolerated with consistent use.
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Benzoyl peroxide works quickly for inflamed breakouts but may cause dryness and irritation. It’s often effective for red, swollen pimples but can be too harsh for sensitive or easily irritated skin.
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If you have sensitive or redness-prone skin, azelaic acid may be the better starting point. It addresses breakouts while helping maintain the skin barrier and minimizing irritation.
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You can use azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide together — just introduce them gradually. Layer carefully, moisturize well, and monitor your skin for signs of irritation.
If you’re still not sure which product to use, we recommend starting with azelaic acid as the gentler option. Then, if you need more help, feel free to add benzoyl peroxide for spot treatment alongside other acne-fighting ingredients in the Foundation Skincare collection.
Learn more skin tips at the FS Journal.
References:
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Choe JA, et al. (2023). Emerging Medical Therapies in Rosacea: A Narrative Review. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10689680/
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Hashim PE, et al. (2018). The Efficacy and Safety of Azelaic Acid 15% Foam in the Treatment of Facial Acne Vulgaris. https://jddonline.com/articles/the-efficacy-and-safety-of-azelaic-acid-15-foam-in-the-treatment-of-facial-acne-vulgaris-S1545961618P0641X
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Iraji FA, et al. (2007). Efficacy of topical azelaic acid gel in the treatment of mild-moderate acne vulgaris. https://ijdvl.com/efficacy-of-topical-azelaic-acid-gel-in-the-treatment-of-mild-moderate-acne-vulgaris
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King SA, et al. (2023). A systematic review to evaluate the efficacy of azelaic acid in the management of acne, rosacea, melasma and skin aging. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37550898/
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Matin TA, et al. (2024). Benzoyl Peroxide. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537220/
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Yang ZH, et al. (2020). Topical benzoyl peroxide for acne. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32175593/
