Battle of Acne Treatments: Azelaic Acid vs. Benzoyl Peroxide

Azelaic Acid vs Benzoyl Peroxide for Acne: What You Need to Know

When it comes to managing acne, two ingredients often come up in skincare discussions—azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide. But what sets them apart?

Both are proven acne-fighting ingredients with powerful benefits. Yet, they work in very different ways and suit different skin types.

In this article, we’ll explore how azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide compare. We’ll break down their similarities, key differences, and help you decide which is best for your skin.

What Is Azelaic Acid?

Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye.

It offers antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and exfoliating properties, making it a go-to solution for various skin conditions.

Dermatologists often recommend azelaic acid for:

Acne, Rosacea, Hyperpigmentation,Skin texture issues, Hormonal breakouts

It’s also known to brighten the skin, refine pores, and reduce redness caused by irritation or inflammation.

Key Benefits of Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is a multitasker. Here are its major benefits:

Kills acne-causing bacteria on the skin

Minimizes hormonal acne breakouts

Brightens skin and fades dark spots

Exfoliates by unclogging pores and removing dead cells

Reduces inflammation and calms redness

Helps reduce post-acne hyperpigmentation

Triggers collagen production to improve skin texture

Has antioxidant effects that fight free radicals

Safe for sensitive skin types and all skin tones

It’s often recommended as a gentle alternative to stronger actives like retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.

What Is Benzoyl Peroxide?

Benzoyl peroxide is a topical antiseptic that treats acne by killing bacteria. It works by releasing oxygen free radicals that destroy Cutibacterium acnes, the main bacteria behind breakouts.

In addition to its antibacterial power, benzoyl peroxide also:

Reduces excess oil (sebostatic), Unclogs pores (keratolytic), Eases redness and swelling, Helps with inflammatory acne, Fights surface-level bacteria on the skin

It’s a common ingredient in over-the-counter acne creams, gels, cleansers, and spot treatments.

Key Benefits of Benzoyl Peroxide

Here’s why benzoyl peroxide remains a dermatologist favorite for acne:

Kills acne-causing bacteria effectively, Reduces oil and helps shrink pores, Soothes inflammation and redness, Exfoliates dead skin and unclogs pores, Fast results for active breakouts

Useful for mild to moderate acne, Often paired with other treatments like adapalene

However, it’s known to cause side effects like dryness, peeling, or irritation—especially for sensitive skin users.

Azelaic Acid vs Benzoyl Peroxide: How Are They Similar?

Though they work differently, azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide share several similarities:

Both are clinically proven to treat acne

Both are effective against acne-causing bacteria

Both reduce redness and inflammation

Both exfoliate the skin and unclog pores

Both can improve skin texture with consistent use

Both are found in creams, gels, and prescription formulas

Both can help reduce the appearance of acne scars over time

Despite these similarities, they’re far from identical. Let’s explore their key differences.

How Are Azelaic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Different?

1. Skin Tolerance

Azelaic acid is gentler and well-suited for sensitive skin.

Benzoyl peroxide is stronger but can cause irritation, dryness, and peeling.

2. Sun Sensitivity

Azelaic acid does not increase sun sensitivity.

Benzoyl peroxide can make skin more sensitive to UV rays.

3. Antioxidant Properties

Azelaic acid is an antioxidant, protecting skin from free radicals.

Benzoyl peroxide generates free radicals, which may damage skin with long-term use.

4. Bleaching Effect

Azelaic acid doesn’t bleach fabrics or hair.

Benzoyl peroxide may bleach towels, pillowcases, or clothing if not used carefully.

5. Anti-aging Potential

Azelaic acid promotes collagen production and improves skin tone.

Benzoyl peroxide has no anti-aging benefits and may accelerate signs of aging over time.

Which One Is More Effective for Acne?

Studies show azelaic acid is equally effective as benzoyl peroxide in treating mild to moderate acne. But they shine in different situations:

Use benzoyl peroxide for active, inflamed breakouts and oily skin.

Use azelaic acid for redness, dark spots, hormonal acne, or sensitive skin.

If your skin cannot tolerate strong treatments, azelaic acid is a better first choice.

Can You Use Azelaic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide Together?

Yes, you can use both in the same skincare routine, but with caution.

Some studies show that combining them may boost results and reduce side effects associated with benzoyl peroxide.

Azelaic acid’s antioxidant properties may also neutralize the free radicals generated by benzoyl peroxide.

How to layer them:

AM Routine:

Cleanser, Benzoyl peroxide (thin layer), Azelaic acid (after BP dries), Moisturizer, Sunscreen

PM Routine (optional if skin is not irritated):

Use azelaic acid only, or alternate days with benzoyl peroxide.

Avoid over-exfoliating or combining with other actives like retinol unless advised by a dermatologist.

When Should You Choose Azelaic Acid?

Choose azelaic acid if you:

Have sensitive skin or rosacea

Need help with hyperpigmentation or acne scars

Are prone to hormonal acne

Want an acne treatment that’s gentle but effective

Prefer ingredients that also offer anti-aging benefits

Want to even skin tone without causing irritation

When Should You Choose Benzoyl Peroxide?

Go for benzoyl peroxide if you:

Have persistent, inflamed, or cystic acne

Need something that works quickly on breakouts

Have oily or thick skin

Want a powerful antibacterial treatment

Don’t mind some temporary dryness or flaking

Side Effects: What to Watch Out For

Azelaic Acid

Mild stinging or tingling

Rare redness or itching

Very low risk of allergic reaction

Safe during pregnancy (FDA Category B)

Benzoyl Peroxide

Dryness, peeling, and tightness

Redness or skin irritation

Fabric bleaching

Higher risk of sun sensitivity

Not ideal for sensitive skin types

Can You Use Either During Pregnancy?

Azelaic acid is generally safe for use during pregnancy in small amounts on facial skin. It’s FDA Category B.

Benzoyl peroxide may be safe in limited use but always consult your doctor first. It should be avoided in large amounts or over wide areas.

Recommended Products Featuring These Ingredients

Azelaic Acid 14% Cream (Foundation Skincare)

High-strength, non-prescription formulation

Brightens skin, fades spots, and soothes inflammation

Hydrating cream base layers well with other products

Benzoyl Peroxide 2.5%-10% Treatments

Look for lower concentrations if you’re new to BP

Best applied as a spot treatment or in leave-on gels

Use a non-comedogenic moisturizer afterward

Other Skincare Additions to Consider

Niacinamide (10%): Calms irritation and supports skin barrier

Hyaluronic Acid: Locks in hydration and prevents dryness

Granactive Retinoid: Boosts collagen and helps reduce acne

Gentle Cleanser: Avoids stripping the skin’s barrier

These products can complement either ingredient and support overall skin health.

Conclusion: Which Is Right for You?

Both azelaic acid and benzoyl peroxide are effective at treating acne—but their tolerability, benefits, and side effects are different.

Azelaic acid is gentler, works well for multiple skin concerns, and has antioxidant and anti-aging benefits.

Benzoyl peroxide is stronger, kills bacteria fast, and works best for oily, breakout-prone skin that can tolerate a bit of dryness.

If you’re unsure where to start, try azelaic acid first. It’s easier on the skin and delivers results over time.

If you need a stronger approach, consider adding benzoyl peroxide as a spot treatment or alternating between the two.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.

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