Azelaic acid and salicylic acid are two popular skincare ingredients that help fight acne, blackheads, and uneven skin, but they work in different ways and suit different needs.
Salicylic acid is a beta hydroxy acid, or BHA, that comes from willow bark and other plants. It is oil soluble, so it sinks deep into pores to dissolve oil and dead skin cells that clog them. This makes it great for blackheads, whiteheads, and overall skin congestion. You often see it in strengths like 2 percent in cleansers, toners, or spot treatments. It also reduces redness and swelling from pimples by calming inflammation right away.
Azelaic acid occurs naturally from yeast on the skin. It fights bacteria that cause acne, cuts down excess oil, or sebum, and eases inflammation. This helps with pimples, redness, bumps, and even pigmentation spots over time. It is gentler than salicylic acid, so it works well for sensitive or irritated skin. Products might blend it with salicylic acid, like in exfoliants with 3 percent azelaic and 2 percent salicylic, to boost results on troubled skin.
Both can exfoliate by loosening dead skin cells without harsh scrubbing, leading to smoother, brighter skin. Salicylic acid acts faster on oily, clogged pores, while azelaic acid shines for calming redness and balancing oil long term. Start with lower strengths to avoid dryness or irritation, and use sunscreen since they make skin more sun sensitive. People with rosacea or darker skin tones might prefer azelaic acid for its mild anti inflammatory effects.
Sources
https://www.dr-jetskeultee.com/exfoliant-extra-strong-salicylic-acid.html
https://www.alibaba.com/product-insights/azelaic-acid-vs-salicylic-acid-which-clears-blackheads-faster.html
https://theordinary.com/en-us/blog/understanding-spot-solutions.html
