Can you use Azelaic Acid & Retinal together?
If you've been keeping up with the latest Korean skincare trends, you've probably noticed two ingredients appearing everywhere: azelaic acid and retinal.
Azelaic acid has become increasingly popular in routines targeting blemishes, visible redness, post-acne marks and uneven skin tone, while retinal is emerging as one of K-beauty's most talked-about anti-ageing ingredients for fine lines, texture, firmness and skin renewal.
But there's another skincare trend developing: using Azelaic Acid and Retinal in the same routine.
So, can you actually use azelaic acid and retinal together? What is the difference between retinal and retinol? And which Korean skincare products should you try?
Here's everything you need to know.
What is Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid is a dicarboxylic acid used in skincare for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and skin-brightening properties.
Unlike traditional exfoliating acids such as glycolic acid, azelaic acid isn't primarily used simply to exfoliate the surface of the skin. Instead, it is particularly useful for routines focused on blemishes, congestion, visible redness and uneven pigmentation.
Research into topical azelaic acid has supported its use for concerns including acne, rosacea and hyperpigmentation. In cosmetic Korean skincare, it is increasingly being incorporated into serums, toners and targeted treatments alongside soothing and hydrating ingredients.
What are the benefits of Azelaic Acid?
Azelaic acid can help:
- Improve the appearance of blemishes and congestion
- Calm the appearance of redness
- Reduce the look of post-blemish marks
- Improve uneven-looking skin tone
- Support a clearer-looking complexion
- Refine uneven skin texture
- Help manage excess oil and clogged pores
This combination of benefits makes azelaic acid particularly appealing for oily, combination, blemish-prone and redness-prone skin.
Why is Azelaic Acid trending in K-Beauty?
Korean skincare has traditionally been associated with gentle hydration, barrier care and soothing ingredients such as Centella Asiatica. However, newer K-beauty formulas increasingly combine this philosophy with targeted active ingredients.
Azelaic acid fits particularly well into this approach.
Rather than using it alone, Korean formulas frequently pair azelaic acid with ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, ceramides and PDRN, creating products that target visible skin concerns while still supporting hydration and the skin barrier.
Here are some Korean azelaic acid products to look out for:
Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum
One of the standout Korean azelaic acid products is the Anua Azelaic Acid 10 Hyaluron Redness Soothing Serum 30ml.
Formulated with 10% azelaic acid, this lightweight serum is designed for blemish-prone, oily and sensitive-looking skin. It combines azelaic acid with Anua's calming complex, including Centella-derived ingredients, alongside hyaluronic acid and other barrier-supporting ingredients.
The formula helps target the appearance of redness and blemishes while supporting hydration without leaving a heavy or greasy finish.
Best for:
Blemishes, visible redness, excess oil, congestion and uneven-looking skin tone.
If you're new to a 10% azelaic acid formula, introduce it gradually rather than immediately using it every day.
Anua Azelaic Acid 3 Cica Skin Clarifying Toner
For those looking for a lower-strength azelaic acid step, the Anua Azelaic Acid 3 Cica Skin Clarifying Toner 250ml combines 3% azelaic acid with a multi-Cica complex.
The lightweight toner is designed to soothe sensitive and breakout-prone skin while helping improve the appearance of redness, clogged pores and uneven texture.
It also contains exfoliating ingredients including salicylic acid and glycolic acid, alongside succinic acid, panthenol, allantoin and barrier-supporting ingredients.
Because the formula combines several active ingredients, it is still worth introducing gradually if your skin is particularly sensitive or if you already use exfoliating acids or retinoids elsewhere in your routine.
Best for:
Congestion, excess oil, uneven texture, blemish-prone skin and those wanting to introduce azelaic acid through a toner.
Mary & May Spicule Azelaic PDRN Spot Cream
The Mary&May Spicule Azelaic PDRN Spot Cream 15g takes a different approach by combining azelaic acid, PDRN and micro-spicule technology in a targeted cream.
Rather than being an everyday hydrating serum, this concentrated treatment is designed for specific areas of concern, including blemishes, uneven texture and post-blemish marks.
The addition of spicules creates a distinctive micro-stimulating sensation on the skin, while PDRN complements the formula with skin-conditioning and barrier-supporting care.
Best for:
Targeted blemishes, post-blemish marks, uneven texture and those already comfortable using more intensive skincare treatments.
Because of the spicules, we wouldn't recommend introducing this product at the same time as several other potentially irritating actives.
What is Retinal?
Retinal, also known as retinaldehyde, is a vitamin A derivative belonging to the retinoid family.
You've probably already heard of retinol, but retinal isn't simply another name for retinol.
The important difference is how the skin converts each ingredient into retinoic acid, the biologically active form of vitamin A.
The conversion pathway can be simplified as:
Retinol → Retinal → Retinoic Acid
This means retinal requires one conversion step before becoming retinoic acid, whereas retinol requires two.
Because of this, retinal is generally considered a more active cosmetic retinoid than retinol. However, this doesn't mean that every retinal product is automatically stronger than every retinol product - the concentration, delivery system, formulation and frequency of use all matter.
What does Retinal do for the skin?
Retinal is primarily used in skincare to target visible signs of ageing and uneven skin texture.
With consistent use, a well-formulated retinal product can help:
- Improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Support firmer-looking skin
- Improve uneven skin texture
- Promote a smoother-looking complexion
- Improve the appearance of uneven pigmentation
- Support skin renewal
- Enhance overall radiance
Like other retinoids, retinal can initially cause dryness, flaking, redness or irritation, particularly if it is introduced too quickly.
Retinal vs Retinol: What's the difference?
Retinol and retinal are both vitamin A derivatives, but the main difference is their position within the retinoid conversion pathway.
Retinol requires two conversion steps:
Retinol → Retinal → Retinoic Acid
Retinal requires one:
Retinal → Retinoic Acid
This is one of the reasons retinal has become such an exciting ingredient within modern Korean skincare.
However, don't judge a retinal product purely by the percentage printed on the front of the packaging. Some Korean formulas refer to the concentration of a retinal liposome or retinal complex, rather than the percentage of pure retinal itself.
Formulation matters just as much as the number.
Why is Retinal becoming so popular in Korean Skincare?
K-beauty brands are increasingly using encapsulation and liposomal delivery technologies to formulate retinal alongside hydrating, soothing and barrier-supporting ingredients.
Rather than treating retinal as a standalone active, many Korean formulas combine it with ingredients such as ginseng, peptides, PDRN, ceramides and botanical extracts.
The result is a new generation of Korean retinoid skincare focused not only on visible wrinkles, but also on firmness, texture, radiance and overall skin quality.
Here are some of the retinal products currently worth knowing about.
K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng
The K-Secret Seoul 1988 Serum: Retinal Liposome 2% + Black Ginseng 30ml combines a retinal liposome complex with black ginseng in a Korean anti-ageing serum designed to target fine lines, texture and loss of firmness.
The liposomal approach is designed to incorporate retinal effectively within the formula, while black ginseng and complementary ingredients provide additional antioxidant and conditioning care.
This is a great option for those wanting to introduce retinal into their overall facial skincare routine rather than using it solely around the eyes.
Best for:
Fine lines, uneven texture, loss of firmness and dull-looking skin.
Arencia Retinal Booster Shot
The Arencia Retinal Booster Shot 30ml is another Korean retinal treatment focused on visible pores, fine lines, texture and firmness.
Designed as a concentrated booster treatment, it is particularly suited to skincare routines targeting early signs of ageing and uneven skin texture.
As with other retinal products, introduce it gradually and pay attention to how your skin responds before increasing frequency.
Best for:
Visible pores, uneven texture, fine lines and loss of firmness.
HaruHaru Wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum with Retinal 0.1%
Retinal meets another major Korean skincare ingredient in the HaruHaru Wonder Rose PDRN Firming Serum 30ml.
The formula contains 0.1% retinal alongside vegan Rose PDRN, peptides and adenosine, creating a treatment focused on skin renewal, elasticity and visible signs of ageing.
It's a particularly interesting example of where K-beauty is heading: combining established actives such as retinoids with newer ingredients and delivery systems associated with Korean firming and regenerative-style skincare.
Best for:
Fine lines, loss of elasticity, uneven texture and those looking for a PDRN and retinal formula in one product.
What about Retinal for the eye area?
Retinal isn't limited to full-face serums. Some of the most popular Korean retinal formulas have been developed specifically for the eye area.
Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal
The Beauty of Joseon Revive Eye Serum: Ginseng + Retinal 30ml combines retinal liposomes with ginseng extract in a lightweight eye treatment designed to improve the appearance of fine lines while supporting firmness and hydration.
Its fast-absorbing serum texture makes it easy to incorporate into an existing routine.
Best for:
Fine lines, dryness and loss of firmness around the eye area.
K-Secret Seoul 1988 Eye Cream: Retinal Liposome 4% + Fermented Bean
The K-Secret Seoul 1988 Eye Cream: Retinal Liposome 4% + Fermented Bean 30ml combines a retinal liposome complex with fermented soybean ingredients, bakuchiol and other skin-conditioning ingredients.
It provides more targeted care for the delicate eye contour, helping improve the appearance of fine lines, texture and firmness.
Again, the 4% refers to the retinal liposome complex stated by the brand rather than necessarily meaning 4% pure retinal.
Best for:
Visible fine lines, loss of firmness and those looking for targeted Korean retinal eye care.
Can you use Azelaic Acid and Retinal together?
Yes, azelaic acid and retinal can be incorporated into the same overall skincare routine.
There isn't an inherent incompatibility that means the two ingredients must never be used together.
In fact, they can complement each other particularly well in routines targeting a combination of:
- Blemishes
- Post-acne marks
- Uneven pigmentation
- Uneven texture
- Visible pores
- Fine lines
- Dullness
However, being compatible doesn't mean everyone should immediately layer them together.
Both ingredients can cause irritation, particularly when first introduced. Your tolerance will also depend on the strength and formulation of the individual products you're using.
For many people, especially beginners, there is little reason to start by layering both in the same evening routine.
How to use Azelaic Acid and Retinal together
There are several ways to combine the two ingredients.
Option 1: Azelaic Acid in the morning, Retinal at night
This is perhaps the simplest way to incorporate both.
Morning
Cleanser → Azelaic Acid → Moisturiser → SPF
Evening
Cleanser → Retinal → Moisturiser
Separating the ingredients makes it easier to identify which product is causing irritation if your skin reacts.
And regardless of which active ingredients you're using, broad-spectrum sunscreen should be an essential part of your morning routine.
Option 2: Alternate evenings
If you have sensitive skin or you're completely new to active skincare, alternating evenings may be a better place to start.
For example:
Monday: Azelaic acid
Tuesday: Simple hydrating routine
Wednesday: Retinal
Thursday: Simple hydrating routine
You can then adjust the frequency depending on how well your skin tolerates each ingredient.
There's no need to rush into daily use.
Option 3: Use both in the same routine
Experienced skincare users whose skin already tolerates both ingredients may choose to use azelaic acid and retinal within the same routine.
However, this isn't necessary to receive the benefits of either ingredient.
If layering causes persistent burning, redness, excessive dryness or peeling, reduce the frequency or separate the ingredients again.
Your skin barrier is more important than fitting as many trending actives as possible into one routine.
Which Goes First: Azelaic Acid or Retinal?
There isn't one universal layering rule because the correct order depends partly on the formulations you're using.
A general skincare rule is to apply products from lighter to richer textures, but when dealing with active ingredients, tolerability matters more than following an exact layering sequence.
If you're new to retinal, a simple routine is often best:
Cleanser → Retinal → Moisturiser
Azelaic acid can then be used in your morning routine or on alternate evenings.
For people prone to retinoid irritation, applying moisturiser before and/or after retinal - sometimes called the sandwich method which may also make the routine more comfortable.
Can beginners use Azelaic Acid and Retinal?
Yes, but we wouldn't recommend introducing both ingredients for the first time on the same day.
If your skin becomes irritated, you won't know which product caused it.
Instead:
- Introduce one active ingredient first.
- Start with a low frequency.
- Give your skin time to adjust.
- Introduce the second active only once your skin is comfortable.
- Increase frequency gradually rather than jumping straight to daily use.
This is especially important if your routine already contains AHAs, BHAs, exfoliating pads, vitamin C treatments or spicule products.