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Common Name(s): Nonanedioic acid alternative,azelaic acid functional equivalent
CAS Number: 1852-14-8
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides azelaic acid-functional tyrosinase inhibition and anti-acne activity from natural oleic acid ozonolysis.
Why It's Used: Natural-origin azelaic acid functional alternative for clean beauty formulations seeking the proven benefits of azelaic acid with plant-derived provenance.
How It Works: Mixture of c7-c10 dicarboxylic acids (azelaic, pimelic, suberic, sebacic) from plant oleic acid ozonolysis provides tyrosinase inhibition (ic50 comparable to azelaic acid), anti-acne p. acnes antimicrobial activity, and anti-inflammatory prostaglandin inhibition.
Typically Found In: Natural brightening products,anti-acne clean beauty formulas
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ azelaic acid inci alternative
Secondary Functions: Natural azelaic acid equivalent,tyrosinase inhibition
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ10%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes โ from plant oleic acid (olive, sunflower)
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Fermentation-derived or synthetic. ph must be โค4.0 for aha activity.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 2/5 โ low to moderate
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Photosensitizing โ mandatory spf use. start at low frequency.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Use with caution โ spf required
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Safe at otc concentrations. eu: โค10% leave-on at ph โฅ3.5. mandatory spf advisory.
Works Well With: Niacinamide,ceramides,hyaluronic acid,spf
Avoid Combining With: Retinol in same step; multiple exfoliants simultaneously
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Dioic acid's functional equivalence to azelaic acid is mechanistically rational โ both are dicarboxylic acids with medium-length carbon chains (c7-c10), and the structural similarity provides essentially identical tyrosinase competitive inhibition through the same active site binding geometry. the difference is solely in origin: petrochemical fermentation (azelaic acid) vs plant oleic acid ozonolysis (dioic acid).
Last Verified: Cosing database,symrise dioic acid technical data
Primary Sources: 2026-03-12