When it comes to skincare, there is no shortage of impressive active ingredients to know: bakuchiol , BHAs , tranexamic acid , and more. However, few people have heard about dioic acid, an ingredient that is said to reduce excess oil and bacteria, fade dark spots , and create a more even skin tone. Sound promising? Read on to find out more about this potentially game-changing ingredient.
What is dioic acid?
Dioic acid—which is sometimes also known as octadecenedioic acid—is a type of carboxylic acid derived from plants. It has a chemical structure similar to azelaic acid , an ingredient used to treat acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation. However, according to at least one study that compared dioic acid to hydraquinone—another popular treatment for dark spots and melasma —di