What is succinic acid?

A naturally occurring organic acid, obtained by fermenting amber or sugarcane. It is not a widely known name outside of specialized cosmetics, but it deserves to be: it acts as an exfoliant, purifier, and antioxidant all at once, with exceptional tolerance that sets it apart from more aggressive acids.

It is one of those ingredients that does several things well without demanding anything in return. Ideal for skin that needs to improve texture, pores, or imperfections but does not tolerate glycolic or salicylic acid well.

How it works

It works on several fronts simultaneously. On the one hand, it progressively promotes skin renewal, facilitating the removal of dead cells without the typical aggressiveness of conventional AHAs or BHAs. On the other hand, it has proven antimicrobial action against acne-associated bacteria, which makes it particularly interesting for blemish-prone skin.

It also regulates sebum production, helping to keep the skin more balanced and less shiny, and has an affinity with the skin's natural lipids, which contributes to moisture retention. It renews without drying, purifies without irritating.

It is usually formulated at low concentrations, around 2%, which explains its good tolerance even with frequent use.

Properties and benefits

• Purifying and antimicrobial. Keeps blemish-associated bacteria at bay and reduces the appearance of redness without damaging the skin barrier.
• Gentle renewal. Progressively exfoliates, improves texture, and refines pores without the irritating effect of more potent acids.
• Sebum-regulating. Balances oil production in combination or oily skin, reducing shine with continued use.
• Antioxidant. Protects against oxidative stress and contributes to a more even and luminous tone.
• Hydrating and comfortable. Its affinity with skin lipids prevents post-application tightness, which is common with other exfoliants.

Use and integration into routine

Suitable for daily use due to its good tolerance. It works well in serums and treatments for skin with imperfections, visible pores, or excess sebum. Compatible with niacinamide, beta-glucan, and hyaluronic acid.

A lesser-known use: it also acts on the scalp, helping to balance excess oil and improve comfort. It is not its most common use, but it works.

Curiosities and facts

Amber contains interesting chemistry
Succinic acid was first identified in Baltic amber in the 16th century, hence its Latin name: succinummeans amber. Today it is mainly obtained by fermentation from plant sources, but the link with fossil amber is real and has more than 400 years of history.

It is a natural metabolite of the human body
Succinic acid is part of the Krebs cycle, the process by which cells produce energy. Applying it to the skin is not alien to human biology; the skin recognizes and processes it easily, which partly explains its excellent tolerance.

Gentler than glycolic, more versatile than salicylic
Glycolic acid is more potent but also more irritating. Salicylic acid penetrates the pore better but can be drying. Succinic acid finds an intermediate point that makes it very useful for sensitive or reactive skin that needs renewal without paying the toll of irritation.

This is how it appears in the INCI: Succinic Acid

Other active ingredients you might be interested in

Niacinamide— an ideal complement to address pores, sebum, and imperfections from another angle.
PHA— gentle exfoliants with built-in hydration, same philosophy of respect for the skin.
Hyaluronic acid— to balance the renewing effect with deep hydration.
Beta-glucan— soothing and repairing, perfect in the same routine.