Succinic Acid For Skin: How To Use It & How Does It Benefit

The truth about skin care compounds is that they only gain popularity once the beauty world begins to talk about them publicly. Case in point: succinic acid for the skin. This antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antibacterial component has been used in skin care products for a long time. It claims to help with a variety of skin problems.

Do you want to learn more about what this acid is and how it helps your skin? In the following sections, we will go over all you need to know about succinic acid and how to use it properly. Keep reading!

What Is Succinic Acid?

Succinic acid is found naturally in amber and sugarcane and can be obtained through the process of fermentation for commercial use. Although it is not backed by enough scientific research yet, succinic acid is often compared with salicylic acid by skincare enthusiasts. While its application and benefits are under analysis, it is already being used actively in the food and pharmaceutical sector for different purposes (1).

Succinic acid was found to be soluble in ethyl esters, methanols, ethanols, and more. The acid was also found to mix well with water (2).

Fun Fact

Succinic acid is a colorless, crystalline solid and has a melting point of 365–369°F.

In the next section, we will explore certain purported benefits of succinic acid.

Can Succinic Acid Treat Acne, Fine Lines, And Wrinkles?

Succinic acid is among the four fatty acids with short chains that can inhibit the growth of P. acnes, the bacteria responsible for acne (3).

Succinic acid may also help control the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines on the face. However, there are no confirmed scientific studies to back this statement. Indirect findings can be linked to the use of honey, which contains succinic acid, to treat wrinkles (4).

Succinic acid is also thought to control sebum production on the skin, balance skin’s pH levels, and decongest the skin pores. Consequently, the use of succinic acid has been linked to the reduction of blackheads and acne marks. However, research is limited in this regard.

Here are some other potential benefits of succinic acid on your skin. These are yet to be backed by concrete research:

• May slough away dead skin cells
• May target blemishes and make skin clearer
• May offer antibacterial and antimicrobial benefits
• May prevent collagen breakdown

Succinic acid may:

• Reduce Breakouts On The Skin: It possesses anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties that may contribute to reducing breakouts, resulting in a clearer skin tone and radiant skin (3).
• Regulate Oil Production: Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may help regulate oil production by controlling sebum levels. It may also balance skin hydration by retaining water in the skin cells, preventing excess sebum production.
• Promote Cell Renewal: It may promote cell renewal by enhancing cellular metabolism. It can mimic conditions similar to low oxygen levels in cells, which could help these cells maintain their youthfulness and ability to regenerate (5). This process contributes to a refreshed complexion, potentially reducing the appearance of imperfections and promoting healthier-looking skin.

The acid seems to have some benefit for oily skin. It also may clear pores. In the next section, we will discuss the right way to use it in your skincare routine.

How Do You Use Succinic Acid In Skincare?

Succinic acid is not available as a standalone ingredient. It comes as an ingredient in a skincare product. The right way to use the product is as a treatment step in your skincare routine. You can apply it under your moisturizer where it can penetrate your skin’s deeper layers.

Laura Leanne, a YouTuber shares her 30-day journey of testing succinic acid for blemish treatment. Laura documents the progress, starting with the application process. She concludes on the last day, “It’s been really nice to use (i).” Further, she adds, “There’s been no irritation whatsoever. I generally feel like I’m putting a moisturizer on my skin like there’s been no itchiness there’s been no peeling just absolutely nothing.”

Trivia

Succinic acid was first isolated around 1546 when it was first distilled from amber. It is naturally found in fungi and lichens.

But is succinic acid suitable for all skin types?

Is Succinic Acid Suitable For All Skin Types?

Succinic acid is known to exfoliate the skin gently. As a result, you may, if at all, experience very little irritation. The acid seems to be most ideal even for those with sensitive skin or who are prone to acne.

In a 2021 study in Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology that included 3050 participants, 1526 reported having sensitive skin, while 1524 reported having non-sensitive skin. Younger age groups, especially up to 34 years, had higher rates of sensitivity. In particular, Fitzpatrick phototypes I and III reported sensitive skin. Individuals with these skin types may consider adding succinic acid to their skin care routine.

However, there are no proven side effects of succinic acid. Unless someone has a specific allergy to the acid, just about anyone can make use of it. But you can still perform a patch test to check how your skin reacts to the acid. If you experience any adverse reactions to succinic acid or are unsure if you must use it, consult a dermatologist.

Some believe succinic acid, when combined with hyaluronic acid, can give great results. How far is this claim true?

Succinic Acid And Hyaluronic Acid: The Cosmetic Uses

Using hyaluronic acid and succinic acid together may have significant results on the skin. These include added moisturization, skin lifting, and smoothening of the skin texture. It also helps exfoliate the skin. Over time, this combination can also reduce skin hyperpigmentation (6).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use succinic acid every day?

Yes, succinic acid can be used as a daily moisturizer since it is quite moisturizing, gets absorbed quickly, and feels comfortable on the skin. But, first, perform a patch test and wait 24 hours to ensure that your skin is compatible with the ingredient.

Is succinic acid good for dark spots?

Anecdotal evidence suggests that succinic acid helps prevent dark spots while remaining gentle on the skin. However, there is no scientific evidence to back up this claim.

Is succinic acid better than benzoyl peroxide?

Succinic acid is said to be better than benzoyl peroxide since it is gentler and less drying, making it an excellent choice for sensitive or inflamed skin.

What is another name for succinic acid?

Succinic acid is also known as butanedioic acid.

Succinic acid is quickly becoming a widely popular element in the world of skincare. Check out this following video showing you how succinic acid helps rejuvenate your skin, and how it can become a part of your daily skincare routine.

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Reviewer Author Editor Fact Checker

Dr. Sreekar HarinathaMBBS, MS, MCh, DNB

   

Dr. Sreekar Harinatha is a double board-certified and award-winning plastic and cosmetic surgeon with 18 years of experience. He specializes in various cosmetic surgeries and treatments, including liposuction, gynecomastia surgery, hair transplantation, mommy makeovers, Brazilian butt lifts, rhinoplasty, lasers, and other skin treatments.

Read full bio of Dr. Sreekar Harinatha

Arshiya SyedaCo-Editor-in-Chief

 

Arshiya Syeda is the Co-Editor-in-Chief of StyleCraze with 8 years of experience. Prior to that, she was a content writer who combined her writing and research skills to write over 200 high-performing articles on hairstyles, hair care, and skin care.

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Ramona SinhaEditor

Ramona is an editor at StyleCraze with 11 years of experience in writing and editing. She has authored over 200 articles on skin and hair care. She graduated from the University of Calcutta, West Bengal, and did her post-graduation from the University of Kalyani, West Bengal.

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Swathi ESenior Beauty & Lifestyle Writer

Swathi has a postgraduate degree in English literature from The English And Foreign Languages University, Hyderabad, and over three years of experience in writing on beauty, health, and lifestyle. She also has a diploma in English journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Kottayam, and is a certified skincare coach.

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