Succinic Acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid found in plants, animals, and fermentation processes. In cosmetics, it serves as a mild pH adjuster, chelating agent, and gentle exfoliant with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It is gaining popularity in clean beauty and sensitive-skin formulations due to its low irritation potential compared to stronger AHAs. Succinic Acid appears in toners, serums, cleansers, masks, anti-acne products, and hair care items, where it helps balance pH, support preservation, and provide mild resurfacing and clarifying benefits.
Products with SUCCINIC ACID
With samples available
Cosmethicone® SF-5086
by BioMax Si&F
HairGrow Plus KGL.01
by LEV (Ekstraktu Rupnica)
- Sustainable option
ReBalance KGL
by LEV (Ekstraktu Rupnica)
- Sustainable option
What is SUCCINIC ACID used for?
- Buffering / pH adjusting: Stabilizes formulation pH in the skin-friendly range (around 4-5.5). Frequently used in toners, serums, cleansers, and emulsions to ensure compatibility and efficacy.
- Chelating agent: Binds metal ions (iron, copper, calcium) to prevent oxidation and improve preservative performance. Common in hard-water regions for stable, clear products.
- Skin conditioning / Mild exfoliant: Provides gentle resurfacing and antimicrobial support. Ideal for acne-prone or oily skin products, toners, and masks targeting impurities and uneven texture.
Origin
Succinic Acid is produced through microbial fermentation of renewable carbohydrates (glucose, sucrose from corn, cassava, or sugarcane) using bacteria such as Anaerobiospirillum succiniciproducens or engineered strains of Escherichia coli. This bio-based process yields high-purity succinic acid as a white crystalline powder. Historically petrochemical-derived, modern cosmetic and food-grade succinic acid is predominantly fermentation-based, aligning with sustainable and clean beauty trends.
What does SUCCINIC ACID do in a formulation?
BUFFERING|
CHELATING|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
ANTIOXIDANT|
ANTIMICROBIALSafety Profile
Succinic Acid is considered safe for cosmetic use, with a low hazard rating from EWG (1) and minimal concerns for irritation, sensitization, or toxicity at typical concentrations (0.1-5%). It is milder than glycolic or salicylic acid, showing low stinging potential even on sensitive skin. Non-comedogenic and well-tolerated across skin types.
SUCCINIC ACID alternatives
SUCCINIC ACID technical profile
| Property | Values |
| Boiling Point | 235°C (decomposes) |
| Melting Point | 185-187°C |
| pH | ~2.6 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water; soluble in alcohols |
Formulations with SUCCINIC ACID
No data available
By Application
No data available