Succinic acid, an aliphatic dicarboxylic acid (C4H6O4), is a naturally occurring organic compound that is gaining increasing popularity in the cosmetic industry. Although it was initially extracted from amber, it is now primarily produced through microbial fermentation, making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable alternative. This article explores the numerous benefits of succinic acid for the skin, highlighting its properties and effectiveness in skincare.
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What are the benefits of succinic acid for the skin?
Summary
- Benefit No.1: The antimicrobial action of succinic acid and its reduction of skin blemishes
- Benefit No. 2: Succinic acid possesses anti-inflammatory properties
- Benefit No. 3: Succinic Acid is believed to have hydrating effects
- Benefit No. 4: The antioxidant virtues of succinic acid
- Benefit No. 5: Succinic Acid could help to preserve collagen
- Benefit No.6: Succinic Acid would stimulate mitochondrial activity
- Benefit No. 7: Succinic Acid could regulate cell proliferation
- Sources
Published November 7, 2024,
updated on December 3, 2024,
by
Jamal, PhD, Doctor of human pathology and infectious diseases
—
7 min read
Benefit No.1: The antimicrobial action of succinic acid and its reduction of skin blemishes.
The succinic acid possesses antimicrobial properties, making it an effective ingredient in cosmetic formulations. At concentrations as low as 0.1%, it can inhibit the growth of bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans and Cutibacterium acnes, which are often involved in the development of skin blemishes, by more than 99.9%. By limiting the proliferation of these microorganisms, the succinic acid helps to improve the appearance of blemish-prone skin. However, to confirm this observation, in vivo studies would be necessary to demonstrate the clinical efficacy of succinic acid on skin blemishes.
Benefit No. 2: Succinic acid possesses anti-inflammatory properties.
In addition to its antimicrobial effects, succinic acid is suggested to possess anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have indicated that it may play a role in the modulation of inflammatory responses, as observed in conditions such as sepsis, where elevated levels of succinic acid are linked to a modified immune response. This acid has been shown to contribute to the reduction of redness and inflammation, which is particularly interesting for skin prone to irritation and blemishes.
However, it is important to note that more specific research is needed to establish the effectiveness of succinic acid in skincare. For instance, a recent study on amber teething necklaces revealed that there was no solid evidence that the succinic acid has anti-inflammatory effects when applied topically to the skin. Moreover, tests on macrophages showed that succinic acid did not lead to a reduction in inflammatory cytokines and could even be toxic at high concentrations. Understanding these mechanisms of action and their clinical implications can help to better define the role of succinic acid in skincare and establish connections with other skin concerns.
Benefit No. 3: Succinic Acid is believed to have hydrating effects.
Research shows that succinic acid can contribute to skin hydration. By strengthening the skin barrier, it helps to seal in moisture and soothe inflammation, while improving skin elasticity. These hydrating properties are essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin, particularly for sensitive skin or skin prone to dryness.
Benefit No. 4: The antioxidant virtues of succinic acid.
Succinic acid plays a crucial role as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from free radicals that are responsible for premature ageing. By neutralising these harmful agents, it helps to shield the skin from external aggressors, while also enhancing the stability of formulations. However, it would be pertinent to conduct clinical studies to assess the impact of these antioxidant properties on skin tone and elasticity.
Benefit No. 5: Succinic Acid could help to preserve collagen.
Research suggests that succinic acid could inhibit the degradation of collagen, a vital protein for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. As a regenerative ingredient, it is used to prevent the onset of skin ageing signs. It would be interesting to further explore the mechanisms of action at the cellular level, particularly how succinic acid interacts with fibroblasts to support collagen synthesis.
Benefit No.6: Succinic Acid would stimulate mitochondrial activity.
Succinic Acid promotes the regeneration of skin cells by increasing their energy through the stimulation of mitochondrial activity. This mechanism can have beneficial effects on skin tone and improve overall appearance. However, it would be essential to investigate whether clinical trials have demonstrated an improvement in skin tone and appearance due to this property.
Benefit No. 7: Succinic Acid could regulate cell proliferation.
Succinate, a derivative of succinic acid, plays a fundamental role in the inhibition of hyperproliferation of skin cells by activating mitochondrial respiration. This property is particularly relevant for treating skin disorders such as hyperkeratosis. Clinical studies could help establish a correlation between this regulation and an improvement in skin conditions.
The key takeaway.
Succinic acid provides antimicrobial properties that help combat the bacteria responsible for skin imperfections.
Thanks to its antioxidant properties succinic acid protects the skin from free radicals, thus helping to prevent premature ageing.
Succinic acid promotes the regeneration of skin cells and enhances the skin's firmness.
By regulating cellular proliferation, succinic acid contributes to improving the overall health and appearance of the skin.
Sources
XIAO M. & al. Inhibition of α-KG-dependent histone and DNA demethylases by fumarate and succinate that are accumulated in mutations of FH and SDH tumor suppressors. Genes and development (2012)
PALSSON-MCDERMOTT E. & al. The Warburg effect then and now: from cancer to inflammatory diseases. Bioessays (2013).
WANG Y. & al. Staphylococcus epidermidis in the human skin microbiome mediates fermentation to inhibit the growth of Propionibacterium acnes: implications of probiotics in acne vulgaris. Applied microbiology and biotechnology (2014).
PALAGINA I. Pro-/antioxidant reactions and nitrogen oxide metabolism under sub-chronic effect of succinic acid derivatives. The Ukrainian Biochemical Journal (2017).
PURNAMAWATI S. & al. The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review. Clinical medicine and research (2017).
KUMAR R. & al. Use of succinic & oxalic acid in reducing the dosage of colistin against New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase-1 bacteria. Indian Journal of Medical Research (2018).
NISSEN M. & al. Baltic amber teething necklaces: could succinic acid leaching from beads provide anti-inflammatory effects? BMC complementary and alternative medicines (2019).
TURKEVYCH A. & al. Improving skin quality with hyaluronic acid and succinic acid. Aesthetic Feature (2020).
LIU H. & al. Spectroscopic analysis of wild medicinal desert plants from wadi sanor (beni-suef), Egypt, and their antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. International Immunopharmacology (2022).
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