Succinic acid, a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid, has attracted interest in the cosmetic industry for its multifaceted benefits for the skin. This ingredient is not only efficient in tackling blemishes but also plays a crucial role in maintaining a glowing complexion. Below, we explore the specific cosmetic products containing succinic acid and the scientific reasoning behind its inclusion.
Where Can We Locate Succinic Acid in Cosmetics?
Summary
Published on November 18, 2024, by Jamal, PhD, Doctor of human pathology and infectious diseases — 7 min of reading
Themes:
Succinic Acid in Serums and Specific Treatments.
Serums are intense treatments with swift absorption, perfect for tackling blemishes with potent active components such as succinic acid. Serums containing succinic acid are particularly beneficial for skin prone to blemishes due to their lightweight texture, which encourages deep and rapid absorption. This swift penetration allows succinic acid to target blemishes with an appropriate concentration, stimulating cell proliferation and providing extensive benefits for skin luminosity and hydration.
At Typology, you can find succinic acid in our Blemishes Day Serum. Formulated with 98% natural-origin ingredients, this treatment combines the antibacterial and exfoliating properties of succinic acid with the seboregulating power of copper PCA to reduce all types of imperfections. Use over the whole face, after cleansing and drying.
Succinic Acid in Creams and Lotions.
Daily creams and lotions containing succinic acid are perfect for preserving skin elasticity and tautness. These products offer the optimal texture for delivering succinic acid's skin-tightening and anti-ageing advantages, as they facilitate gradual and consistent absorption suitable for all skin types.
Succinic Acid in Gels for Sebum Regulation.
Gels are frequently suggested for oily and combination skin types owing to their lightweight, non-greasy texture. Gels fortified with succinic acid are especially appropriate for oily or combination skin, due to their refreshing, non-greasy formulation. This kind of product takes advantage of succinic acid's oil-regulating properties, aiding in the control of sebum production, reduction of shine, and provision of anti-inflammatory benefits, all whilst preventing pore blockage.
Succinic Acid in Facial Masks.
Face masks composed with succinic acid offer profound hydration and are frequently applied in a semi-thick layer to optimise their benefits. Masks based on succinic acid, generally applied in a semi-thick layer for numerous minutes, provide intensive hydration and assist in fortifying the skin barrier. This formulation permits succinic acid to maintain contact with the skin for a prolonged duration, promoting enduring moisture and a smoother skin texture.
Succinic Acid in Products for Acne-Susceptible Skin.
Succinic acid is frequently incorporated into acne-combating products due to its antimicrobial characteristics, efficiently targeting bacteria that cause acne and diminishing post-acne blemishes. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial attributes make it perfect for skin susceptible to acne, assisting to soothe breakouts whilst addressing bacterial proliferation.
Succinic acid in Hair Care Products.
Succinic acid is not yet extensively utilised in hair care products, with the majority of research concentrating on its skin advantages. However, recent studies have demonstrated that succinic acid can enhance hair flexibility and elasticity by diminishing the rigidity of the outer hair layer, resulting in SHINAYAKA hair—hair that is pliable and elastic. Whilst further research is required to fully comprehend its potential in hair care, the known effects on skin suggest promising applications for scalp and hair health.
Sources
CHIEN S. C. & al. Anti-inflammatory Activities of New Succinic and Maleic Derivatives from the Fruiting Body of Antrodia camphorata. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry (2008).
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 & Development (2012).
OKADA T. & al. Microbiota-derived lactate accelerates colon epithelial cell turnover in starvation-refed mice. Nature Communications (2013).
HERMAN A. & al. Essential oils and their constituents as skin penetration enhancer for transdermal drug delivery: a review. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology (2015).
LI W. & al. UCP2 Knockout Suppresses Mouse Skin Carcinogenesis. Cancer Prevention Research (2015).
SAXENA R. & al. Production and Applications of Succinic Acid. Current Developments in Biotechnology and Bioengineering (2017).
PURNAMAWATI S. & al. The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review. Current Developments in Biotechnology and Bioengineering (2017).
TORRES-MAYANGA P. & al. Production of biofuel precursors and value-added chemicals from hydrolysates resulting from hydrothermal processing of biomass: A review. Biomass and Bioenergy (2019).
EZURE M. & al. The Secrets of Beautiful Hair: Why is it Flexible and Elastic? Cosmetics (2019).
STOICA C. & al. The role of skin microbiome in the pathogenesis of acne vulgaris. Dermato-venereology (2020).
KULAWIK-PIORO A. & al. Polymeric Gels and Their Application in the Treatment of Psoriasis Vulgaris: A Review. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2021).
CHUNG H. J. & al. Development and metabolic profiling of a postbiotic complex exhibiting antibacterial activity against skin microorganisms and anti-inflammatory effect on human keratinocytes. Food science and biotechnology (2022).
KHAN N. & al. Pharmaceutical based cosmetic serums. Profiles of Drug Substances, Excipients and Related Methodology (2023).
WANG Y. & al. Efficacy of a moisturizing cream and facial mask for alleviating skin problems associated with medical mask use: A half-face, randomized controlled study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2024).
DE LUCAS R. & al. New clinical approach in facial mild–moderate acne: Re-stabilization of skin microbiota balance with a topical biotechnological phytocomplex. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2024).
