The Benefits of Succinic Acid

There are only a few skincare ingredients hailed as true heroes in the fight against acne, namely retinoids, salicylic acid, and benzoyl peroxide. However, there is one lesser-known ingredient that not only tackles one of the world’s most common skin concerns but does it gently. It’s succinic acid.

Succinic acid is a naturally occurring compound derived from amber or sugarcane that boasts powerful antioxidant properties, helping to correct and protect skin from free radical damage. In recent years, a synthetic version of succinic acid has been created, making the ingredient more available, more sustainable, and more cost-effective.

Unlike most acids, succinic acid does not have chemical exfoliating properties and is instead more closely aligned with hyaluronic acid.

One main reason succinic acid is hailed as a great contender in the fight against acne is its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, which help calm the skin and promote wound healing. It also controls bacteria levels in the skin and balances oil production, reducing the likelihood of clogged pores and breakouts.

In addition to treating acne, succinic acid boasts anti-ageing benefits. It boosts skin cell turnover, which encourages increased collagen production, maintaining skin elasticity and firmness, and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Succinic acid also has a very similar structure to our skin’s own lipids, acting as an effective hydrator. Furthermore, it helps restore the skin’s natural pH levels, ensuring skin is neither too dry nor too oily.

While succinic acid boasts several skincare benefits, the number of products containing the ingredient is currently quite limited. However we’ve shared our favourites below.

Cetaphil Gentle Clear Triple-Action Blemish Salicylic Acid Serum

Designed for breakout-prone and sensitive skin, this soothing milky serum takes a multi-targeted approach to blemish care. Powered by a blend of salicylic acid, PHA, succinic acid, niacinamide, zinc, and prebiotics, the oil-free formula helps reduce active breakouts, fade post-acne marks, and support a clearer-looking complexion without compromising hydration.

Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser

An Elemis bestseller for well over a decade, the Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser effectively removes dirt, makeup, and impurities to deeply clean the skin without stripping it of essential moisture. The gel cleanser is formulated with a trio of acids — succinic acid, lactic acid, and ferulic acid — and minerals to help boost collagen production, fight free radical damage, balance oil production, and hydrate.

The Inkey List Succinic Acid Treatment

The Inkey List’s Succinic Acid Treatment gently reduces inflammation and clears blemishes quickly.

Its impressive formula features 2% succinic acid combined with 2% sulphur and 1% salicylic acid to help shrink blemishes and blackheads, reduce excess oil production, unblock pores, and prevent them from clogging again after use. Complete with hyaluronic acid to deliver a hit of hydration, the cream layers seamlessly beneath makeup without drying or flaking, making it perfect for everyday use.

Face Gym Skin Changer

Skin Changer is a skin-barrier-friendly 2-in-1 exfoliating essence-toner that targets congestion, blemishes, dullness, and dehydration in one hit.

It features 2% succinic acid, quince leaf extract, and upcycled pumpkin extract — a powerful trio that works together to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells, unclog pores, and promote cell renewal for clearer, brighter skin. A restorative blend of amino acids, magnesium, and glycogen also helps hydrate and nourish the skin, leaving it feeling soft and plump.

Perricone MD Blemish Relief Calming Treatment & Hydrator

With an infusion of lactic and succinic acids, the Blemish Relief Calming Treatment & Hydrator is designed to support the normal function of the skin’s microbiome.

The skin-saving treatment works to target the bacteria associated with blemishes and breakouts, helping to promote a clearer, healthier-looking complexion. Citrulline, an alpha-amino acid, helps calm redness, while niacinamide visibly reduces the appearance of active blemishes. Niacinamide also helps maintain the skin’s moisture levels, working alongside non-comedogenic squalane to deliver long-lasting hydration.

Medicube Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pad

If your skin is in a constant battle with congestion, oiliness, or post-breakout marks, Medicube’s Red Succinic Acid Peeling Pads deserve a spot in your routine. Soaked in a lightweight, non-sticky formula, these exfoliating pads pair succinic acid with niacinamide and panthenol to help smooth texture, refine pores, and calm stressed-out skin without stripping it dry.