Succinic Acid
What Succinic Acid is & what it does
Succinic Acid is a small dicarboxylic acid that occurs naturally and is also produced synthetically for cosmetic use. In formulas it commonly acts as a pH adjuster and buffering agent, and it is sometimes included for its mild exfoliating and skin-conditioning qualities. It is typically used at low levels to fine-tune a product's acidity.
What does Succinic Acid do in skincare?
Succinic Acid is mainly used as a pH adjuster and buffering agent in skincare and sunscreen formulas. It helps keep a product at its intended acidity for stability and performance. It is also sometimes included for mild exfoliating and skin-conditioning qualities.
Is Succinic Acid safe?
Succinic Acid is generally considered safe at the low levels typically used in cosmetics. It occurs naturally in the body and in many foods, which adds to its long history of use. As with any acid, very high concentrations are more likely to be irritating, but standard formulas stay well below that.
Is Succinic Acid natural or synthetic?
Succinic Acid occurs naturally in plants and in the human body, but the grade used in cosmetics is usually produced synthetically or through fermentation for consistency. Both natural and lab-made versions are the same molecule. The sourcing depends on the supplier.
Sunscreens with Succinic Acid
We rate 7 sunscreens that contain it:
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UIQ Biome Re: Tone-up Sun Cream
93/100
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UIQ Biome Remedy Watery Sun Cream
92/100
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Biore Biore Uv Nobi Nobi Kids Milk Spf 50+/Pa++++
87/100
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Biore Biore Uv Kids Milk Spf 50
86/100
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Biore Biore Kids Smooth Uv Milk Spf 50+ Pa++++
78/100
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Cantabria Labs Heliocare 360 Acnimat SPF 50
72/100
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UIQ Biome Remedy Mild Sun Cream
71/100