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Succinoglycan

What Succinoglycan is & what it does

Succinoglycan is a high molecular weight polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, typically by Sinorhizobium or related microorganisms. In cosmetic and sunscreen formulas it acts as a thickener, stabilizer, and texture enhancer, helping to suspend ingredients and give a smooth, gel-like feel. A notable property is that it builds viscosity at low concentrations and tolerates a range of pH and salt conditions, which makes it useful for stabilizing emulsions.

What does Succinoglycan do in skincare?

Succinoglycan is a polysaccharide that acts as a thickener and stabilizer. It builds viscosity and a smooth, gel-like texture, and it helps suspend and stabilize the other ingredients in a formula. It is often used to keep emulsions consistent.

Is Succinoglycan natural or synthetic?

Succinoglycan is produced by bacterial fermentation, so it is a biotechnology-derived, naturally sourced polysaccharide rather than a petrochemical synthetic. It is made by microorganisms grown in a controlled fermentation process. The result is then purified for use in cosmetics.

Is Succinoglycan safe?

Succinoglycan is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in topical cosmetic products. Polysaccharide gums of this type are generally chosen for their mild profile in formulas. As always, individual sensitivities can vary, so patch testing a new product is reasonable.

Sunscreens with Succinoglycan

We rate 30 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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