Succinic Acid Is Your Key To Smooth, Luminous Skin
This vital skincare ingredient is cropping up in all of your new favorite trending skincare products for its gentle hydrating, anti-microbial properties. Here's how to implement it into your routine for a top-tier glow.
With a new leading skincare ingredient popping up as a viral, holy grail solution nearly every week, there's no doubt that it can be tricky to keep up, but succinic acid, the latest discovery, is one that's here to stay. Chances are, if you take a quick peek at your skincare collection, you'll discover that the rejuvenating ingredient is already in many of your favorite products, but as per usual, the beauty industry never truly slows down, prompting new releases with increased quantities of succinic acid. As more and more new succinic acid skincare products crop up on your For You Page or the recommended tab of your favorite beauty retailer, it's more crucial than ever to understand all of the benefits, recommended uses, and formulations of succinic acid.
At its core, succinic acid is an anti-microbial compound that has been clinically proven to hold powerful anti-aging effects while combatting acne and other skin blemishes. Because of its anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties, succinic acid has emerged as a popular ingredient in blemish treatments that promote clear, smooth skin. Among the other benefits succinic acid has to offer is intense hydration, which works in tandem with the compound's ability to control and balance excessive oil on the face, making it a great option for dry skin and oily skin types alike.
"At the cellular level, succinic acid accelerates metabolic processes that promote skin rejuvenation, and can ultimately, help increase skin firmness and elasticity," said Gretchen Frieling, a board-certified dermatopathologist, in an interview with Byrdie.
“Salicylic acid is a beta-hydroxy acid that works as a keratolytic to disrupt the bonds between cells so it has an exfoliating effect,” Rachel Westbay, a board-certified dermatologist, said in an interview with Cosmopolitan. While salicylic acid has remained a popular choice for managing acne, smoothing skin texture, and brightening the appearance of skin for years, succinic acid has emerged as a less-intensive—but equally as effective—option, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive skin. When found in skincare products, acids are typically perceived to be harsh and stripping, but succinic acid falls more in line with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which is anything but severe.
Looking to brighten up your complexion or smooth out the surface of your skin? Look towards succinic acid—the ingredient taking over skincare products much-beloved by social media. Join L'OFFICIEL as we explore all of the succinic acid spot treatments, facial toners, and serums that hold the key to luminous, super-soft skin.
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For those not struggling with blemishes or hyperpigmentation, incorporating succinic acid into your skincare routine in the form of an eye gel is a great way to reap all of the benefits of the multi-tasking acid without overcomplicating your existing skincare routine. Formulated with caffeine, peptides, and traces of succinic acid, this eye gel is sure to give your dark circles and puffy under-eye area a much-needed boost, while also delivering powerful anti-aging effects to gently combat fine lines and wrinkles.
Dermalogica Awaken Peptide De-Puffing Eye Gel, $59, Ulta
Formulated with collagen and succinic acid, tackling dull skin has never been easier than with this ultra-effective cleanser from Elemis in your skincare collection. Perfect for removing makeup and providing your skin a much-needed boost at the end of the day, this cleanser leaves your skin looking plump and rejuvenated without stripping hydration from the surface of your face.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser, $68, Ulta
While succinic acid itself isn't an exfoliating ingredient, this toner from Face Gym combines the gentle anti-microbial effect of succinic acid with pumpkin extract and gluconolactone to strengthen your skin density, promote radiance, and combat blemishes in their early stages.
Face Gym Skin Changer Succinic Acid Toner, $55, Sephora
Looking for just a subtle boost to your skincare routine? Reach for the Flower Beauty Afterglow Serum as your new AM/PM go-to. Minimal, but potent traces of succinic acid in the formula help rejuvenate your skin by lightly smoothing wrinkles and fine lines and brightening your skin's appearance over time.
Flower Beauty Afterglow Serum, $19, Ulta
If you're looking for a more intensive succinic acid treatment, opt for the Medicube Succinic Acid Serum, a favorite among K-beauty enthusiasts. Formulated with niacinamide, a small percentage of salicylic acid, panthenol, and succinic acid, this serum is an ideal way to go about clearing dark spots and hyperpigmentation while combatting blemishes at the same time. Although this serum may be ideal for those with more resilient skin, be sure to patch-test this serum or cycle it into your routine before going all out, as the strong formula may prove too intense for sensitive skin.
Medicube Red Succinic Acid Serum, $32, YesStyle
As per usual, Gen-Z-beloved skincare brand The Inkey List was early on the trendy skincare ingredient, resulting in this top-tier succinic acid treatment. Perfect for clearing blemishes and reducing oil in the T-zone, this effective, yet soothing cream treatment is optimal for adding on top of skincare at night or layering under makeup during the day. With a 2% concentration of succinic acid, you're sure to feel the benefits of this treatment without any of the flaky, dry, or irritated skin that other blemish treatments often result in.
The Inkey List 2% Succinic Acid Treatment, $13, The Inkey List
