Succinic acid is appearing in cosmetology more and more frequently — and for good reason. It is an ingredient that works on several levels simultaneously: it regulates, regenerates, and supports cellular metabolism. It is worth understanding what it is and why its presence in professional clinic preparations and home skincare products has genuine justification.
What Is Succinic Acid
Succinic acid, known by its INCI name Succinic Acid, is an organic compound that occurs naturally in the human body as part of the Krebs cycle — the fundamental cellular energy process. This is not a synthetic invention — it is a substance that skin cells recognise and are able to utilise. In cosmetology it is used both in its free acid form and as a salt — sodium succinate (Sodium Succinate) is the form used, among other applications, in redermalization preparations.
What Succinic Acid Does for the Skin
Succinic acid works primarily at the cellular level — it activates the metabolic activity of skin cells and accelerates regenerative processes. In practice, this translates into several effects that are particularly valuable for tired, dehydrated, or stressed skin.
It has anti-inflammatory properties and regulates sebaceous gland activity — making it effective for oily, acne-prone, and redness-prone skin. At the same time, it supports collagen production and improves skin elasticity, making it a valuable ingredient in mature skin therapy. It also has antioxidant properties — neutralising free radicals and supporting the skin's protection against oxidative stress.
An important characteristic of succinic acid is its ability to work synergistically with hyaluronic acid. This combination is not accidental — together they form the foundation of redermalization preparations, where sodium succinate activates cellular metabolism while hyaluronic acid intensively hydrates and fills the spaces between the skin's fibres.
Who Benefits Most from Succinic Acid
Succinic acid is a good choice for oily and combination skin with a tendency towards blackheads and inflammatory lesions, for dull and tired skin, for skin requiring regeneration after treatments or during a retinoid course, and for mature skin showing the first signs of loss of firmness. Thanks to its gentle profile, it is also well tolerated by sensitive skin — it does not irritate, does not dry out, and works without significant flaking or retinisation.
Succinic Acid in the Clinic and at Home
In the clinic, succinic acid most commonly appears in redermalization preparations — delivered intradermally, it works directly where the effect is strongest. In home skincare it can be found in serums, toners, and creams — here it acts more superficially, but with regular use delivers a visible improvement in skin tone, texture, and comfort.
Succinic acid works well alongside other active ingredients — it does not conflict with niacinamide, ceramides, or gentle acids. It is an ingredient that can be incorporated into an existing skincare routine without concern.
Katarzyna Gwizdal, MSc, cosmetologist, Skin Laser