Unlike salicylic acid or glycolic acid, succinic acid [1] isn't as well known in the beauty world, but that's because it's up-and-coming. The skin-care ingredient [2] is loaded with benefits, including antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties, making it great for those with acneic or oily skin types. The only problem is, because it's still fairly new to the mainstream market — it's been used in traditional medicine for years — it can be a little tricky to find.
Still, that's not to say it's impossible. You just have to know where to look, which is exactly what we did. We scoured the top beauty retailers for the best skin-care products with succinic acid and rounded them up ahead. These products, ranging from cleansers to acne spot treatments, are packed with the ingredient and boast a variety of benefits for the skin. Some help treat acne, others provide the skin with antioxidants, and a few help reduce early signs of ageing like fine lines. Succinic acid, which is naturally found in amber and sugar cane, is gentle enough for all skin types but additional ingredients in a product can still cause irritation so be sure to read the label.
Keep reading to learn more about the best succinic acid products.
The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment
The hero ingredient in The Inkey List Succinic Acid Acne Treatment [3] ($9) is, you guessed it, succinic acid. The non-drying, gentle spot treatment helps reduce the inflammation on pimples, speeding up the healing process without being too harsh on the skin.
Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser
The Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser [4] ($62) is a gel cleanser formulated with minerals (magnesium, zinc, and copper) and a blend of acids, including succinic acid. It melts away makeup and clears dirt from your pores without robbing your skin of essential moisture.
Perricone MD Acne Relief Calming Treatment & Hydrator
The Perricone MD Acne Relief Calming Treatment & Hydrator [5] ($45) is meant to be used after your cleanser to treat acne while also hydrating your skin. Succinic acid is joined by lactic acid to kill acne-causing bacteria trapped in your pores.
Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream
Succinic acid products come in many different forms, including moisturisers. The Curél Intensive Moisture Facial Cream [6] ($30) is a light face cream that provides even the driest and most sensitive skin types relief and hydration.
The Route The Party Golden Illuminizing Peel
The Route The Party Golden Illuminizing Peel [7] ($65) is a chemical exfoliator that gives your complexion a radiant glow thanks to a blend of acids that slough away dead skin cells and kill acne-causing bacteria. The acid blend is succinic acid, phytic acid, malic acid, and mandelic acid.
Perricone MD Acne Relief Maximum Strength Spot Gel
The Perricone MD Acne Relief Maximum Strength Spot Gel [8] ($19) is another succinic acid spot treatment for pimples — and it's a favourite among our editors [9]. The gel-like formula attacks zits and helps bring down the size of them overnight so they're less painful and less visible.