If you've ever dealt with acne, then you know how frustrating it can be to find the right products for your skin. Acne-prone skin is almost always barrier damaged and sensitive, so choosing skincare can feel like walking through a minefield most days. Trial and error seems to be the only way to figure out what your skin does and doesn't like, but once in a while, a star ingredient so good and easily tolerated comes along that it can't be ignored.
Succinic acid is an often overlooked acid that can help with so many things, not just acne. For starters, it helps control excess oil production, making it great for oily skin, but it also hydrates and repairs a damaged skin barrier. It's an antioxidant, which can help protect skin from outside environmental damage. Basically, there isn't much this ingredient can't do. The reason I'm giving it a shout-out, though, is because it's one of the gentlest acne fighters that is usually well tolerated by those with really sensitive skin. If other acne fighters are just too strong for you and make you break out more (been there!), give this ingredient a try. For more about it along with product recs, read on below.
What is succinic acid?
Honestly, I'd heard of succinic acid before, but I never really considered it when curating my lineup of acne fighters until now. I asked two dermatologists to share a bit more about it. First, what is it? Board-certified dermatologist Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, filled us in. "Succinic acid is a compound derived from amber or sugarcane that works as an antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hydrating ingredient while helping to balance sebum production," she explains.
Board-certified dermatologist Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, also says, "Succinic acid is considered a well-tolerated ingredient by most skin types. As with any new skincare product, consider doing a test spot if you have sensitive skin. Succinic acid may work best on oily or acne-prone skin because of its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties." Succinic acid is so gentle on acne that Garshick even touts it as an option for those with sensitive skin who can't tolerate stronger acne-fighting ingredients. She also says it can be used in conjunction with other acne-fighting ingredients and won't cause irritation.
Got dark spots after a breakout? No problem! Succinic acid can help with that too. "In terms of hyperpigmentation, succinic acid may modify the production or transport of melanin pigment in the skin, helping to correct or lessen the appearance of dark spots," Camp adds.
Succinic acid isn't just great for acne either. This ingredient is great for dehydrated or barrier-damaged skin. Camp says, "By helping skin retain moisture, succinic acid helps to fortify the efficacy of the skin barrier to protect skin from dryness and external stresses like pollution. When skin is hydrated, texture and the appearance of fine lines are improved. As an antioxidant, succinic acid can help neutralize free radicals that damage cellular structures—like DNA, lipids, and proteins—and contribute to the formation of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots."
I'm honestly overwhelmed by the amount of skin concerns this single ingredient can tackle. If you're now looking to add it to your routine in some kind of way, keep scrolling. Camp and Garshick are sharing a variety of products with succinic acid that will work well with any skincare routine.
The Best Products With Succinic Acid
"Incorporating succinic acid, quince-leaf extract, and upcycled pumpkin extract, this two-in-one product combines the exfoliation power of an acid toner with the hydrating benefits of an essence." — Camp
"Polyhydroxy acid, salicylic acid, and succinic acid are included in this milky gel serum to clear acne and prevent future breakouts." — Camp
"Succinic acid, a multi-mineral solution, and algae are included in this energizing cleanser to remove dead skin cells and residue and reveal brighter, healthier skin." — Camp
"In addition to succinic acid, this eye gel contains peptides to firm skin and caffeine to de-puff the delicate periorbital area." — Camp
"This serum contains a combination of salicylic acid, a beta hydroxy acid, and mandelic acid, an alpha hydroxy acid, as well as azelaic acid and succinic acid. Together, these ingredients help to improve the appearance of breakouts and blemishes while also addressing pores, leaving the skin looking smooth and radiant." — Garshick
"Combining 2% succinic acid with salicylic acid and sulfur, this works to address breakouts by reducing inflammation and preventing clogged pores. I especially love that this formulation offers a green tint, which works to neutralize redness from breakouts." — Garshick
Rael's Miracle Clear Exfoliating Cleanser is powered by gentle acne fighters such as succinic acid, an enzyme complex, and wintergreen extract. It's a great option for sensitive or barrier-damaged skin because it helps support the moisture barrier with hydrating ingredients while preventing new breakouts.
Rael also has a toner version in its Miracle Clear line that features succinic acid, soothing panthenol, and hydrating ingredients such as sodium hyaluronate and glycerin.
This peel is definitely on the stronger side, but if your skin can tolerate it, it can help clear up breakouts in a jiff. Salicylic acid, succinic acid, and lactic acid work together to clear congested pores and reduce excess oil.
More Gentle Acne-Fighting Products I Love
This is one of my favorite cleansers for dehydrated, acne-prone skin. It doesn't leave your skin stripped and dry but is still effective at clearing pimples with 0.5% salicylic acid.
This serum is definitely worth a try if you're one of those folks who has tried everything. The gentle probiotics in this serum target only acne-causing bacteria. It's hydrating and gentle, unlike most other acne products out there on the market, and I can confirm that it really works! I've been using this serum for three months now, and my skin has improved dramatically.
This IS Clinical formula has been a lifesaver for me. It really brightens the skin and evens out tone, but this particular formula is formulated with a really gentle concentration of retinol to help out those who are acne prone.
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