Succinic acid is a natural dicarboxylic acid that is highly valued in the cosmetic industry for its numerous skin benefits. Used in various products, it offers moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This article explores the different forms of using succinic acid, its optimal concentrations for effectiveness, and precautions to be taken. It also examines its use in hair care and oral intake.
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- What are the different uses of succinic acid for skin effects?
What are the different uses of succinic acid for skin effects?
- Succinic acid can be applied to the skin
- A closer look at the use of succinic acid for hair care
- A cosmetic interest in oral intake of succinic acid?
- Sources
Succinic acid can be applied to the skin.
The succinic acid can be incorporated into a variety of skin products, including:
Serums and essences: These products, rich in active ingredients, aim to target specific skin issues such as enlarged pores and skin texture, while providing intense hydration and promoting cellular renewal.
Moisturizing Creams: They help to seal in hydration, strengthen the skin barrier, soothe inflammation, and improve skin elasticity.
Masks: Facial masks, used occasionally, provide a deep action to revitalize and deeply hydrate the skin.
Cleansers: These products aid in removing impurities and preparing the skin for subsequent care steps, contributing to clearer and softer skin.
What concentration should succinic acid be used at?
To ensure the effectiveness and safety of the succinic acid in skincare, it is essential to use appropriate concentrations. Although no study has established a definitive optimal concentration, products available on the market generally contain concentrations ranging from 0.4% to 5%. Below 0.4%, the moisturizing effect may be insufficient, while above 5%, the risk of skin irritation increases, especially for sensitive skin.
What are the best galenic forms for using succinic acid?
The galenic forms favored to maximize the absorption of succinic acid include serums and creams, which allow for targeted application and optimal penetration into the skin. Gels and lotions, on the other hand, allow for rapid absorption of succinic acid. To optimize its effectiveness, it is recommended to combine the succinic acid with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or vitamin C, which enhance hydration and antioxidant properties. A mechanical effort, such as a facial massage, can enhance these effects by stimulating blood circulation and promoting the penetration of active ingredients into the deeper layers of the skin. It is recommended to adopt techniques such as gentle circular movements or the use of jade rollers for 5 to 10 minutes after each application to optimize the benefits of the succinic acid.
A closer look at the use of succinic acid for hair care.
Succinic acid offers numerous benefits for hair care. It is particularly effective in targeting issues such as scalp dryness, dull hair, and breakage. It is commonly found in formulations such as shampoos, conditioners, and hair serums, where it helps to revitalize the hair, enhance its shine, and soothe the scalp. Generally, a typical range for many active ingredients in hair care is often between 0.4% and 2%. To maximize its benefits, it is recommended to apply these products regularly, which helps maintain healthy hair and improve its overall appearance. Moreover, the use of hair care products enriched with succinic acid, combined with gentle scalp massages, can promote better absorption and stimulate blood circulation, thereby strengthening the health of the hair follicles.
A cosmetic interest in oral intake of succinic acid?
A study conducted in 2011 examined the effect of various concentrations of succinic acid in the diet of minks, focusing on pepsin activity and nutrient digestibility. Four groups of minks were fed diets containing 0.0%, 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.8% succinic acid respectively. The results showed that the group that received 0.4% succinic acid exhibited significantly improved pepsin activity and nutrient digestibility, as well as better fur growth.
These observations suggest that succinic acid could potentially have a positive impact on the hair growth cycle, although further research is needed to confirm these effects in humans. Moreover, succinic acid is naturally present in various foods such as meats (particularly beef and pork), dairy products, certain vegetables (like spinach and beets), as well as in fruits like grapes. However, additional studies are required to determine if the concentrations of succinic acid present in foods are sufficient to achieve similar effects to those observed in the study.
The key takeaway.
Succinic acid is typically measured between 0.4% and 5% to be effective.
The serums and creams are particularly recommended for optimal absorption.
Succinic acid is equally beneficial for the skin as it is for the hair, especially for dry and dull hair fibers.
Although a oral intake of succinic acid is possible, evidence regarding its effects on skin or hair is still limited.
Sources
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HERMAN A. & al. Essential oils and their constituents as skin penetration enhancer for transdermal drug delivery: a review. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology (2015).
PURNAMAWATI S. & al. The Role of Moisturizers in Addressing Various Kinds of Dermatitis: A Review. Clinical Medicine and Research (2017).
TORRES-MAYANGA P. & al. Production of biofuel precursors and value-added chemicals from hydrolysates resulting from hydrothermal processing of biomass: A review. Biomass and Bioenergy (2019).
EZURE M. & al. The Secrets of Beautiful Hair: Why is it Flexible and Elastic? Cosmetics (2019)
JUNCAN A. & al. Advantages of Hyaluronic Acid and Its Combination with Other Bioactive Ingredients in Cosmeceuticals. Molecules (2021).
KECK C. & al. Influence of Mechanical Skin Treatments on Dermal Penetration Efficacy of Active Ingredients. Pharmaceutics (2022).
KHAN N. & al. Pharmaceutical based cosmetic serums. Profiles of Drug Substances, Excipients and Related Methodology (2023).
WANG Y. & al. Efficacy of a moisturizing cream and facial mask for alleviating skin problems associated with medical mask use: A half-face, randomized controlled study. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (2024).
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