What are the advantages of succinic acid over salicylic acid ?

Find out more about succinic and salicylic acids

If you’re looking for a skincare product that can help clear up your blemishes, you may have come across salicylic acid. But did you know there’s an alternative to this popular ingredient? Succinic acid is an all-natural solution for acne-prone skin and has many advantages over salicylic acid. Let’s take a look at why succinic acid could be the best choice for your skin.

Why is succinic acid controversial ?

Salicylic acid is a star ingredient in cosmetic products. It has an antimicrobial effect, helping to purify the skin and reduce the appearance of pimples. It also stimulates cell renewal and collagen synthesis, helping skin to look younger, brighter and fade scars.

However, it is not recommended for sensitive or reactive skin. As the skin is already fragile, salicylic acid would directly attack the skin and provoke more or less severe reactions. This ingredient is therefore often too aggressive for the skin. Salicylic acid is also photosensitizing, and can cause skin reactions under the effect of UV rays.

Although salicylic acid has many qualities, studies have pointed to its endocrine-disrupting potential. This molecule is classified as a category 2 CMR, meaning that there are strong doubts as to its reproductive toxicity, mutagenicity and carcinogenicity.

These doubts have not yet been confirmed, but the active ingredient will nonetheless be the subject of a more detailed European study, to determine whether or not it is one of the ingredients that the cosmetics industry should do without.

Salicylic acid has significant negative effects. It is therefore preferable to use other active ingredients such as succinic acid to purify the skin.

What is succinic acid ?

Succinic acid is a natural dicarboxylic acid found in many plants and animals. It has been used as an ingredient in traditional medicine for centuries and, more recently, has gained popularity as an ingredient in skin care products due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies have shown that topical application of succinic acid to the bacteria-induced lesions that cause skin rashes significantly reduces inflammation and helps prevent the formation of new blemishes. It’s also an effective anti-inflammatory, helping to calm the skin and promote wound healing.

Because of its similarity to the skin’s natural lipids, succinic acid controls excessive sebum production while keeping the skin hydrated. It also aids cell renewal and helps combat skin ageing by helping to preserve collagen.

Succinic acid provides antioxidant protection, preventing damage caused by free radicals. The skin is thus protected from external aggressors such as UV rays and pollution.

At present, there are few scientific studies on the possible adverse effects of succinic acid. However, the information available does not suggest any reasonable grounds for suspecting a danger to consumers.

The difference between succinic acid and salycilic acid

One of the main advantages of succinic acid over salicylic acid is its gentleness to the skin. Salicylic acid can often be too aggressive, especially if you have sensitive skin, leading to redness or irritation.

Succinic acid is gentle and non-irritating, making it ideal for people with sensitive skin who want to maintain a fresh complexion without having to worry about negative side effects. What’s more, succinic acid has a structure close to the lipids in the epidermis, so it helps maintain healthy moisture levels in the skin, keeping the complexion fresh and rosy.

Another advantage of succinic acid is that it doesn’t dry out the skin the way salicylic acid does. Because succinic acid helps retain moisture in the skin rather than wicking it away, your complexion will feel soft and supple rather than tight and flaky after using products containing this active ingredient. What’s more, succinic acid leaves no residue, so you don’t have to worry about clogged pores or grease build-up!

Finally, succinic acid is not photosensitive, unlike salicylic acid, which makes the skin more vulnerable to UV rays. So it can be used in both morning and evening routines.

Overall, succinic acid is an excellent alternative to salicylic acid if you’re looking for a gentle but effective way to get rid of acne without drying out your skin or causing irritation. Its natural formula is perfect for people with sensitive skin who want to keep a fresh complexion without worrying about side effects or build-up on their face! Try succinic acid products today and see how they work for you!