SUCCINIC ACID

SUCCINIC ACID

September 17 2025 – Dr. Luise Berger

1. DESCRIPTION OF SUCCINIC ACID

Succinic acid is a natural carboxylic acid that was originally extracted from amber and is now primarily produced sustainably through biotechnology. In skincare, succinic acid is particularly known for its clarifying, regulating, and antioxidant effects. It is ideal for skin prone to blemishes, excess sebum, and redness.

2. EFFECTS OF SUCCINIC ACID

• Regulates sebum production and restores balance to oily and blemish-prone skin
• Has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes irritated skin
• Acts as an antioxidant to protect against free radicals and oxidative stress
• Promotes skin cell regeneration
• Supports skin elasticity and helps prevent the first signs of aging

3. USES OF SUCCINIC ACID

Succinic acid is used in DOC BERGER EFFECT in the Foam Intense Cleansing Foam . This intensive cleansing foam is the first step in the double cleansing routine and, together with the Tonic Intense , forms the perfect foundation for an effective skincare routine.

Foam Intense with succinic acid:
• Effectively removes dirt, makeup residue, and excess sebum
• Restores an optimal acidic skin environment, which is essential for a healthy skin barrier
• Contains AHA and salicylic acid for a gentle exfoliating effect
• Enriched with niacinamide and green tea, which provide antioxidant protection

Succinic acid, together with the other ingredients in the cleansing foam, ensures a thorough cleanse without drying out the skin—and optimally prepares it for highly concentrated active ingredients such as serums and creams.

4. SKIN PROBLEMS THAT SUCCINIC ACID IS EFFECTIVE AGAINST

• Blemished skin and pimples
• Oily skin with excess sebum production
• Stressed, irritated, or reddened skin
• Skin that needs extra antioxidant protection
• First fine lines and signs of aging

WHAT IS SUCCINIC ACID?

Succinic acid is a natural carboxylic acid that was originally derived from amber. Today, it is primarily produced using modern biotechnological processes, which enable sustainable and high-purity extraction. In skincare, succinic acid is gaining increasing attention because it addresses several skin concerns at once: from blemishes and excess sebum to oxidative stress and the first signs of aging.

Its exceptional effectiveness stems from its ability to regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and support skin cell regeneration. This makes succinic acid a versatile active ingredient that can deliver visible improvements for blemished and oily skin as well as for stressed or mature skin.

Unlike more aggressive acids, such as high-concentration salicylic or glycolic acid, succinic acid is gentler without sacrificing its effectiveness. These properties make it a valuable ingredient in modern cleansing products, such as DOC BERGER EFFECT’s Foam Intense Cleansing Foam.

NATURAL SOURCES AND PRODUCTION OF SUCCINIC ACID

Although succinic acid gets its name from amber, in modern skincare it is produced almost exclusively through biotechnological processes.

Biotechnological production: Succinic acid is produced through fermentation from natural raw materials under controlled conditions. This process ensures consistently high quality and purity.
Sustainability: By moving away from traditional amber extraction, the environment is protected while enabling efficient production.
Effectiveness in skincare products: Succinic acid produced in this way reliably combats impurities, excess sebum, and oxidative damage, and helps maintain the skin’s balance—without irritating or drying it out.

BENEFITS OF SUCCINIC ACID IN SKIN CARE

REGULATION OF SEBUM PRODUCTION BY SUCCINIC ACID

A key benefit of succinic acid is its ability to regulate sebum production. This helps reduce blemishes and pimples without drying out the skin. This balancing effect makes succinic acid a particularly valuable active ingredient for oily or blemish-prone skin.

ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS OF SUCCINIC ACID

Succinic acid has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes irritated skin. This is particularly important for skin prone to redness, irritation, or acne. Thanks to its mild yet effective action, succinic acid is also suitable for sensitive skin types.

ANTIOXIDANT PROTECTION WITH SUCCINIC ACID

In addition to its regulating effects, succinic acid offers powerful antioxidant protection. It neutralizes free radicals caused by UV radiation or environmental stress, thereby preventing premature skin aging.

SUPPORTING SKIN HEALTH WITH SUCCINIC ACID

Thanks to its combination of purifying, antioxidant, and regenerating effects, succinic acid helps promote healthy, resilient skin over the long term. It supports cell renewal, strengthens the skin barrier, and promotes an even, radiant complexion.

SUCCINIC ACID FOR VARIOUS SKIN CONDITIONS

Succinic acid, a natural carboxylicacid with anti-inflammatory and regulating properties, has established itself as a versatile active ingredient in skincare. It is particularly suitable for skin prone to blemishes, excess sebum, or oxidative stress, while also supporting skin health at the first signs of aging.

SUCCINIC ACID FOR IMPURE SKIN

Succinic acid has clarifying and antibacterial properties.

• Regulates sebum production and prevents clogged pores
• Has anti-inflammatory properties and soothes pimples and redness
• Helps achieve a more even complexion

SUCCINIC ACID FOR OILY SKIN

For oily skin, succinic acid helps restore balance.

• Inhibits excess sebum production
• Supports the skin's natural balance
• Gives the skin a fresh, matte appearance

SUCCINIC ACID FOR SENSITIVE AND IRRITATED SKIN

Thanks to its gentle action, succinic acid is also suitable for sensitive skin.

• Relieves redness and irritation
• Works without harsh side effects
• Helps maintain a stable protective barrier on the skin

SUCCINIC ACID FOR MATURE SKIN

Mature skin also benefits from the antioxidant effects.

• Neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative stress
• Supports skin elasticity
• Helps prevent the first signs of wrinkles

Succinic acid is thus a prime example of the successful combination of biotechnology research and modern skincare. It offers an effective, gentle solution for various skin conditions and helps the skin maintain a clear, fresh, and youthful appearance over the long term.

SUCINIC ACID IN DOC BERGER EFFECT PRODUCTS

Succinic acid is a key active ingredient in DOC BERGER EFFECT’s Foam Intense cleansing foam. Thanks to its ability to regulate sebum production, soothe the skin, and provide antioxidant protection all at once, it is an indispensable component of this intensive cleansing treatment.

FOAM INTENSE WITH SUCCINIC ACID

Foam Intense is a highly effective cleansing foam for normal, oily, and blemish-prone skin. It combines succinic acid with a powerful complex of active ingredients to thoroughly purify the skin and prepare it for subsequent skincare.

Succinic Acid: Regulates sebum production and has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties—ideal for blemishes and oily skin.
AHA and Salicylic Acid Complex: Gently removes dead skin cells, refines pores, and prevents new breakouts.
Niacinamide: Supports skin regeneration, soothes, and strengthens the skin barrier.
Green Tea: Provides powerful antioxidant protection against free radicals and soothes the skin.

Foam Intense thoroughly removes dirt, makeup residue, and excess sebum without drying out the skin. At the same time, it restores the skin’s optimal acidic environment, which is essential for a healthy skin barrier.

When used consistently, Foam Intense ensures a visibly clearer, fresher, and more even complexion —and serves as the perfect first step in the double cleansing routine when used together with Tonic Intense.

CONCLUSION ON SUCCINIC ACID IN SKIN CARE

Succinic acid is a versatile active ingredient that is becoming increasingly important in skincare. With its ability to regulate sebum production, reduce inflammation, and protect the skin from oxidative stress, it is suitable for various skin types—from acne-prone and oily skin to sensitive or mature skin.

Succinic acid is particularly valuable for its balancing and protective effects: It helps stabilize the skin’s balance, supports cell regeneration, and counteracts the first signs of skin aging. In this way, it plays an important role in promoting a clearer, more resilient, and healthier complexion.