Succinic Acid

AKA: Butanedioic acid, 110-15-6, Amber acid, Asuccin, Wormwood acid, Dihydrofumaric acid, Katasuccin, Bernsteinsaure, 1, 2-Ethanedicarboxylic acid
Synthetic
Acid
Clean
OriginDerived from the dicarboxylic acid chemical family, typically synthesized from petroleum-based feedstocks or bio-based sources like sugarcane.
Produced through fermentation of carbohydrates or catalytic oxidation of hydrocarbons to form the four-carbon organic acid compound.
Succinic acid is a dicarboxylic acid. The anion, succinate, is a component of the citric acid cycle capable of donating electrons to the electron transfer chain. Succinic acid is created as a byproduct of the fermentation of sugar. It lends to fermented beverages such as wine and beer a common taste that is a combination of saltiness, bitterness and acidity. Succinate is commonly used as a chemical intermediate, in medicine, the manufacture of lacquers, and to make perfume esters. It is also used in foods as a sequestrant, buffer, and a neutralizing agent. Succinate plays a role in the citric acid cycle, an energy-yielding process and is metabolized by succinate dehydrogenase to fumarate. Succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) plays an important role in the mitochondria, being both part of the respiratory chain and the Krebs cycle. SDH with a covalently attached FAD prosthetic group, binds enzyme substrates (succinate and fumarate) and physiological regulators (oxaloacetate and ATP). Oxidizing
Solubility 5 to 10 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)
Formula
C4H6O4
Mol. Weight
118.09
CAS #
110-15-6
Form
Liquid
State
Succinic acid appears as white crystals or shiny white odorless crystalline powder. pH of 0.1 molar solution: 2.7. Very acid taste. (NTP, 1992)
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Buffering
Antioxidant
Moisturizing
Brightening
Provides scent
Maintains optimal pH
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Eye Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions severe (CIR 528)
Skin Irritant in Testing
1 study / 1 irritating / reactions slight (CIR 528)
Concentration Guide
Leave-on0.001–0.2%
Rinse-off0.001–26%
0%50%100%
CIR reported use · report published 2012
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR
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