Succinic Acid in Cosmetics and Aesthetic Dermatology: Biological Roles and Applications

Succinic acid (SA) is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid with diverse biological roles, including participation in cellular energy metabolism and signaling. Despite its wide industrial use, clinical and in vivo evidence supporting the application of SA in cosmetics, cosmetology, dermatology, and aesthetic medicine remains limited, although mechanistic and experimental studies describing its biological activity are increasingly available. This review summarizes the chemical properties, natural occurrence, and physiological functions of SA, with a focus on its potential in topical and intradermal applications. The use of SA in cosmetic formulations, including personal care products, moisturizers, and masks, is discussed, alongside its emerging roles in the management of acne vulgaris and rosacea, hyperpigmentation, and as a chemical exfoliant and biostimulatory agent. Available studies suggest that SA can modulate inflammation, enhance microcirculation, support fibroblast proliferation, and stimulate collagen and elastin production, although most clinical evidence derives from small-scale or preliminary studies. Looking forward, the growing market and increasing scientific interest indicate a potential expansion of SA-based products in aesthetic dermatology. Further clinical and mechanistic studies are required to validate its applications and establish standardized protocols for its use in cosmetic and medical settings. The aim of this article is to summarize the existing knowledge on the use of succinic acid in cosmetics and aesthetic dermatology. Despite the growing interest in this compound, no comprehensive review addressing its applications in these fields is currently available. Therefore, this work responds to this gap by integrating and discussing the limited but emerging scientific reports concerning the cosmetic and dermatological potential of succinic acid.