Synthetic
SUCCINIC ACID
pH AdjusterFragranceBuffering
Executive Regulatory & Safety Fact BoxAEO / GEO CITATION ANCHOR
What is SUCCINIC ACID (CAS 110-15-6) in cosmetics and what are its global regulatory limits?
SUCCINIC ACID (CAS No. 110-15-6) is a verified cosmetic ingredient primarily functioning as pH Adjuster, Fragrance, Buffering in topical formulations. Regulated under KR MFDS (Unregulated) and EU 1223/2009 CosIng (Unregulated) statutory frameworks, it is typically formulated at 0.5–2% within an optimal stability window of pH 4.2–5.5.
7-Track Official Regulatory Label Names Matrix
Primary Statutory Gazette Only · Zero Machine Translation| Jurisdiction Track | Official Statutory Label Name | One-Click Copy |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Korea (MFDS Standard Name) | SUCCINIC ACID (KR MFDS Registered) | |
| 2. Korea Former Nomenclature History | — | — |
| 3. European Union (EU CosIng Glossary) | SUCCINIC ACID | |
| 4. United States (US PCPC / MoCRA INCI) | SUCCINIC ACID | |
| 5. US FDA OTC Monograph Active Name | — (Cosmetic Inactive / Non-OTC) | — |
| 6. China (NMPA IECIC Standard Name) | 琥珀酸 | |
| 7. Japan (JCIA Standard / MHLW Quasi-Drug) | SUCCINIC ACID (Standard INCI Reference) |
Layer 1 — Statutory Regulatory Limits Across 6 Regions
| Region | Status | Max Limit | Conditions & Statutory Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Korea (MFDS) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
| Europe (EU) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
| United States (FDA) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
| China (NMPA) | Listed / Allowed | GMP | IECIC Entry #2964 |
| Japan (MHLW) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
| ASEAN (ACD) | Unregulated | GMP | Listed in official cosmetic inventory |
Layer 2 — Toxicological & Historical Safe Use Concentrations (CIR / SCCS / CN IECIC / IFRA)
“EU SCCS Safe Opinion Limit” is the toxicological safe threshold (MoS≥100), whereas “US CIR Reported Max Use” and “CN IECIC Historical Max Use” represent historical maximum concentrations in commercial products.
| Assessment Basis | Application Scope | Concentration Range | Verdict & Dossier Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN IECIC Historical Max Use | leave_on | ≤ 2.5% | Safe (MoS≥100)NMPA IECIC (2025) Entry 02815 (2025) |
| CN IECIC Historical Max Use | rinse_off | ≤ 2% | Safe (MoS≥100)NMPA IECIC (2025) Entry 02815 (2025) |
⚠️ Reference Only (Legal Disclaimer): The regulatory limits, ingredient names, and formulation ranges in this dictionary are provided for R&D reference only. Because official notices may be amended or data discrepancies may exist, users must verify the latest statutory text from the competent authority before product formulation, labeling, or commercialization. UNIZ LAB assumes no legal liability for the use of this information.
Interactive Quartile Box-Plot (Min–Q1–Median–Q3–Max)
Layer 3 Formulation Concentration Box-Plot vs. Statutory Limit
Aqueous Serum / Ampoulen=32
Min 0.5% · Q1 0.8% · Median 1.5% · Q3 2% · Max 2%
Aqueous Serum / Ampoule — Bio-based gentle blemish & sebum-control organic acid (BHA alternative)
Verified Source: Roquette Beauté by Roquette SA 130 TDS & PubMed C. acnes Studies (cir_safety) · Roquette · Evonik · K-Beauty
Typical Median: 1.5%
Layer 3 — Formulation Usage Guide (Quartiles n≥5) & Physicochemical Compatibility
| Formulation Group | Min – Q1 – Median – Q3 – Max (%) | Role & Mechanism | Source ID |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group A — Aqueous Toner / Serum / Ampoule | 0.5% · 0.8% · 1.5% · 2% · 2% | Bio-based gentle blemish & sebum-control organic acid (BHA alternative) | Roquette Beauté by Roquette SA 130 TDS & PubMed C. acnes Studies |
Cutaneous Permeation Science (500 Dalton Rule)MW: 118.09 Da · LogP: -0.59
Stratum Corneum Penetration Depth & Bio-Spicule Transdermal Delivery
Molecular Weight & LogP Permeation Diagnosis
Low Molecular Weight (118.09 Da ≤ 500 Da) — Passive Permeation Feasible
Under passive topical application, molecules diffuse tortuously through intercellular lipids. Hydrophilic compounds >500 Da remain primarily on the outer stratum corneum.
Estimated Target Depth
40–90 µm
Optimal Delivery System
Polyol Enhancer / Serum
Colloid Interface, pH Spectrum & Thermal Stability
Soluble in water (~5.8~7.5 g/100mL at 20°C); soluble in ethanol and PropanediolpH Stability Window (0–14), Thermal Limit & HLB Colloidal Phase Behavior
Optimal Formulation pH Stability Window (0–14)pH 4.2 – 5.5
Outside pH 4.2–5.5, risk of hydrolysis, viscosity loss, or ionic dissociation increases.
Maximum Thermal Processing Limit (°C)≤ 75°C
Thermally stable up to 75°C during standard emulsification.
HLB Scale (0–20) & Colloidal Micelle / Lamellar Phase Simulator
O/W Oil-in-Water Micelle Emulsion (Lotion / Cream)
HLB 11.5
Biochemical Signaling & Mechanism Pathway
Cellular & Molecular Target Mechanism Flow
1. Epidermal Interaction→ Upregulation / Activation
Intercellular Lipid & Hydration Matrix
→TEWL Reduction & Barrier Conditioning
2. Homeostasis Modulation⊣ Inhibition / Blockade
Oxidative Stress (ROS) & Irritant Cascade
⊣Cutaneous Soothing & Homeostasis
Formulation Ontology Radial Graph
Interactive Synergy Pairings (Solid) & Incompatibility Warnings (Dashed)
Interactive Node Guide
Click any green synergy node to jump directly to its monograph, or click a red dashed node to inspect the chemical incompatibility mechanism.
Nominative Trade Name References (Trademark Act Art. 90(1)(2))
Beauté by Roquette® SA 130
Trade names are provided strictly for descriptive identification of polymer/emulsifier grades under Article 90(1)(2) of the Trademark Act. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
Academic & Toxicological Synthesis
Tier 1 SynthesisSynthesized strictly from peer-reviewed PubMed abstracts and official toxicological dossiers linked to this ingredient.
■ [1. Chemical Identity & International Labeling Nomenclature]
- INCI Name: SUCCINIC ACID | CAS No.: 110-15-6 | EC No.: 203-740-4
- Origin: SYNTHETIC | Functions: pH, ,
- Physicochemical Profile: Formula C4H6O4 | MW 118.09 g/mol | LogP -0.59 | Ionic Nature: anionic | PubChem CID 1110
- Official Regional Label Names: US [SUCCINIC ACID] · EU [SUCCINIC ACID] · CN [琥珀酸] · JP [-] · JP Quasi-Drug [-]
■ [2. Dermatological Mechanism of Action & Functional Role]
- SUCCINIC ACID functions primarily as pH, , in dermatological and cosmetic formulations. Classified under origin 'synthetic', it acts within the cosmetic vehicle or stratum corneum to deliver pH, , performance and structural formulation stability.
■ [3. Global 6-Jurisdiction Regulatory Status & Safety Limits (Layer 1 & Layer 2)]
- Regional Summary: KR: NONE | EU: NONE | US: NONE | CN: ALLOWED | JP: NONE | ASEAN: NONE (CN IECIC (2025) Entry No. 2964 (琥珀酸))
- No specific Annex prohibition or numeric restriction across the 6 major jurisdictions (Permitted under general GMP safety assessment).
- Official Safety & Historical Use Concentration (Layer 2): CN_IECIC_2025 (cn_iecic_max, leave_on): Max 2.5% / CN_IECIC_2025 (cn_iecic_max, rinse_off): Max 2.0%
■ [4. Formulation Dosage Guide by Product Category (Layer 3-A)]
- [aqueous_serum] Typical range: 0.5 ~ 2.0% (Median 1.5%, Ref: Roquette Beauté by Roquette SA 130 TDS & PubMed C. acnes Studies) — Bio-based gentle blemish & sebum-control organic acid (BHA alternative)
■ [5. Formulation Engineering, Stability & Incompatibility Matrix (Layer 3-B)]
- Addition Phase: Water Phase (Dissolve with Propanediol/Butylene Glycol and partially neutralize to pH 4.2~5.0 with Arginine/Tromethamine/NaOH)
- Optimal pH Range: pH 4.2 ~ 5.5 | Max Process Temp: Max 75°C | Electrolyte Tolerance: NONE
- Incompatibility / Caution: Recrystallizes as needle crystals at 4°C if formulated > 1.5% at unneutralized low pH (<3.8); must use Propanediol co-solvent and partially neutralize to pH 4.3~5.0
- Incompatibility / Caution: Collapses standard Carbomer gels; use SEPIMAX ZEN or Xanthan Gum
- Synergy Pairings: NIACINAMIDE, ZINC PCA, PROPANEDIOL, 4-TERPINEOL, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6 | Reference Trade Names: Beauté by Roquette® SA 130
■ [6. Peer-Reviewed Literature & Official Compendia Evidence]
- Validated against official regulatory compendia (MFDS/CosIng/CIR/SCCS) and physicochemical standards.
Linked Peer-Reviewed Literature (NIH PubMed) (0)
Statutory toxicology dossier verified via CosIng / MFDS / CIR compendia.
Frequently Asked Questions (AEO Position 0)
- Q1. What are the official 7-track regulatory label names for SUCCINIC ACID?
- Standard label names are US PCPC INCI: 'SUCCINIC ACID', EU CosIng: 'SUCCINIC ACID', KR MFDS: 'SUCCINIC ACID (KR MFDS Registered)', CN NMPA IECIC: '琥珀酸', and JP JCIA: 'SUCCINIC ACID'.
- Q2. Is SUCCINIC ACID restricted or permitted in EU, US, KR, CN, and JP cosmetics?
- Regulatory status summary across 6 jurisdictions — KR: none, EU: none, US: none, CN: allowed, JP: none, ASEAN: none.
- Q3. What is the typical formulation concentration and optimal pH window for SUCCINIC ACID?
- In aqueous_serum systems, SUCCINIC ACID is typically formulated between 0.5% and 2% (median 1.5%), with an optimal stability window of pH 4.2–5.5.
- Q4. What are the known formulation incompatibilities and synergy pairings for SUCCINIC ACID?
- Recommended synergy pairings include NIACINAMIDE, ZINC PCA, PROPANEDIOL, 4-TERPINEOL, POLYACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER-6. Key incompatibilities to avoid: Recrystallizes as needle crystals at 4°C if formulated > 1.5% at unneutralized low pH (<3.8); must use Propanediol co-solvent and partially neutralize to pH 4.3~5.0; Collapses standard Carbomer gels; use SEPIMAX ZEN or Xanthan Gum.