acidOverhyped
Succinic Acid
Also known as: Amber acid
Medically reviewed by ChokChok · Updated April 15, 2026
The overnight-blemish molecule The Inkey List made famous — a dicarboxylic acid that targets oil and bacteria without destroying the barrier.
What It Does
ExfoliatesAntibacterialOil controlAnti-inflammatory
Deep Dive
Derived from amber historically (hence the name), now synthesized. Dual-action: gentle exfoliation at the surface plus antibacterial effect on C. acnes. Less inflammatory than benzoyl peroxide, less drying than salicylic acid. Good for overnight spot treatments on mild-moderate acne. Clinical data is still building but cosmetic-chemistry community is confident in its use case.
Best For
OilyAcne-ProneCombination
Pairs Well With
Effective Concentration
0.5–3% in serums and spot treatments.