Succinic acid

Succinic acid (CAS 110-15-6), also known commercially as E363, is a dicarboxylic acid produced via fermentation or petrochemical synthesis.

Where is Succinic acid used?

• Food and beverage: acidulant and masking agent
• Dry beverage mixes, seasonings and baked goods: mild, tart taste profile
• Pharmaceuticals: buffering agent in tablet and capsule production for precise pH control
• Personal care: pH regulation in skin care formulations and catalyst precursor in esterification reactions
• Specialty chemical synthesis: mild preservative and fermentation intermediate
• It also serves as a catalyst precursor in esterification reactions used to produce emollients and conditioning agents.
• Works as an exfoliant to help keep dead skin cells clear from pores.
• In facial serums, can be combined with niacinamide, betaine, glycerin, panthenol and suitable water-based carriers.
• In pharmaceutical development, can be involved in certain salt, intermediate and cocrystal research.
• Used in pharmaceutical formulations, in the synthesis of antibiotics and vitamins, and as an active ingredient in pain relievers.

Good to know: This control affects active ingredient stability and bioavailability.

Formulation notes

• Some thickeners may lose viscosity in the presence of low pH or electrolytes when formulating with succinic acid.
• As a dicarboxylic acid, pH and moisture sensitivity may need to be considered during formulation and storage.
• Often compared to salicylic acid for targeting spots, improving scars, and improving signs of aging.
• Incompatible with bases and oxidizing agents.

Typical specification

• Purity of ≥99.5% (USP).
• Maximum moisture content of 0.5 wt% per FCC IV.
• Contains a maximum of 10 ppm heavy metals as Pb per FCC IV.

Regulatory status

• For food applications, cosmetic or technical grade raw material cannot be used; suitability must be controlled via purity, heavy metal limits, food safety documents and national regulations.
• Subject to EU REACH registration.
• Has FDA GRAS status in the US.

Frequently asked questions about Succinic acid

How is succinic acid incorporated into formulations?

It is dissolved in the water phase, polymer is wetted in a separate phase and added to the main mixture, and pH is adjusted in the final stage.

What are the pKa values of succinic acid?

It has pKa values of 4.21 and 5.64 at 25°C.

What is the melting range of succinic acid?

It has a melting range of 185-187 °C per FCC IV.

Technical content is compiled and updated by the SoleChem product team from public technical sources; the certificate of analysis (COA) governs product-specific specifications.