What Is Diethyl Succinate?
Diethyl succinate is an oil-like liquid made by combining succinic acid, a naturally occurring substance found in sugarcane and some fruits, with ethyl alcohol. Chemists first prepared it in the 1800s while exploring new fragrance ingredients. Its pleasant, mild odor soon caught the attention of perfumers who blended it into early colognes and scented soaps. As cosmetic science advanced, formulators noticed that the ingredient did more than add scent; it also softened textures and helped dissolve other materials, so its use spread from perfumery to skincare.
Today most diethyl succinate is produced in a lab through esterification. In simple terms, manufacturers mix purified succinic acid with food-grade ethanol, add a small amount of acid catalyst and heat the mixture. Water evaporates, leaving diethyl succinate, which is then distilled to high purity for cosmetic use.
You will most often find diethyl succinate in leave-on products such as facial moisturizers, hand creams, hair serums and light body oils. It also appears in certain masks and anti-aging formulas where a silky finish and quick absorption are desirable. Its gentle scent lets brands label a product as “fragrance free” while still masking raw material odors, making it a quiet workhorse in many modern formulations.
Diethyl Succinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
This versatile ingredient brings several useful properties to a formula
- Fragrance: Adds a soft, fruity scent that can stand on its own or round out other aromas, helping products smell clean and pleasant
- Plasticiser: Loosens and softens polymer films so masks, gels and hairsprays stay flexible rather than cracking or flaking
- Emollient: Spreads easily over skin to create a smooth, moisturized feel without a heavy or greasy residue
- Solvent: Dissolves oils, vitamins and some active ingredients, allowing them to mix evenly and stay stable in the final product
Who Can Use Diethyl Succinate
Because it is lightweight and non greasy, diethyl succinate works for most skin types, including oily, combination, normal and dry skin. Sensitive skin usually tolerates it as well since it has a low scent level and is not acidic, though anyone with a known allergy to succinic acid derivatives should be cautious.
The ingredient is made from plant based alcohol and lab made succinic acid, with no animal byproducts, so it suits both vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no known risks for pregnant or breastfeeding women when the ingredient is used in typical cosmetic amounts, yet this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should check with a doctor before adding new products to their routine.
Diethyl succinate does not make skin more sensitive to the sun, and it has no reported interactions with common sunscreen filters or makeup pigments.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical diethyl succinate vary from person to person. The points below outline potential side effects, but most users will not encounter them when the ingredient is used correctly in a finished product.
- Mild skin redness or warmth, usually short lived
- Temporary stinging if applied to broken or freshly shaved skin
- Rare allergic contact dermatitis leading to itching or small bumps
- Eye irritation if the liquid or a spray mist reaches the eye area
- May enhance penetration of strong actives in the same formula, which could increase sensitivity for some users
If any of these effects occur stop using the product and seek medical advice as needed
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 out of 5
Diethyl succinate is a small, lightweight ester that spreads thinly and evaporates or absorbs without leaving a thick film. Because it does not sit heavily in pores or harden on the skin, it has a very low tendency to trap dead cells or oil that could start a breakout. For this reason most formulators regard it as practically non-comedogenic.
Suitable for acne-prone or congested skin, though overall formula and other ingredients matter too.
Since it can slightly enhance the penetration of stronger actives, users combining it with heavy occlusives or high-dose actives may want to monitor their skin for changes in congestion.
Summary
Diethyl succinate works as a fragrance, plasticiser, emollient and solvent. Its faint fruity odor freshens a blend while its plasticising action keeps films flexible in masks, gels or sprays. As an emollient it glides over skin for a soft, non greasy finish and as a solvent it helps disperse oils, vitamins and other actives evenly so formulas stay stable.
Although not a headline ingredient its versatility means it quietly appears in many moisturizers, serums and hair products where a light feel and subtle scent are needed.
Current research and long-standing use show it to be safe for most people with minimal risk of irritation or clogging. As with any new skincare product it is wise to patch test first to be sure your skin agrees with the full formula.