What Is Dimethyl Succinate?
Dimethyl succinate is an ester made by reacting succinic acid, which is often sourced from fermented plant sugars or petrochemicals, with methanol. The result is a clear liquid that carries a faint, fruity scent and dissolves easily in many cosmetic oils and alcohols while staying mostly separate from water. After esterification, the liquid is purified through distillation to reach the high cosmetic grade used by formulators.
First valued by the flavor and fragrance industry, dimethyl succinate found its way into beauty products in the late twentieth century when brands sought lighter, greener emollients to replace heavier mineral oils. Its quick dry feel, gentle scent and growing availability from bio based feedstocks have kept it relevant in modern “clean” formulations.
Today you can find dimethyl succinate in facial and body moisturizers, sunscreens, lightweight foundations, primers, hair conditioners, leave on masks, eye creams, anti aging serums and even fine fragrance mists where it helps solubilize aroma ingredients.
Dimethyl Succinate’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
In a cosmetic formula dimethyl succinate can serve several useful purposes
- Fragrance – Contributes a soft fruity note that rounds out sharper scents or helps hide raw material odors
- Skin conditioning – Leaves skin feeling smooth and silky without a heavy afterfeel which supports a comfortable finish
- Emollient – Fills surface gaps on the skin improving slip and reducing roughness for a more elegant texture
- Solvent – Dissolves oils, certain actives and fragrance molecules so they spread evenly and stay stable in the formula
Who Can Use Dimethyl Succinate
Dimethyl succinate is generally well tolerated by normal, dry, oily and combination skin thanks to its lightweight non greasy finish. Even sensitive skin often accepts it, though people who react easily to fragrance ingredients might prefer to patch test because the molecule has a mild fruity scent that could trigger irritation in a very small group.
The ester is produced by combining plant derived or petrochemical succinic acid with methanol. No animal sourced materials are needed so dimethyl succinate is considered suitable for vegans and vegetarians.
Current safety data show no specific concerns for topical use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. That said this information is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should review any new skincare product with their healthcare provider to be safe.
The ingredient does not make skin more sensitive to sunlight so extra sun precautions beyond a daily broad spectrum sunscreen are not required.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Side effects from topical dimethyl succinate can vary from person to person. The points below list potential reactions but most users will not experience them when the ingredient is used at normal cosmetic levels.
- Skin irritation – mild redness or burning, more likely in those with existing dermatitis or very reactive skin
- Contact allergy – rare cases of allergic rash or hives after repeated exposure
- Fragrance sensitivity – headache or discomfort in individuals highly sensitive to scented products
- Eye stinging – temporary irritation if the product accidentally gets into the eyes
If any of these reactions occur stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Dimethyl succinate is a small, lightweight ester that spreads quickly and evaporates or absorbs without leaving a heavy film. It lacks the long chain fatty acids and waxy residues that usually block pores, so the likelihood of it trapping oil or dead skin is very low.
Because of this it is generally considered suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin, especially when used in low to moderate amounts found in most leave-on formulas.
No studies have flagged the ingredient as a trigger for fungal acne (Malassezia folliculitis) which adds another point in its favor for those managing that concern.
Summary
Dimethyl succinate acts as a mild fruity fragrance ingredient, a skin-softening emollient, a smoothing conditioner and a solvent that helps keep oils and actives evenly mixed. Its quick dry touch and non-greasy finish let formulators build lightweight lotions, primers, sunscreens and hair products that feel elegant instead of heavy.
While it is not the most famous ingredient on labels, its clean feel and growing availability from plant sources have made it a quiet favorite in modern green beauty and minimalist formulas.
Current data show dimethyl succinate is low risk for irritation or sensitization when used at normal cosmetic levels. Still, skin can be unpredictable so it is smart to patch test any new product that features this ester before applying it all over.