Common Ingredients

Salicylic acid is a representative beta hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its lipid solubility and strong permeability.
Source

Found naturally in willow bark, salicylic acid is now primarily produced through chemical synthesis.

Purpose

In the cosmetics industry, it is frequently used in exfoliating and pore-cleansing products; in medicine, it is used to treat acne and seborrheic dermatitis.

Efficacy

Cosmetic application and benefits of salicylic acid [1-4]:

▪ Pore-cleansing Effect : The liposoluble of salicylic acid allows it to penetrate the stratum corneum and pores, helping to dissolve dead skin cells and improve pore congestion.

▪ Exfoliant : By acting on intercellular lipids, it reduces keratinocyte adhesion and promotes skin renewal.

Application

It is commonly used as a skin conditioner in products for acne treatment, blemish control, and pore cleansing.

References
[1]彭柔, 田兰馨, 慈雪. 超分子水杨酸在皮肤美容中的应用研究进展[J]. 现代医药卫生, 2019, 35(14):4.
[2]佚名. 水杨酸的皮肤药理学[J]. 国际皮肤性病学杂志 1977年3卷4期, 242-243页, ISTIC, 2020.  
[3]翎子. 角质调理者--水杨酸[J]. 医学美学美容（美容师）, 2004, 000(006):107-108.  
[4]单偶奇, 田慧敏, 尤艳. 超分子水杨酸在医学美容中的应用与展望[J]. 中国美容医学, 2019, v.28;No.267(03):175-177.

Lactic acid is a natural organic acid and an Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA). It is a major component of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF).

Source

Lactic acid can be produced through the fermentation of sugars or via chemical synthesis.

Purpose

In the cosmetics industry, it is primarily used as a moisturizer and exfoliant.

Efficacy

Research shows that lactic acid offers the following benefits [1-2]:

▪ Anti-aging: Promote skin firmness and plumpness while reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles;

▪ Exfoliation: Accelerate epidermal renewal, improve skin pigmentation, and promote a more even skin tone;

▪ Moisturization: Act as a moisturizer to increase skin water content;

▪ Lactic acid is also commonly used as a pH regulator.

Application

Lactic acid is commonly used in cleansers and skin-renewing products to regulate pH and promote exfoliation. When using the product, it is recommended to follow the instructions on the packaging, particularly regarding its combined use with sunscreen.

References

[1]许德田. 药妆品 第3版[M]. 北京：人民卫生出版社，2018.05  
[2]吴慧昊. 乳酸及其衍生物国内外发展现状及应用研究[J]. 西北民族大学学报(自然科学版), 2010, 31(002):67-70.

Succinic acid, also known as butanedioic acid, is a key intermediate in the human tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle.

Sources

Succinic acid is an organic acid naturally present in plant, animal, and human tissues. Currently, microbial fermentation has become the mainstream production method due to its environmental and cost advantages.

Purpose

In cosmetic applications, it is gentler than salicylic acid. By regulating sebum secretion and promoting gentle exfoliation, it effectively improves skin condition, offering benefits such as oil control for the face and scalp, pore unclogging, and the reduction of closed comedones.

Efficacy

Exfoliation [1]:By reducing the expression of serine protease inhibitor (LEKTI) and corneodesmosin (CDSN), it provides exfoliating effects comparable to salicylic acid but in a gentler manner.

Anti-aging [2]:When combined with hyaluronic acid, it enhances the regenerative capacity of aging adipocytes at the cellular level.

Application

Used as an oil-control agent and skin conditioner in skincare products and shampoos.

References

[1] Louvet-Pommier, G.; Fang, Y.; Zhang, Q.; et., al. The Effects of Bio-Based Succinic Acid vs. Salicylic Acid on Stratum Corneum Desquamation and Human Skin Barrier Function. Cosmetics 2026, 13, 119.
[2] Martinez-Gutierrez, A.; et., al. Hyaluronic and Succinic Acid: New Biostimulating Combination to Counteract Dermal and Subcutaneous Aging. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26, 7548.