1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
Medicube
Red Succinic Acid Serum
face serum
Medicube
face serum
Added Last edited
Fit by skin type
General, ingredient-based — not your personalized match.
See how this fits your skin
Take the skin test and I'll show you how suitable this product is for you.
Take the skin testRed Succinic Acid Serum is a targeted acne-care serum that helps reduce breakouts, control excess sebum, and refine skin texture. Powered by succinic acid, a gentle yet effective exfoliating ingredient, this serum works to unclog pores and minimize blackheads while preventing new blemishes from forming. It also contains soothing agents like Centella Asiatica and hydrating Hyaluronic Acid to balance the skin and prevent irritation. Its lightweight formula absorbs quickly without stickiness, making it suitable for daily use under moisturizer or sunscreen.
Red Succinic Acid Serum is a lightweight serum from Medicube, a brand based in Korea. The formula is built mainly around hydration and soothing. The ingredient list runs to 51 ingredients, each broken down in full below.
By its ingredient list the formula reads as light: water and humectants lead, with emollients kept lower in the order. The oils in it point to a dewy, emollient finish rather than a matte one. Hydration is handled by Glycerin, Butylene Glycol and Panthenol, humectants that pull water into the upper layers of skin rather than sealing it there.
Hydration: Very high. Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin, and here that comes from Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol and Betaine.
Soothing: High. Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity, and here that comes from Panthenol, Allantoin, Beta-glucan and Niacinamide.
Barrier support: Moderate. Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Panthenol, Squalane and Ceramide NP.
Oil control: Moderate. Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine, and here that comes from Niacinamide, Salicylic Acid and Dextrin.
On richness alone it suits Balanced skin best, and is the least natural fit for Dry and Combination (dry) skin. Nothing in the list is flagged as a common irritant, which is a reasonable starting point for reactive skin — though a patch test is still the only way to know.
The formula contributes little or nothing on antioxidant protection, cell renewal and firmness signalling. That is not a fault — most products are not meant to do everything — but if one of those is your priority, this is not the product that will address it.
Reading the full list, the formula is fragrance-free, essential-oil-free, no drying alcohol, paraben-free, silicone-free and microplastic-free. Those claims come from the ingredient list itself, not from the packaging.
It can be used morning and evening. In a routine it goes after toner, before moisturiser. Apply to clean, dry skin and give it a minute to absorb before the next layer. Introduce one new treatment at a time so you can identify what is working.
This summary is generated from the product's ingredient list. It is not a review, it is not the brand's own marketing claims, and it does not replace advice from a dermatologist.
Drawn purely from the ingredient list
Scored on how rich or light the formula reads from its INCI order.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
Based on the curated benefits documented for this product's ingredients.
Attracts and locks in moisture to keep skin plump and dewy
Boosts collagen and cell turnover to reduce fine lines and wrinkles
Calms redness, irritation, and inflammation for sensitive skin
Targets breakouts by reducing bacteria and unclogging pores
Helps unclog pores and reduce blackheads for clearer skin
Brightens and balances complexion for a more uniform appearance
Regulates sebum production to reduce shine and greasiness
Tightens and refines the look of enlarged pores
None of the ingredients in this formula are associated with these benefits. This is not unusual, as most products are designed to target a limited number of concerns.
The actives, UV filters and benefit-carrying ingredients in this formula, in the order they are listed.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris[.omega.-hydroxy-
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Dioctyl ether
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
L-Arginine
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, dodecanoates (1:1) (4 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, octadecanoates (1:1) (10 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Butanedioic acid
Each axis is scored from the ingredients present and how high up the list they sit.
Ingredients that pull and hold water in the upper layers of skin
Lipids and repair signals that support skin barrier integrity
Ingredients that mop up free radicals from UV and pollution
Ingredients that moderate sebum or absorb shine
Ingredients that act on uneven tone and post-inflammatory marks
Ingredients aimed at visible redness and reactivity
Retinoids, acids and enzymes that speed surface turnover
Peptides and growth factors that signal for collagen support
"Active" here means an ingredient carrying a recorded active type or a recognised UV filter.
Solvents, emollients, texture agents and preservatives — the formula that carries the actives.
Read from the full ingredient list. A brand's own claim may differ.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
Judged by the same curated rules our routine checker uses. It reads the ingredients, not the label.
Best kept to separate routines — one in the morning, one at night, or on alternate days.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
Can be layered, but the combination raises the irritation risk. Go slowly.
This product is the "Treat" step.
Flags to check, not verdicts. None of this is medical advice — if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or treating a skin condition, ask a doctor.
Most ingredients do more than one job, so these counts add up to more than the 51 ingredients on the label.
Sets the thickness, spread and stability of the formula
Botanical material, usually for antioxidants or scent
Dissolves and carries everything else
Forms a film that slows water loss
Lifts oil and dirt, or holds oil and water together
Draws water into the upper layers of skin
Changes how skin behaves rather than how it feels
Softens and smooths by filling gaps between skin cells
Neutralises free radicals from UV and pollution
Sets the acidity the formula needs to work
Calms visible redness and irritation
Binds trace metals that would otherwise spoil the formula
Loosens or dissolves dead surface cells
Keeps the product free of microbial growth
Every ingredient on the label, in order, with what it does and roughly how much of it is likely to be there.
1st on the list, which puts it at an estimated 30–80% of the formula.
Aqua (EU),Deionized Water,Distilled Water,Micromatrix Fractile AN,Onsen-Sui (JPN),Purified Water
2nd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Poly(oxy-1,2-ethanediyl)], .alpha.,.alpha.',.alpha.''-1,2,3-propanetriyltris[.omega.-hydroxy-
3rd on the list, which puts it at an estimated 5–20% of the formula.
Niacinamide (vitamin B3) is a gentle skincare active that repairs the skin barrier, calms redness, controls oil and evens tone at 2–5%. Official IUPAC name: **3-Pyridinecarboxamide**
4th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Glycerine ;Glycerol (INN); Glycerol (RIFM); Glycerolum (EP); Glycyl Alcohol; 1,2,3-Propanetriol; 1,2,3-Trihydroxypropane
5th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Butane-1,3-diol (CAS No. 107-88-0/ EC No. 203-529-7) (R)-(-)-butane-1,3-diol” (CAS No. 6290-03-5/ EC No. 228-532-0)
6th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 2–10% of the formula.
Butanamide, 2,4-dihydroxy-N-(3-hydroxypropyl)-3,3-dimethyl-, (2R)-; dl-Panthenol
7th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Decanoic acid, ester with 1,2,3-propanetriol octanoate; Glycerides, mixed decanoyl and octanoyl
8th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
Dioctyl ether
9th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
L-Arginine
10th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–5% of the formula.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, dodecanoates (1:1) (4 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
11th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, octadecanoates (1:1) (10 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
12th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
1,2,3-Propanetriol, homopolymer, dodecanoates (1:1) (6 mol glycerol average molar ratio)
13th on the list, which puts it at an estimated 1–3% of the formula.
Butanedioic acid
14th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer is a copolymer of ammonium acryloyldimethyltaurate and vinylpyrrolidone monomers
15th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
16th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Butanedioic acid, bis(2-ethoxyethyl) ester
17th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Methanaminium, 1-carboxy-N,N,N-trimethyl-, hydroxide, inner salt
18th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-dihydroxypropane
19th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ethanone, 1-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-,p-Hydroxyacetophenone
20th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer is a copolymer of sodium acrylate and sodium acryloyldimethyl taurate monomers
21st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Salicylic acid
22nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Homopolymer of 2-methyl-1 propene
23rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of the Neem Tree, Melia azadirachta L., Meliaceae
24th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
C10-30 alkyl propenoate, polymer with propenoic acid, butenoic acidand/or alkyl propenoates, product with propenyl sucrose ether or propenyl 2,2-dihydroxymethyl-1,3-propanediol
25th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract is an extract of the flowers of the Neem Tree, Melia Azadirachta L., Meliaceae
26th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
2,6,10,15,19,23-Hexamethyltetracosane
27th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Urea, (2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)-
28th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Curcuma Longa Root Extract is an extract of the rhizomes of the Turmeric, Curcuma longa L., Zingiberaceae
29th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3-Propanediol, 2-amino-2-(hydroxymethyl)-
30th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
6-Amino-9-beta-D-ribofuranosyl-9H-purine
31st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Cellulose, 2-hydroxyethyl ether
32nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Xanthan gum
33rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Disodium dihydrogen ethylenediaminetetraacetate
34th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Sorbitan oleate
35th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
D-Glucopyranose, oligomers, decyl octyl glycosides
36th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer is a copolymer of glyceryl acrylate and acrylic acid
37th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract is an extract of the leaves of Ocimum sanctum, Labiatae
38th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Monascus Extract is an extract of Monascus purpureus
39th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil is the fixed oil obtained from the nuts of the Bushnut, Macadamia ternifolia, Proteaceae. It consists primarily of the glycerides of the fatty acids
40th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Dextrin
41st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Corallina Officinalis Extract is an extract of the Alga, Corallina officinalis L., Corallinaceae
42nd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Geranium Maculatum Oil is the volatile oil obtained from the roots and leaves of the Wild Geranium, Geranium maculatum L., Geraniacea
43rd on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Ceramide NP,1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-Octadecanamide,Stearoyl-C18-Phytosphingosine,Stearoyl-4-Hydroxysphinganine
44th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
3,4-Dihydro-2,5,7,8-tetramethyl-2-(4,8,12-trimethyltridecyl)-2H-benzopyran-6-ol; .alpha.-tocopherol; Vitamin E
45th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
1,3,4-Octadecanetriol, 2-amino-, (2S, 3S, 4R)-
46th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of Morinda citrifolia L., Rubiaceae
47th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
beta-Glucan is a polysaccharide consisting of b(1-3) linked glucose chains carrying b(1-6) linked glucose sidechains
48th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Balsam Cucumber, Momordica charantia L., Cucurbitaceae
49th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lecithins, hydrogenated
50th on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract is an extract of the fruit of the Hibiscus, Hibiscus esculentus L., Malvaceae
51st on the list, below the 1% line — present at under 1%, which for most ingredients is the level they work at.
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract is an extract of the dried roots of Lithospermum erythrorhizon, Boraginaceae
Products in the same category that share this formula's distinguishing ingredients.
Arencia
Shares 9 key ingredients with Red Succinic Acid Serum: Water, Niacinamide, Arginine, Butylene Glycol, Panthenol
Arencia
Shares 8 key ingredients with Red Succinic Acid Serum: Water, Glycereth-26, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramide NP
Arencia
Shares 8 key ingredients with Red Succinic Acid Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Ceramide NP
NEOGEN
Shares 8 key ingredients with Red Succinic Acid Serum: Water, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol
SKIN1004
Shares 8 key ingredients with Red Succinic Acid Serum: Water, Butylene Glycol, Niacinamide, Glycerin, Panthenol
Numbuzin
Shares 8 key ingredients with Red Succinic Acid Serum: Water, Niacinamide, Butylene Glycol, Glycerin, Caprylic/capric Triglyceride
WATER, GLYCERETH-26, NIACINAMIDE, GLYCERIN, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PANTHENOL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC TRIGLYCERIDE, DICAPRYLYL ETHER, ARGININE, POLYGLYCERYL-4 LAURATE, POLYGLYCERYL-10 STEARATE, POLYGLYCERYL-6 LAURATE, SUCCINIC ACID, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, 1,2-HEXANEDIOL, DIETHOXYETHYL SUCCINATE, BETAINE, PROPANEDIOL, HYDROXYACETOPHENONE, SODIUM ACRYLATE/SODIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYL TAURATE COPOLYMER, SALICYLIC ACID, POLYISOBUTENE, MELIA AZADIRACHTA LEAF EXTRACT, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, MELIA AZADIRACHTA FLOWER EXTRACT, SQUALANE, ALLANTOIN, CURCUMA LONGA ROOT EXTRACT, TROMETHAMINE, ADENOSINE, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, XANTHAN GUM, DISODIUM EDTA, SORBITAN OLEATE, CAPRYLYL/CAPRYL GLUCOSIDE, GLYCERYL ACRYLATE/ACRYLIC ACID COPOLYMER, OCIMUM SANCTUM LEAF EXTRACT, MONASCUS EXTRACT, MACADAMIA TERNIFOLIA SEED OIL, DEXTRIN, CORALLINA OFFICINALIS EXTRACT, GERANIUM MACULATUM OIL, CERAMIDE NP, TOCOPHEROL, PHYTOSPHINGOSINE, MORINDA CITRIFOLIA FRUIT EXTRACT, BETA-GLUCAN, MOMORDICA CHARANTIA FRUIT EXTRACT, HYDROGENATED LECITHIN, HIBISCUS ESCULENTUS FRUIT EXTRACT, LITHOSPERMUM ERYTHRORHIZON ROOT EXTRACT.
NIACINAMIDE, PANTHENOL, SALICYLIC ACID, CERAMIDE NP.
After cleansing and toning, apply 2–3 drops evenly over the face, focusing on problem areas. Gently pat until fully absorbed. Follow with a moisturizer and use sunscreen during the day. Tip: For stubborn breakouts, layer the serum only on affected areas as a spot treatment for faster results while keeping the rest of your skin calm and balanced.
Judged on how rich the formula reads from its ingredient list, it suits Balanced skin best. It is the least natural fit for Dry, Combination (dry) skin.
No ingredient in this formula carries a common-irritant flag, making it a reasonable option for reactive skin. A patch test is still recommended, as individual skin reactivity varies.
5 ingredients could feed malassezia: Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate, Sorbitan Oleate, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil. That describes the yeast's food supply, not a prediction that they will cause a breakout.
It contains Salicylic Acid, which are usually reviewed with a doctor during pregnancy. Ask your doctor or midwife before using it.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is fragrance-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is no drying alcohol.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is silicone-free.
No. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is essential-oil-free.
Yes. Reading the full ingredient list, this formula is paraben-free.
It layers well with Azelaic acid, Copper peptides, Bakuchiol, Niacinamide, Hyaluronic acid, Ceramides. Take more care combining it with Retinoids (retinol, retinal), Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), AHAs (glycolic, lactic), BHA (salicylic acid), PHAs (gluconolactone), Benzoyl peroxide — use them in separate routines or on alternate days.
Use it morning and evening, after toner, before moisturiser.
It lists 51 ingredients, of which 4 are recorded as actives.
Medicube, a brand based in Korea.
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