Red Succinic Acid Serum

MediCube

Where to buy Possibly in stock

About this product

The MediCube Red Succinic Acid Serum is a serums, essence, ampoule. Our analysis of its 51 ingredients (46 low-risk) rates it Excellent (99/100). Based on its ingredients, it looks well-suited to oily / acne-prone and dry skin.

Vegan-friendly Reef-safe

Summarised from our ingredient analysis — not brand marketing copy.

At a glance

Type
Serums, Essence, Ampoules
Ingredients
51
Low-risk
46
Fragrance
Fragrance-free
Origin
South Korea

The evidence

Quick Product Notes

Paraben-Free Sulfate-Free Alcohol-Free Silicone-Free EU Allergen-Free Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Notable Effects & Ingredients

No Notable Effects & Ingredients

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Good   Bad — tap a skin type to see which ingredients · estimated from ingredient functions
Dry Skin 11/10
Good for dry skin
Glycereth-26 Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer Dicaprylyl Ether Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil Betaine Squalane Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Butylene Glycol Glycerin Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Caution for dry skin
Dextrin Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer Sorbitan Oleate Xanthan Gum Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside Glycerin Salicylic Acid Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate Hydrogenated Lecithin
Oily/Acne-Prone Skin 1/0
Good for oily/acne-prone skin
Salicylic Acid
Sensitive Skin 4/9
Good for sensitive skin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract Glycerin Hydroxyacetophenone Allantoin
Caution for sensitive skin
Succinic Acid Sorbitan Oleate Arginine Geranium Maculatum Oil Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride Butylene Glycol Glycerin Salicylic Acid Tromethamine

Ingredients list

51 total
Lower hazard (1) Higher hazard (4)
All51 Skin Conditioning40 Viscosity Controlling12 Hair Conditioning10 Solvent9 Humectant9 Fragrance9 Masking7 Emulsion Stabilising6
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1
Water
(Solvent)
1
Glycereth-26
(Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Solvent, Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Niacinamide
(Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Smoothing)
2
A
Glycerin
(Denaturant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Oral Care Agent, Oral Health Care Drug, Skin Protecting, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Perfuming, Solvent)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
1
A
Butylene Glycol
(Fragrance, Skin Conditioning, Solvent, Viscositydecreasing Agent, Humectant, Masking, Viscosity Controlling)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
A
Panthenol
(Antistatic Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning)
Good for Dry Skin
Good for Dry Skin
1
A
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
(Emollient, Masking, Perfuming, Skin Conditioning, Solvent)
1
Dicaprylyl Ether
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Solvent)
1
A
Arginine
(Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Antistatic Agent, Masking)
1
B
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
(Skin Conditioning, Emollient, Emulsifying, Surfactant)
1
B
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
(Skin Conditioning, Emulsifying, Surfactant)
Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate
(Emulsifying)
1
A
Succinic Acid
(Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Masking)
1
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
(Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
1,2-Hexanediol
(Solvent)
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
(Solvent)
1
B
Betaine
(Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Antistatic Agent, Skin Conditioning, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Propanediol
(Solvent, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Hydroxyacetophenone
(Antioxidant)
1
Sodium Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
(Anticaking Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Opacifying, Suspending Agent Nonsurfactant, Viscosity Increasing Agent)
4
B
Salicylic Acid
(Antiacne Agent, Antidandruff Agent, Corn/Callus/Wart Remover, Denaturant, Exfoliant, Fragrance, Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning, Keratolytic, Masking, Preservative)
Good for Oily Skin
Good for Oily Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
1
A
Polyisobutene
(Binding Agent, Film Forming, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
(Antimicrobial, Skin Protecting)
1
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
(Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Melia Azadirachta Flower Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Squalane
(Emollient, Hair Conditioning, Refatting, Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Allantoin
(Skin Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Soothing)
Good for Oily Skin
Good for Oily Skin
Good for Sensitive Skin
Good for Sensitive Skin
Curcuma Longa Root Extract
(Fragrance, Perfuming)
2
A
Tromethamine
(Fragrance, Ph Adjuster, Buffering Agent, Masking)
1
Adenosine
(Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Hydroxyethylcellulose
(Binding Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Film Forming, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding, Stabilising, Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Xanthan Gum
(Binding Agent, Emulsion Stabilising, Skin Conditioning, Surfactant Emulsifying Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding, Gel Forming, Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Disodium EDTA
(Chelating Agent, Viscosity Controlling)
1
A
Sorbitan Oleate
(Fragrance, Emulsifying, Surfactant)
Bad for Oily Skin
Bad for Oily Skin
Fungal Acne
Fungal Acne Trigger
1
Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside
(Cleansing, Foaming, Surfactant)
1
Glyceryl Acrylate/Acrylic Acid Copolymer
(Humectant, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Monascus Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil
(Emollient)
1
A
Dextrin
(Absorbent, Binding Agent, Bulking Agent, Viscosity Increasing Agent, Binding, Viscosity Controlling)
1
Corallina Officinalis Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Geranium Maculatum Oil
(Masking, Tonic)
Bad for Sensitive Skin
Bad for Sensitive Skin
1
Ceramide NP
(Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning)
TOCOPHEROL
(Antioxidant, Fragrance, Skin Conditioning)
1
Phytosphingosine
(Hair Conditioning, Skin Conditioning)
1
Morinda Citrifolia Fruit Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
1
A
Beta-Glucan
(Bulking Agent, Skin Conditioning)
1
Momordica Charantia Fruit Extract
(Hair Conditioning, Humectant, Skin Conditioning)
2
A
Hydrogenated Lecithin
(Skin Conditioning, Emulsifying, Surfactant, Suspending Agent Nonsurfactant)
1
Hibiscus Esculentus Fruit Extract
(Skin Conditioning)
1
Lithospermum Erythrorhizon Root Extract
(Skin Conditioning)

My Ingredient Notes

No personal ingredient notes yet. Save ingredients to your profile to get good/bad alerts here.

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Key ingredients

Glycereth-26
Humectant
Niacinamide
Skin Conditioning
Glycerin
Humectant, Skin Protecting
Butylene Glycol
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Emollient, Skin Conditioning

Benefits

Good for dry skin
Good for oily/acne-prone skin

Concerns

Not fungal acne (malassezia) safe
May not suit sensitive skin

Ingredients explained

Water
Solvent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Solvent
Glycereth-26
Humectant, Viscosity decreasing agent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 HumectantViscosity decreasing agentSolventViscosity controlling
Niacinamide
Hair conditioning, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Hair conditioningSkin conditioningSmoothing
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Emollient, Masking
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A EmollientMaskingPerfumingSkin conditioningSolvent
Dicaprylyl Ether
Skin conditioning, Emollient
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Skin conditioningEmollientSolvent
Arginine
Fragrance, Hair conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceHair conditioningSkin conditioningAntistatic agentMasking
Polyglyceryl-4 Laurate
Skin conditioning, Emollient
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B Skin conditioningEmollientEmulsifyingSurfactant
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Skin conditioning, Emulsifying
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B Skin conditioningEmulsifyingSurfactant
Polyglyceryl-6 Laurate
Emulsifying
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A Emulsifying
Succinic Acid
Fragrance, Ph adjuster
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragrancePh adjusterBuffering agentMasking
Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer
Viscosity controlling
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 Viscosity controlling
1,2-Hexanediol
Solvent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Solvent
Diethoxyethyl Succinate
Solvent
Limited public safety data.Read moreShow less
EWG N/A Solvent
Betaine
Hair conditioning, Humectant
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR B Hair conditioningHumectantAntistatic agentSkin conditioningViscosity controlling
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity decreasing agent
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 SolventViscosity decreasing agentViscosity controlling
+ 29 more — see the full ingredients list above
Glycerin
Denaturant, Fragrance
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 2 CIR A DenaturantFragranceHair conditioningHumectantOral care agentOral health care drugSkin protectingViscosity decreasing agentPerfumingSolvent Good for Dry SkinFungal-acne trigger
Butylene Glycol
Fragrance, Skin conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceSkin conditioningSolventViscositydecreasing agentHumectantMaskingViscosity controlling Good for Dry Skin
Panthenol
Antistatic agent, Hair conditioning
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Antistatic agentHair conditioningSkin conditioning Good for Dry Skin
Salicylic Acid
Antiacne agent, Antidandruff agent
Skin irritation can occur at high concentrationRead moreShow less
EWG 4 CIR B Antiacne agentAntidandruff agentCorn/callus/wart removerDenaturantExfoliantFragranceHair conditioningSkin conditioningKeratolyticMaskingPreservative Good for Oily SkinBad for Sensitive Skin
Allantoin
Skin conditioning, Skin protecting
Low-hazard ingredient.Read moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A Skin conditioningSkin protectingSoothing Good for Oily SkinGood for Sensitive Skin
Sorbitan Oleate
Fragrance, Emulsifying
Potentially comedogenic - can block poresRead moreShow less
EWG 1 CIR A FragranceEmulsifyingSurfactant Bad for Oily SkinFungal-acne trigger
Geranium Maculatum Oil
Masking, Tonic
Potentially a skin irritantRead moreShow less
EWG 1 MaskingTonic Bad for Sensitive Skin

How to use

How to use

  • 1 Where it fits: Apply after toner and before moisturiser — thinnest to thickest.
  • 2 Evening, start slow: Best in the PM a few times a week to begin with; avoid layering with other strong actives the same night.
  • 3 Wear SPF the next day: Acids and retinoids increase sun sensitivity — daily sunscreen is a must while using this.

General guidance from this product's category and active ingredients — always follow the directions on the package.

Trust & honesty

Officially notified as a cosmetic in Malaysia (NPRA). Government registration record.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding

Contains ingredients some choose to avoid or double-check while pregnant or nursing.

Use with caution
BHA (salicylic) (Salicylic Acid)

Low-strength topical salicylic acid (BHA) is generally considered fine. Caution is usually reserved for high-strength leave-on products and salicylic peels.

This is general information, not medical advice. Pregnancy guidance varies and depends on concentration and your individual situation — always check with your doctor, midwife or pharmacist. How we flag this.

Effective levels — general guide

The concentrations these actives are typically effective at in research — not a measurement of this product.

Niacinamide 2–5% (up to 10%)

Most research uses 2–5%; some formulas go to 10%. Very high levels can cause flushing in sensitive skin.

Niacinamide

BHA (salicylic) 0.5–2%

Salicylic acid is OTC-capped at 2%; 0.5–2% is the usual leave-on range. Much below that it acts more as a soothing agent than an exfoliant.

Salicylic Acid

INCI lists don't disclose amounts, and we don't claim to know this product's levels — these are the ranges these ingredients are usually effective at, so you can tell a real formula from "fairy-dusting" a marketed active. How we estimate this.

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