Ingredient review
Diethylhexyl Succinate
INCI: DIETHYLHEXYL SUCCINATE
A gentle, lightweight emollient that improves product texture and leaves skin feeling soft without clogging pores.
In plain English
Diethylhexyl Succinate is a synthetic oil-like ingredient that makes lotions and creams feel silky and spread easily. It’s not an oil from plants or petroleum—it’s made in a lab to mimic the nice feel of natural oils without the greasiness. It sits on the surface of your skin to soften it and help other ingredients glide on smoothly. Because it’s very light and non-greasy, it’s a favorite in sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers for people who dislike heavy textures.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Diethylhexyl Succinate is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Diethylhexyl Succinate.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
Diethylhexyl Succinate is a diester of succinic acid and 2-ethylhexanol. It is a clear, colorless liquid with a very low viscosity, meaning it feels thin and light. It is produced synthetically and is not derived from plants or animals.
How it works
As an emollient, it fills in the tiny gaps between dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, making the skin feel smoother and softer. It also reduces the friction between your skin and the product, allowing creams and lotions to spread more easily and evenly. Because it is non-occlusive (does not form a heavy film), it provides softness without trapping heat or sweat.
Pros
Ultra-light texture
Unlike heavier oils, Diethylhexyl Succinate feels almost weightless on the skin, making it ideal for daytime moisturizers and sunscreens that need to layer well under makeup.
Low pore-clogging risk
With a comedogenic rating of 0–1, it is very unlikely to cause breakouts, even for acne-prone skin types.
Cons and cautions
Synthetic origin
It is made in a lab, so it won't appeal to consumers who strictly avoid synthetic ingredients in their skincare routine.
Limited active benefits
Its main job is to improve feel and texture—it does not provide hydration, antioxidants, or anti-aging effects on its own.
Best for
- People with oily or combination skin who want a lightweight moisturizer
- Anyone who dislikes heavy, greasy creams and prefers a silky finish
Use caution if
- Those seeking only 100% natural or plant-derived ingredients
Usage tips
Safety summary
Diethylhexyl Succinate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant health concerns have been identified in regulatory reviews.
Research notes
Safety assessments by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel and other bodies have concluded that Diethylhexyl Succinate is safe as used in cosmetics. Most published data focus on its function as a solvent and emollient rather than direct skin benefits.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 1% to 10%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and most major markets. No concentration restrictions are typically imposed.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Sunscreens, Makeup removers, Serums, Lip products
- Environmental note
- Diethylhexyl Succinate is biodegradable and does not accumulate in the environment, making it a relatively eco-friendly synthetic emollient.
Good to know
- It is often used as a replacement for silicone oils in 'silicone-free' formulas.
- It is biodegradable and not considered a marine pollutant.
Common questions
What is Diethylhexyl Succinate in beauty products?
Diethylhexyl Succinate is a synthetic oil-like ingredient that makes lotions and creams feel silky and spread easily. It’s not an oil from plants or petroleum—it’s made in a lab to mimic the nice feel of natural oils without the greasiness. It sits on the surface of your skin to soften it and help other ingredients glide on smoothly. Because it’s very light and non-greasy, it’s a favorite in sunscreens and lightweight moisturizers for people who dislike heavy textures.
What does Diethylhexyl Succinate do in a beauty product?
As an emollient, it fills in the tiny gaps between dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, making the skin feel smoother and softer. It also reduces the friction between your skin and the product, allowing creams and lotions to spread more easily and evenly. Because it is non-occlusive (does not form a heavy film), it provides softness without trapping heat or sweat.
Is Diethylhexyl Succinate safe for most people?
Diethylhexyl Succinate is considered safe for use in cosmetics at typical concentrations. It has low irritation and sensitization potential, and no significant health concerns have been identified in regulatory reviews.
Who should be careful with Diethylhexyl Succinate?
Those seeking only 100% natural or plant-derived ingredients
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.