Description
The MEDICUBE Red Succinic Acid Clarifying Serum is a high-performing clarifying serum formulated specifically for acne-prone and post-breakout skin. It combines succinic acid (1 %) with niacinamide (5 %) and gentle exfoliants such as salicylic acid (0.2 %) to help fade post-acne pigmentation, smooth rough texture, refine pores and support a clearer complexion.
It is non-comedogenic, hypoallergenic and designed for sensitive or breakout-prone skin, offering both clarifying and barrier-support benefits
Skin Type
Normal to combination skin, especially if you experience breakouts, clogged pores, uneven texture or post-acne marks.
Oily and acne-prone skin — the formula targets sebum, blocked pores and inflammation (via succinic acid + salicylic acid) while still being gentle.
Skin positioned in the “recovery” phase from breakout or barrier-disturbance — this clarifying serum supports smoothing/pigmentation improvement.
Skin needing a clarifying/active step but wanting to support barrier health (with ceramides + panthenol included) rather than harsh stripping.
Key Benefits
Clarifies & refines texture — The succinic acid 1 % + salicylic acid 0.2 % combo helps to clear clogged pores, reduce sebum, smooth rough patches and visibly refine skin surface.
Fade post-acne pigmentation — The niacinamide 5 % supports reduction of dark spots, pigmentation and residue from previous breakouts.
Barrier-supportive clarifier — With ceramide NP and panthenol included, the serum supports the damaged skin barrier (important in your recovery context).
Non-comedogenic & sensitive skin friendly — Formulated without heavy pore-clogging oils and with sensitive/acne-prone skin in mind.
Dual function: treatment + everyday active — Can be used regularly to maintain clearer skin and smoother texture, not just occasional spot-treat.
Key Ingredients
Niacinamide 5 % — A well-recognized multitasker for barrier support, tone correction, pore refinement and calming.
Succinic Acid 1 % — A newer active ingredient with antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and clarifying properties, especially helpful for acne-prone skin.
Salicylic Acid 0.2 % — A BHA that helps exfoliate inside pores, remove excess sebum and clear congestion.
Ceramide NP & Panthenol — These ingredients help soothe and protect the skin barrier, enhancing tolerance of clarifying actives.
Supporting botanicals & humectants — Extracts such as Melia Azadirachta leaf/flower, turmeric root, squalane, and humectants (glycerin, betaine) to maintain hydration while clarifying.
Ingredients List
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 (Turmeric) 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
Disclaimer: We do our best to provide accurate and up-to-date product information. However, formulations may change without notice. For the most current ingredient list, usage instructions, and warnings, please refer to the product packaging prior to use.
Pregnancy and Nursing Safe
Likely Safe
While the product contain actives including salicylic acid (0.2 %) and succinic acid. It is prudent to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating such products into your skincare routine during pregnancy.
How to use
Evening cleanse & tone your skin using your gentle cleanser and hydrating toner (important given your dry/flaky barrier).
Apply the serum: After toning, dispense 2 pumps of the Red Succinic Acid Clarifying Serum and apply evenly to face (avoiding eye/ lip area).
Gently pat in until absorbed. Allow the serum to settle for 1-2 minutes.
Follow with your barrier repair cream/serum: Because your barrier is compromised, it’s especially important to apply your rich moisturiser or repairing barrier-cream immediately after to lock in benefits and protect the skin.
Sun protection (morning after): If this is used in morning (though evening use is preferred for actives), use broad spectrum sunscreen afterwards.
Frequency & layering tip for your skin condition:
Use 1-2 times per week initially until your barrier is more stable.
On nights when your skin is more irritated/flaky: you might skip this serum and instead focus on hydrating/soothing steps.
On clearer nights: you can use this serum, but avoid using other strong actives (e.g., high-dose acids, retinol) to reduce cumulative stress on your skin.
Observe skin response: Because you have dry/flaky areas and occasional cystic acne, monitor for increased dryness, flaking, stinging or breakout. If observed, reduce frequency or pause until barrier improves.
