Home / EncyclopediaProducts / Diheptyl Succinate
Other

Diheptyl Succinate

Diheptyl Succinate — a lightweight synthetic emollient ester that provides a silky, non-greasy texture with an instant dry touch feel on the skin. A popular component in sunscreens and lightweight emulsions where a non-sticky sensory experience is important.

lightweight emollientdry touch effectnon-greasy texturesunscreen formulas
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Diheptyl Succinate (INCI: Diheptyl Succinate) — a diester formed by the reaction of succinic acid with two molecules of heptanol (C7 alcohol). Its low viscosity and light molecular structure provide the characteristic dry touch sensory experience — quick absorption with a dry feel, unlike typical emollients that leave an oily film. Function: emollient, solvent for UV filters and other lipophilic actives, texture modifier for the formula.

Sunscreens (carrier for chemical UV filters), lightweight day emulsions and fluids, mattifying products for oily skin, base for silicon-free formulas with a light texture.

Key Benefits

✦
Non-greasy texture with a dry touch effect
Diheptyl succinate provides a characteristic dry touch feel upon application, which is especially valued in formulas for oily skin and sunscreens where a non-sticky, matte sensory experience is important. Mechanism: the light molecular structure quickly spreads and absorbs without leaving a visible oily film, unlike heavier emollients. Often used as an alternative to silicones (e.g., cyclomethicone) in formulas that aim to avoid silicone ingredients.
◈
Solvent for UV filters and active components
Due to its solubility for lipophilic compounds, diheptyl succinate is often used as a carrier for chemical UV filters (avobenzone, octocrylene, etc.) in sunscreen formulations. Mechanism: effectively dissolves and stabilizes UV filters, ensuring an even distribution of active components across the skin surface without crystallization. This improves both the effectiveness of protection and the sensory properties of the sunscreen.
✧
Improvement of texture and spreadability of the formula
Diheptyl succinate improves the spreadability of cosmetic formulations, giving them a lighter, more "elastic" texture upon application. Mechanism: reduces the overall viscosity of the formula and promotes even distribution of other components across the skin surface. Often combined with: other lightweight esters (e.g., C12-15 alkyl benzoate) to achieve an optimal sensory profile in modern lightweight sunscreen formulations.

Suitable for

oily and combination skinall skin types in sunscreen formulations

Main Actions

✓ non-greasy dry touch texture✓ solvent for UV filters✓ improvement of formula spreadability
Diheptyl Succinate: concentration and compatibility

Diheptyl succinate is low comedogenic and suitable even for oily skin. INCI: Diheptyl Succinate. Typical concentration: 1-10% depending on the type of formula. Often used in combination with other lightweight esters to optimize the texture of sunscreens and mattifying products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Diheptyl Succinate do for skin?
Sunscreens (carrier for chemical UV filters), lightweight day emulsions and fluids, mattifying products for oily skin, base for silicon-free formulas with a light texture.
Who should use Diheptyl Succinate?
Diheptyl Succinate is suitable for: oily and combination skin, all skin types in sunscreen formulations.
Are there any warnings about Diheptyl Succinate?
Diheptyl succinate is low comedogenic and suitable even for oily skin. INCI: Diheptyl Succinate. Typical concentration: 1-10% depending on the type of formula. Often used in combination with other lightweight esters to optimize the texture of sunscreens and mattifying products.

Check if this ingredient works for your skin — analyze your full product formula for free.

Analyze your product