Diheptyl Succinate
Lightweight plant-derived ester from succinic acid and heptanol. Replaces silicones and cyclomethicone in emulsions: dry slip, no film. Common in clean sunscreens and foundations. Non-comedogenic.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Diheptyl Succinate is a light plant-derived ester, synthesized from succinic acid and heptyl alcohol. The molecule is short-chain; sensory feel is close to cyclomethicone: dry glide, no greasy film. Mechanism. On skin it provides instant distribution and quick absorption. Replaces cyclic silicones (D4, D5) restricted by the EU on environmental grounds. In formulas it works as a solvent for oil-soluble actives, pigment carrier, emulsifier. An emollient-functional component with no active skin pharmacology. Where applied. Clean sunscreens, foundations, oily-skin fluids, primers, hair products. Especially popular in 'silicone-free' and 'D5-free' marketed formulas. In Spain – ISDIN Fotoprotector Mineral, La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune Mineral, clean-beauty brands. Evidence base. A functional component with relatively recent adoption (last 5 years). Sensory characteristics (dry glide, no greasy afterfeel) confirmed in standard formulation tests. Sensory comparison with cyclomethicone – close. Safety. CIR has not issued a direct evaluation, but for related ester emollients in the class – safety is confirmed. Non-comedogenic, non-irritating, allergies rare. Pregnancy and lactation – safe at standard cosmetic concentrations. Best suited to: any skin type. Especially interesting in oily and combination skin formulas, clean sunscreens. A solid cyclomethicone replacement.
Frequently asked questions
Is Diheptyl Succinate safe during pregnancy?
Diheptyl Succinate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Diheptyl Succinate for?
Diheptyl Succinate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Diheptyl Succinate and what does it do in cosmetics?
Lightweight plant-derived ester from succinic acid and heptanol.
What's the INCI name for Diheptyl Succinate?
The INCI name is Diheptyl Succinate. It may also appear as: LexFeel Natural.
See Diheptyl Succinate in a product composition right on the store page
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Similar role in the formula
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