What it is
Diglycol Guanidine Succinate is a synthetic, water-soluble salt that combines a guanidine moiety with a succinate and diglycol portion. In cosmetic formulas it functions as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping the formula attract and hold water at the skin surface. It is typically included at low levels in the aqueous phase of lotions, milks, and creams, including sunscreen bases.
Safety & warnings
As a water-soluble conditioning agent used at low levels, it is generally well tolerated in cosmetic use. It is not a fragrance allergen and is not an oil, so comedogenicity is not a typical concern.
Origin & sourcing
Synthetic. It is manufactured rather than extracted from a natural source.
Questions everyone asks
What does Diglycol Guanidine Succinate do in a sunscreen?
It acts as a humectant and skin-conditioning agent, helping the water phase of the formula hold moisture so the product feels more comfortable on skin.
Is Diglycol Guanidine Succinate a UV filter?
No. It does not absorb or reflect UV light and is not classified as a UV filter; it is a moisturizing support ingredient.