The Basics On Malic Acid
What is Malic Acid?
Malic acid is an exfoliating ingredient derived from unripe fruit.
What are other names for Malic Acid?
2-HYDROXYETHANE-1,2-DICARBOXYLIC ACID, BUTANEDIOIC ACID, HYDROXY, BUTANEDIOIC ACID, HYDROXY-, DEOXYTETRARIC ACID, DL-MALIC ACID, HYDROXY- BUTANEDIOIC ACID, HYDROXYBUTANEDIOIC ACID, HYDROXYSUCCINNIC ACID, L-MALIC ACID, and MALIC ACID
What is Malic Acid used for?
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) represent a class of compounds which have been widely used in a number of cosmetic and therapeutic formulations in order to achieve a variety of beneficial effects for the skin. They act by inducing exfoliation in our skin and accelerating the natural skin cell rejuvenation cycle. AHAs are commonly used in the treatment of aging skin and acne. AHAs are effective as anti-aging agents but often cause skin irritation through use due to their acidic nature2.
How Malic Acid is classified
Exfoliant
Recommendations for using Malic Acid during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Malic Acid During Pregnancy
What we know about using Malic Acid while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
N/A
General safety info about Malic Acid from CIR
Fumarate metabolism occurs in the citric acid cycle to produce water and carbon dioxide. Most animal studies demonstrate no significant single or repeated dose toxicity, including genotoxicity and carcinogenicity assays. One repeated dose animal study did report gonadotropic and estrogenic activity, and progressive testicular atrophy, but a comparable study reported that spermatogenesis and testicular structure were unaffected. In pre-clinical studies, dimethyl fumarate, at doses approaching maternal toxicity levels, was not a developmental toxicant; embryo-fetal toxicity was only observed at maternally toxic doses. These ingredients are not irritants or sensitizers. The CIR Expert Panel considered that the available data were adequate to support the safety of these ingredients as used in cosmetics.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Malic Acid
Sunday Riley GOOD GENES All-In-One Lactic Acid Treatment, Paula’s Choice 10% Azelaic Acid Booster, Paula’s Choice RESIST Daily Smoothing Treatment with 5% Alpha Hydroxy Acid; Murad Replenishing Multi-Acid Peel, Kate Somerville Liquid ExfoliKate Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment, Kate Somerville Mini Liquid ExfoliKate Triple Acid Resurfacing Treatment
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
1. Kornhauser A, Coelho S, Hearing V. Applications of hydroxy acids: classification, mechanisms, and photoactivity. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2010;3:135-142. [PubMed] 2. Wang X. A theory for the mechanism of action of the alpha-hydroxy acids applied to the skin. Med Hypotheses. 1999;53(5):380-382. [PubMed] 3. Malic acid. EWG’s Skin Deep Cosmetic Database. https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703723/MALIC_ACID/#.W7CAfmgzZhE. Published 2018. Accessed October 2018.
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
