Dicarboxylic AHA; milder than glycolic/lactic; often combined with other AHAs; apple-derived versions available; counts toward total AHA load
Function & Common Use
Active (AHA exfoliant) / pH adjuster
Active Ingredient
Exfoliants toners multi-AHA products
Synthetic / Fruit-derived
Concentration Limits
No formal limit
No specific limit
No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked; EU limit reference: No specific limit
No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category
Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Malic Acid safe to use in skincare?
Malic Acid has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Dicarboxylic AHA; milder than glycolic/lactic; often combined with other AHAs; apple-derived versions available; counts toward total AHA load
Is Malic Acid allowed in India?
Malic Acid is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. The maximum permitted concentration is No formal limit.
What is Malic Acid used for in cosmetics?
Malic Acid functions as: Active (AHA exfoliant) / pH adjuster. It is commonly found in: Exfoliants toners multi-AHA products.
Regulatory Status
Identifiers
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