Malic Acid
Malic Acid is a cosmetic ingredient used as a buffering agent. It is used in 446 products in our dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 147 studies of its skin or topical use.
| INCI name | MALIC ACID |
| Function | BUFFERING |
| CAS number | 97-67-6 |
| EC number | 202-601-5 |
| Prevalence | 446 products (0.48% of dataset) |
| Most used in | Skincare |
| EU status | Restricted (annex ) |
| Scientific studies | 147 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical) |
| Monthly searches | 22,200 |
Used in
Exfoliators 12.8%Toners 11.7%Serums 10.8%Face Cleansers 10.5%Shampoos 7%Facial Treatments 5.4%
Frequently asked
- What does Malic Acid do in skincare?
- Malic Acid functions as a buffering agent in cosmetic formulas.
- Is Malic Acid allowed in cosmetics?
- Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
- What products contain Malic Acid?
- It is most commonly found in Skincare products, especially exfoliators (12.8% of its uses).
Manufacturers with experience using Malic Acid
Match with vetted US contract manufacturers that have hands-on experience formulating with this ingredient.