Ma
Malic Acid
Malic AcidExfoliant
Fruit-derived AHA. Often blended with glycolic and lactic for layered exfoliation across multiple molecule sizes.
What it does
Malic acid is an AHA derived from apples. Larger and slower-penetrating than glycolic, smaller and faster than mandelic. It's almost always seen in blended-acid products rather than as the lead ingredient. The same AHA cautions apply: increases photosensitivity, can compound irritation when stacked with retinoids same-night.
The evidence, graded
strongAHAs and BHAs show texture and brightness improvements in 2–4 weeks. Deeper benefits — acne reduction, fine line softening, pigmentation lightening — take 8–12 weeks of consistent use.Smith 1996 · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ↗
emergingAHAs (glycolic, lactic, mandelic) need an acidic pH (typically 3.5–4) to deliver advertised exfoliation. Products with neutral or partially neutralized pH still hydrate but won't drive meaningful keratolysis.Smith 1996 · Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ↗
Graded per the methodology: strong · moderate · emerging · expert consensus. A weak source on a strong claim gets the weaker label.
Also known as
apple acid
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