Fumaric Acid

Fumaric Acid

AKA “trans-Butenedioic acid, Allomaleic acid, Lichenic acid, Boletic acid, (2E)-but-2-enedioic acid, Tumaric acid, trans-1, 2-Ethylenedicarboxylic acid”

Synthetic

Ingredient Facts

Fumaric acid

AKA: Trans-Butenedioic acid, Allomaleic acid, Lichenic acid, Boletic acid, (2E)-but-2-enedioic acid, Tumaric acid, Trans-1, 2-Ethylenedicarboxylic acid

Synthetic · Antioxidant · EWG: 4

Plant-Derived Synthetic

Antioxidant

Skin Conditioner

Synthetic

Clean

Helps balance and stabilize the formula's pH so the product works effectively and feels comfortable on skin.

Solubility less than 1 mg/mL at 72 °F (NTP, 1992)

Formula

C4H4O4

Mol. Weight

116.07

CAS #

110-17-8

Form

Liquid

See origin →

Functions

Buffering

Antioxidant

Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.

Skin Conditioning

A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.

Stabilizes pH

Fights Bacteria

Traditional Use

Developed as a synthetic food and cosmetic ingredient in the early 20th century. Originally derived from fumitory plant fermentation, it was later synthesized chemically and adopted in skincare for pH buffering and preservative properties.