Malic Acid
AKA “E296
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Ingredient Facts
Malic acid
AKA: E296
Botanical · pH Adjuster | Exfoliating | Humectant | Skin Conditioning · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Humectant
Exfoliant
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Derived from apples, malic acid gently balances the pH of skincare formulas to keep them stable and effective on skin.
Formula
C4H6O5
Mol. Weight
134.09
CAS #
97-67-6
Plant-Derived
Botanical-Derived Synthetic. Malic acid is naturally found in apples and other fruits, then isolated through fermentation or chemical synthesis. It is produced by fermenting carbohydrates with specific microorganisms or synthesized through catalytic processes from petroleum-derived precursors.
Function
pH Adjuster | Exfoliating | Humectant | Skin Conditioning
Benefits
Buffering
Provides scent
Maintains optimal pH
Traditional Use
This is a quality assurance notation indicating compliance with Food Chemicals Codex standards, not an ingredient.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Target
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
EWG Score4
CIR Safety Findings
ewg-4, medical-approval, all-shades-safe, Not a Sensitizer
Regulatory Status
USAunder review
CANADApermitted
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Feb 2026
Data: PubChem · CosIng · EWG · CIR