Ingredient Spotlight: Malic Acid

Ingredient Spotlight: Malic Acid

What is Malic Acid

Malic acid is a specific type of alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA), a fruit-derived acid that is naturally found in apples - plus your body already produces it naturally! It exfoliates the top layer of the skin, which smoothes out texture, fades discolouration and helps to unclog pores.

Malic Acid Benefits:

Exfoliation to reveal a more radiant complexion: Dead skin cells that are bonded together on the outermost layer of the skin can leave skin looking dull, textured and clog pores. Malic acid breaks down the “glue” that holds all of these cells to reveal a fresher, healthier layer that is a more even, smoother, brighter complexion.

 

Gentle: As the molecule of malic acid is much larger than other AHAs (such as glycolic or lactic acid), it decreases its ability to penetrate the skin, meaning it’s a much gentler option and more suitable for sensitive skin that have broken out from more potent acids in the past. 


Improved acne and hyper-pigmentation: The exfoliation property of malic acid aids in the prevention of acne formation as well. The malic acid penetrates deep into the skin to unclog blocked pores to promote sebum drainage, as well as help reduce skin breakouts and bumps. The sped up cell turnover helped to get rid of acne scars, hyper-pigmentation and dark spots. 


Provides skin hydration: Malic acid, along with being a great exfoliant, is a humectant. This means that it can attract and retain moisture from the environment that traps it in the skin so that it stays soft and hydrated.


Restores pH balance: The sebum and sweat secreted from the skin forms a film on the surface of the skin called the acid mantle. This layer acts as a protective barrier against bacteria and other external contaminants, as well as prevents water loss. Other AHAs can disrupt the acid mantle, but malic acid helps restore it, maintaining your skin’s natural acid-base balance to around 4.5 to 6.5 pH.


Reduce wrinkles and anti-aging: Malic acid speeds up skin cell turnover and promotes collagen production. This property helps in reducing the signs of aging, minimizing fine lines and wrinkles, gives a smoother skin texture, and improves skin elasticity, firmness and resiliency.

skoah's Exfoliating Toners

Malic acid is one of the key ingredients in our glow tonik, turbo tonik, and online exclusive power tonik. Our exfoliating toners are the lazy person’s dream, as it effortlessly clarifies textures and blemishes while leaving your skin feeling refreshed, hydrated, and plump with just a few spritz.

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