Malic Acid
Malic acid is a gentle alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) commonly used in UK skincare to exfoliate and brighten the skin. Naturally found in apples, it helps remove dead skin cells, leaving the complexion smoother and more radiant. It is popular in exfoliating toners, serums and masks for its milder action compared with glycolic acid.
How it works in skincare
In cosmetics and skincare, malic acid works by loosening the bonds between dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, encouraging gentle exfoliation that reveals fresher, brighter skin underneath. Its larger molecular size compared with glycolic acid allows for a slower, more controlled penetration, making it less likely to cause irritation while still supporting the skin’s natural renewal process and improving product absorption of other active ingredients.
Key benefits
- Gently exfoliates the skin’s surface
- Improves skin brightness and radiance
- Helps smooth rough texture
- Enhances absorption of other skincare ingredients
- Supports a more even skin tone
- Provides mild hydration support
Best for
dull skin, mature skin, dry skin, combination skin, sensitive skin
Where it comes from
Malic acid is naturally derived from apples and other fruits such as pears and cherries. In cosmetic formulations it is typically produced through fermentation or extraction from these plant sources.
Products with Malic Acid
Not every product on UK Lips lists a full ingredient breakdown — so there may be many more formulas that contain Malic Acid than we can show here. These are the comparisons where we’ve confirmed it in the listed ingredients.