Skincare Ingredient
Save ingredients to your skin profile and we'll use them when you look up products — instantly flagging what's reactive, neutral, or works well for your skin.
Maleic Acid
In Skincare: Is Maleic Acid Safe? Comedogenic Rating & Side Effects
Overview
Ingredient Profile
Data & Research
Scientific Facts
Common Uses
Formulation in Maleic Acid
Role of Maleic Acid
Active Cosmetic Mechanisms
BUFFERING
pH StabilizerMaintains stable pH levels in products
SCIENTIFIC ANALYSIS
// Evidence: Buffering systems resist pH changes through weak acid-conjugate base pairs (citric acid/sodium citrate, lactic acid/sodium lactate, phosphate salts) that operate within specific pH ranges based on their pKa values. The mechanism follows the Henderson-Hasselbalch equation, with buffer components neutralizing added H⁺ or OH⁻ ions. Proper buffering prevents pH drift and maintains efficacy.
Products
containing Maleic Acid
One-step login · Made for your skin
Want analysis that actually fits your skin?
Sign in once — we'll remember your skin type and make every analysis more relevant for you. for free!
Joined by people who care about their skin
Similar Ingredients
Ingredients with similar chemical profiles and skincare properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Maleic Acid — common questions
What is Maleic Acid in skincare?
Maleic Acid is a colorless to white crystalline solid with an acidic odor. It’s used in cosmetics and personal care products, primarily for pH adjustment in hair and bath formulations and shaving creams.
What does Maleic Acid do? / Functions of Maleic Acid?
Common functions: BUFFERING.
What is the comedogenic rating of Maleic Acid? / Is Maleic Acid comedogenic?
The comedogenic rating of Maleic Acid has not been established in our database.
Does it clog pores?
Whether Maleic Acid clogs pores depends on the formulation and concentration.
Is Maleic Acid safe for skin?
Maleic Acid has a safety rating of 3 out of 5. A rating of 3 indicates moderate safety considerations.
Is Maleic Acid good for sensitive skin?
Maleic Acid has an irritancy rating of 4 out of 5. A rating of 4 means it has high irritation potential.
What are the side effects of Maleic Acid in skincare?
Potential side effects include skin irritation (irritancy rating 4/5).