L-Malic Acid is an intermediate product of the Citric Acid Cycle, in its esterified form, malate. The Citric Acid Cycle produces cellular energy in the form of ATP. L-malic acid is naturally present in the body's cells, and is involved in gluconeogenesis, the metabolic pathway that creates glucose for the brain.
Although malic acid is less irritating on the skin than other alpha-hydroxy acids, it should still be used with caution. Malic acid can make your skin turn red, itch, or burn, especially around the eyes. Please patch test a product before a complete application. To patch test, swab a small amount of product on your wrist, the crook of your elbow or behind your ear. Then wait 24 hours to see how your skin reacts. If your skin begins to burn, wash off the product immediately.
Properties exfoliating, antioxidant (that other acids do not contain), moisturizing, fewer fine lines & wrinkles, more even skin tone, smoother skin, decreased blemishes
INCI: DL-Malic Acid Purity: 100% Physical Form: White Crystalline Powder Melting Point: 130-132°C Applications: Topical Usage Rate: Up to the Discretion of the Formulator Solubility: Cold Water
Shelf Life and Storage Information for Our Products and Ingredients
Finished Products - generally don't need to be refrigerated as they are preserved, but you can refrigerate them to extend their shelf life. The shelf life for most products is 9-12 months. Vitamin C Serum(s) and VitaResurface products should continually be refrigerated to extend their shelf life. Sample Sizes - do have a shorter shelf life (generally 3-6 months), and items in jars can dry up quicker than this if the lid is not tightened well enough (Vitamin C Serums - use within 90 days).
Please keep your products out of humidity, heat, direct light and in a dark cabinet when possible:
Exfoliating Acid - products have a shelf life of 9-12 months. The only things we don't suggest refrigerating are the Mandelic Acid Serums or Salicylic Acid Serums, as they can crystallize in the refrigerator. If this happens, you can set the product into a hot water bath to see if the crystals will dissolve.
Additional Items That Require Refrigeration and/or Kept in the Dark:
Hydrosols and Distillates - remove 1 ounce of hydrosol and add it into a separate,sterilized spray bottle and spritzer. Keep the larger bottle in the refrigerator. Carrier and Exotic Oils - generally, you can refrigerate all carrier oils, although some very rich oils will solidify. This is fine. All you have to do is take it out, warm it up at room temperature and it should liquefy. If not, set the bottle in a hot water bath and occasionally shake the bottle, which will hopefully turn into a liquid. There are some oils with a super long shelf life, like Coconut Cream and Jojoba Oil.
Refrigeration is not necessary, but it surely won't hurt:
Essential Oils - essential oils are best stored in a cool, dark place. Co2 Extracts - these should continually be refrigerated. Butters - we suggest refrigerating our "skincare" butters. You can remove what you need and keep the rest in the fridge. Clays - keep in a dry, dark place. Shelf life is at least 2 years. Herbs - all herbs (whole or ground) should be kept in a dark, cool and dry location. Herbal (liquid) Extracts - these are created using alcohol. The alcohol pulls the constituents (properties) from each herbs - root, trunk, leaves, and flowers. They have a shelf life of 3-5 years. They can be kept in the refrigerator or a dark place. Other Raw Ingredients - i.e., Sodium PCA, Honeyquat, Oat Beta Glucan, etc. will all have a different shelf life.
