Fumaric Acid

What Fumaric Acid is & what it does

Fumaric Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid also produced synthetically for cosmetic use. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it acts mainly as a pH adjuster and acidifying agent, helping keep a product within its intended pH range. It can also serve a minor antioxidant or stabilizing role in some formulations.

What does Fumaric Acid do in skincare?

Fumaric Acid is used mainly as a pH adjuster and acidifying agent, helping keep a product within its intended pH range. In some formulas it can also play a minor stabilizing or antioxidant role.

Is Fumaric Acid safe?

Fumaric Acid is a naturally occurring organic acid widely used as a food and cosmetic acidulant, and it is generally considered safe at the low levels used to adjust pH. As an acid, undiluted material can be irritating, but finished formulas use small, buffered amounts. For specific concerns, consult a professional.

Is Fumaric Acid natural or synthetic?

Fumaric Acid occurs naturally in many plants and is also present in the body, but the grade used in cosmetics is most often produced synthetically. The synthetic and natural forms are chemically identical.

Sunscreens with Fumaric Acid

We rate 12 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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