Access Ingredients and Sandream Specialties are now Vivify Beauty Care. All your ingredients, one source.

AccessCARE MA

Gentle AHA for Multi-Level Exfoliation, Hydration, and Skin Renewal

INCI Name: Malic Acid

AccessCARE MA is a high-purity Malic Acid, a fruit-derived alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that promotes skin renewal while providing essential hydration. It effectively exfoliates the stratum corneum by gently dissolving the bonds between dead skin cells, helping to soften texture and reduce the appearance of fine lines. As a natural humectant, it also draws moisture to the skin, making it an ideal multi-functional active for brightening, smoothing, and anti-aging formulations.

Solubility Notes:

Soluble in water. Add to the water phase of your formulation. The final product pH should be maintained between 3.5 and 4.5 for optimal efficacy and stability.

Log In or register to access Safety and Technical Data Sheets and save products as favorites.

Perfect For These Applications

Other cosmetic uses possible—contact us for formulation guidance.

  • Exfoliating Serums & Toners
    Provides gentle, consistent exfoliation to improve clarity, refine pores, and enhance texture in daily-use liquid formats.
  • Brightening Treatments
    Helps fade the look of dark spots and promotes a more even tone by accelerating the shedding of pigmented surface cells.
  • Anti-Aging Face Creams
    Smooths the appearance of fine lines and supports skin’s moisture balance in nourishing cream and lotion bases.
  • Face Masks & Peels
    Delivers concentrated exfoliation to resurface dull skin and restore radiance in rinse-off or leave-on treatments.
  • Acne & Blemish Control Products
    Helps keep pores clear of excess dead skin buildup, refining texture and reducing conditions that can lead to breakouts.
  • Smoothing Body Lotions
    Improves rough, uneven skin on the body while boosting hydration—ideal for concerns like keratosis pilaris on arms and legs.

Performance & Formulation Insights for AccessCARE MA

How Malic Acid Works

Malic Acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that functions as a gentle chemical exfoliant. It helps loosen desmosomes—the protein bonds that hold dead skin cells together in the stratum corneum—promoting a smoother, more refined surface and improved radiance. Owing to its larger molecular size compared to glycolic acid, Malic Acid penetrates more slowly, providing a milder exfoliating action with a lower potential for irritation. Beyond exfoliation, Malic Acid also serves as a humectant, attracting water to help maintain skin hydration and support the barrier.

Formulation Guidelines

AccessCARE MA is a high-purity powder designed for the water phase. For optimal exfoliating efficacy, target a final formulation pH of 3.5–4.5; at higher pH, exfoliation is reduced though humectant benefits remain. Recommended usage is 1–2% for gentle daily toners and hydrators, and up to 10% for concentrated exfoliating serums, masks, and peels. It is compatible with other AHAs, BHA, humectants (e.g., hyaluronic acid), and many antioxidants. When working with pH-sensitive actives (such as certain peptides or niacinamide), ensure the final pH is suitable for all ingredients.

Key Formulation Benefits

  • Gentle Yet Effective Exfoliation: Promotes visible skin renewal and smoothing with a lower risk of irritation versus smaller-molecule AHAs.
  • Dual-Action Hydration: Acts as a humectant to draw moisture into the skin while refining texture.
  • Improves Skin Tone & Texture: Helps reduce the look of dark spots, fine lines, and roughness for a brighter, more even complexion.
  • Supports Renewal: By promoting surface cell turnover, it helps reveal a smoother, fresher-looking skin appearance.
  • Easy to Formulate: Water-soluble powder integrates seamlessly into serums, toners, creams, and gels.
  • Versatile Application: Suitable for facial care, body treatments, and scalp care products aimed at exfoliation and clarity.
Heading #1
Benefits
AHA/BHA/PHA Acids, Anti-Aging & Anti-Wrinkle, Brightening & Skin Lightening, Deep Hydration, Even Skin Tone, Exfoliants, Moisturizing & Hydration, Wrinkle Reduction
INCI Name
Malic Acid
Usage Rate
1%-10%
Active Type
Acids (AHA/BHA/PHA)
Solubility
Water-Soluble
Application Area
Body, Face, Scalp
Physical Form
Powder
Certifications
Cruelty-Free, Vegan

Frequently Asked Questions About AccessCARE MA

For daily maintenance and hydration, use 1–2%. For targeted exfoliating treatments such as serums, masks, or peels, use 5–10%.
Maintain a final pH between 3.5 and 4.5 to ensure effective exfoliation. Higher pH will reduce exfoliating activity.
Malic Acid’s larger molecular size leads to slower penetration and a gentler action versus glycolic acid. It also provides strong humectant benefits, similar to lactic acid.
Yes. Its gentler profile makes it suitable for many sensitive or reactive skin types. As with any active, recommend a patch test.
Yes, with thoughtful formulation and usage. It pairs well with antioxidants like Vitamin C. When using with retinoids, alternating applications (e.g., AHA in the morning, retinoid at night) may help minimize irritation.
Depending on concentration and base pH, adjust upward with a suitable neutralizer (e.g., Sodium Hydroxide or Triethanolamine) to reach pH 3.5–4.5.

Contact An Expert

Only 4 fields to get started. An expert will respond within 1 business day.

AccessCARE MA

Your Samples Are Waiting

You've selected the following samples:

You haven't added any samples yet! Visit our product pages to select samples you'd like to request. Once you've added samples, return here to complete your request.

Ready to try them out?

Log In

Cookie Notice

The website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. View our Privacy Policy to learn more.