Malic acid benefits can include acne treatment, and skin care such as exfoliation and hydration. It is an alpha hydroxy acid, found naturally in fruits and wines and used as an ingredient in medications and skin care products. Some people use it to treat symptoms of a dry mouth due to medications, and there's some research evidence that it can help.
Malate, the ionized form of malic acid, plays a small role in the Krebs cycle, the primary way our bodies generate energy. It has been used to treat chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. More research is needed to identify and understand the health benefits of malic acid.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate dietary supplements the way it regulates prescription medications. As a result, some supplement products may not contain the ingredients listed on the label. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for products independently tested or certified by organizations such as the National Sanitation Foundation (NSF), United States Pharmacopeia (USP), or ConsumerLab. For personalized guidance, consult your healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Uses of Malic Acid
Malic acid shows promise in treating certain health conditions and there's some research to suggest that oral and topical usemay help. However, data from high-quality clinical trials is lacking and more evidence is needed to confirm claims about malic acid and recommend its use.
Skin Care
Malic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid, which is said to be a natural exfoliator. It may be used to smooth wrinkles and fine lines, improve skin texture, cleanse pores, and improve overall skin. Because of this, various skin care products contain malic acid.
Malic acid also is used to balance skin pH. It is considered safe for use but can irritate skin in some people.
Kidney Stones
Researchers have studied malic acid for its potential role in preventing and treating kidney stones, a common but painful condition that occurs when mineral deposits form in the urinary tract.
Malic acid is known to inhibit the development of kidney stones. The researchers concluded that malic acid supplementation might help treat calcium kidney stones. A 2024 study of malic acid, citric acid, and other components in an herbal tea made from Bryophyllum pinnatum leaves found it offered benefits in treating kidney stones.
The findings follow other studies that suggest benefits for kidney stones. A 2016 review on the importance of a healthy diet to prevent kidney stones suggested pears, which contain malic acid, could be a potential treatment option.
Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
There's limited evidence for the use of malic acid when treating fibromyalgia. An older study suggested pain was reduced when malic acid and magnesium were given to a small group, but later reviews have found the quality of the evidence to be very low.
There remains a lack of more recent research on malic acid's effectiveness as a fibromyalgia treatment. However, because malic acid plays a role in the Krebs cycle, which produces energy in the body, some healthcare providers have recommended its use in treating chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). It also may benefit people recovering from COVID-19.
Dry Mouth
The use of a 1% oral malic acid spray has been explored as a treatment for dry mouth, also called xerostomia.
A 2024 study evaluated its use in 52 people with dry mouth symptoms due to type 2 diabetes. The participants used the spray or a placebo, as needed, for two weeks. The results suggest the malic acid spray can help to relieve dry mouth.
Similar results have been seen in other studies of dry mouth symptoms, but researchers say more study is needed to confirm the benefits of malic acid in treating xerostomia.
Precautions
In 2022, an expert panel reviewed malic acid and found it safe to use in cosmetics. Yet little is known about the safety of long-term or regular use of malic acid supplements. However, possible side effects associated with topical malic acid and other alpha hydroxy acids include:
- Rash
- Swelling
- Pigment changes
- Blisters
- Skin peeling
- Itching
- Irritation
- Chemical burn
- Increased risk of sunburn
Typically, these and other side effects will heal when you stop taking malic acid.
You may consider taking a patch test, which involves applying malic acid to a small area of your skin before deciding to use it regularly. Wearing sunscreen when using malic acid to prevent the risk of sunburn is also advisable.
While there are no known severe side effects, talk with your healthcare provider about malic acid use, doses, and possible drug interactions, especially if you are pregnant or nursing. You also should talk with your provider before use in children.
The malic acid found in food is generally safe for everyone. Malic acid has also proved safe as a food additive, flavor enhancer, and pH controller. Keep in mind that malic acid supplements should not serve as a substitute for standard care. There is no standard dose for malic acid, and self-treating a condition and avoiding or delaying medical care can have serious consequences.
Supplements
Malic acid supplements are available in a few forms. You can find malic acid in capsules, tablets, crystals, or powder. Malic acid is also available as a topical cream.
Other supplements that are similar to malic acid include:
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C serum has been found to improve skin pigmentation and melasma. Vitamin C is a natural antioxidant and may improve skin pigmentation by disrupting the process of dark spot creation.
- Magnesium: Like malic acid, magnesium has been researched for its potential role in preventing kidney stones. Although the evidence is somewhat mixed, magnesium may offer benefits.
- Capsaicin: An active ingredient in chili peppers, capsaicin may help in treating fibromyalgia. Still, there's not enough evidence to support a recommendation for its use.
Ask your healthcare provider before taking more than one supplement for the same use.
Food Sources of Malic Acid
Food sources of malic acid include fruits and vegetables, and it's used as an ingredient in juices, soft drinks, jams, wines, and candies. It's similar to citric acid but more tart in flavor. Good sources of malic acid include:
- Apples
- Cherries
- Grapes
- Tomatoes
- Olives
Summary
Malic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid found in various fruits and vegetables. It may be taken in supplement or topical form for skin care or health issues, including dry mouth, fibromyalgia, and kidney stones. Certain people should take precautions when using malic acid, but it is generally considered safe.
If you're considering taking malic acid supplements, dosage forms may come in oral or topical dosage forms. However, before starting any new supplement products, you should always speak with your healthcare provider first.
