What it is
Sodium malate is formed by neutralizing malic acid, a fruit-derived alpha hydroxy acid, with sodium. As a salt it serves mainly to adjust and stabilize a formula's pH and can contribute mild humectant and skin-conditioning properties. It is used at low levels in skincare and sunscreens to help maintain a target pH and a comfortable feel.
Safety & warnings
Sodium malate is used at low levels primarily for pH adjustment and is generally well tolerated; because it is a neutralized salt rather than free acid, it is not expected to cause the stinging associated with low-pH acid solutions. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen.
Origin & sourcing
Sodium malate is the sodium salt of malic acid; malic acid occurs naturally in fruits such as apples and can also be produced synthetically.
Questions everyone asks
Is sodium malate an exfoliating acid?
No. It is the neutralized sodium salt of malic acid and is used mainly to buffer and adjust pH, not as a free exfoliating acid.
Where does sodium malate come from?
It is the sodium salt of malic acid, which occurs naturally in fruits such as apples and can also be made synthetically.