Fumaric Acid

Properties of Fumaric Acid 

Uses of  Fumaric Acid

Skin Care and Cosmetic Formulations

• pH Adjuster and Buffering Agent – Used to control the pH of cosmetic products, such as creams, lotions, and ointments. 
• Skin Conditioning and Exfoliation – Acts as a mild exfoliant, helping to remove dead skin cells and revealing a smoother, brighter complexion to skin.
• Antifungal Properties – It possesses antifungal properties, which can be beneficial in topical products. 
• Chelating Agent and Antioxidant Synergist – It can act as a chelating agent and binds to metal ions like iron and copper, and also helps to prevent oxidation.

Hair Care Products

• pH Control and Hair Health –  Added in shampoos and conditioners to control the pH, and helps to maintain the hair’s smoothness.
• Improved Product Performance – Increase the effectiveness of active ingredients in hair care and bath products, and also help maintain the solubility of ingredients in soaps, bath gels, and cleansers.

Food & Beverages

• Acidulant and Flavor Enhancer – Improves buffering capacity and pH stability in juices and other beverages.
• Clarifying Agent in Wine – Used to clarify trace amounts of copper and iron, also helps to prevent secondary fermentation after bottling.
• Baking and Egg-White Foaming – Used an alternative to cream of tartar for stabilizing and promoting maximum volume in egg-white foams.

Side Effects of Fumaric Acid

Fumaric acid is categorised as GRAS for use in foods and cosmetics. However, when consumed in higher doses (particularly in pharmaceutical fumarate formulations such as dimethyl fumarate), certain side effects may occur.

Common side effects 

• Headaches
• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Skin flushing

Prolonged use can lead to Serious side effects  such as 

• Decrease in white blood cell counts
• Impaired liver function (elevated liver enzymes in rare cases)
• Increased susceptibility to infections due to immune modulation