Body Scrub Formulation with AHA

Adding AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids) like Malic Acid or Citric Acid to a body scrub can provide both physical exfoliation from the scrub particles and chemical exfoliation from the AHA, leading to smoother skin.

• Malic Acid (DL-Malic Acid) and Citric Acid (Anhydrous, Natural) are water-soluble AHAs.
• They are primarily used to adjust the pH of the formulation and provide exfoliating benefits.

How to Incorporate AHAs:

1. Choose your scrub base: You can use a water-based scrub formula or a scrub that contains a water phase.
2. Add AHA to the water phase: Since Malic Acid and Citric Acid are water-soluble, they should be dissolved in the water phase of your formulation.
3. Adjust pH carefully: AHAs are acidic and will lower the pH of your product. It is crucial to measure the pH and adjust it to a suitable range for skin application (typically between pH 3.5 and 4.0 for exfoliation, but always check safety guidelines and product specifications).
   • For Malic Acid, the usage rate is typically 1-10%, not exceeding 10%.
   • For Citric Acid, use it gradually in small amounts to adjust the pH until the desired level is reached. The final product pH should generally not be lower than 3.0.
4. Consider the exfoliant: Ensure your chosen physical exfoliant (like sugar or salt) is compatible with the acidic pH.

Remember to always test the pH of your final formulation to ensure it is safe and effective for use on the skin.