Fulvic Acid

Fulvic acid has gained interest in the skin care community, particularly for its notable soothing effects on skin issues related to sensitivity and redness. It is a mineral-rich chemical found in soils, rock deposits and bodies of water that can be extracted and isolated via various techniques for cosmetic use. Among its skin benefits, studies indicate fulvic acid’s antioxidant properties can help defend skin from environmental stressors and potentially deliver anti-aging benefits, such as collagen preservation. Many companies also tout fulvic acid for blemish-prone skin. While research isn’t definitive in this regard, at the very least the soothing action of fulvic acid could prove helpful in calming blemish-prone skin. The fact that several studies call out fulvic acid’s antibacterial properties also bodes well for this concern. While some claim fulvic acid can promote hair growth, this was unfounded during our review of scientific literature. Multiple studies have shown that fulvic acid has shown various clinical benefits including anti-inflammatory, astringent, antioxidant, anti-allergic and anti-microbial properties which makes it a useful option in the management of inflammatory conditions of the skin. Cosmetic chemists note the favorably low molecular weight and high solubility when formulating with fulvic acid. Studies have shown that incorporating fulvic acid into formulations can help enhance the penetration of other ingredients to boost efficacy. Fulvic acid can also act as a chelating agent, meaning it binds to certain metals and keeps them from damaging your skin or hindering product stability. Typical use level as reported by cosmetic suppliers of fulvic acid range from 0.1-1%. *Note:* While fulvic acid shows documented soothing effects, one study noted an immediate burning sensation on initial contact with skin when a 3.5% concentration was applied. The authors of the study noted this may have been due to the formula’s pH of 4.8. Overall, fulvic acid shows great potential in skin care, although we’d like to see more comparative studies and deeper investigation into skin application to get the full picture of how it performs.