Organic Acids

Small organic acids in peat include acetic acid, oxalic acid, citric acid, malic acid, succinic acid, and uronic acids. They contribute to peat’s characteristic acidity and have mild exfoliating properties similar to alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) used in cosmetic formulations.

pH Contribution

Organic acids, together with the carboxyl groups of humic and fulvic acids, maintain peat’s acidic pH (typically 3.5–5.5 for sphagnum peat). This acidity is cosmetically relevant because it aligns with the skin’s natural acid mantle (pH 4.5–5.5), supporting skin barrier function rather than disrupting it.

Cosmetic Relevance

The mild exfoliating action of small organic acids in peat parallels the AHA/BHA exfoliation used in modern skincare. In peat applications, this contributes to gentle removal of dead skin cells without the aggressive pH drops of concentrated chemical exfoliants.