Fulvic Acid

Fulvic acid is typically used as an antioxidant/chelating, anti-inflammatory “active” in leave-on products (often ~0.5–5%), but it is a complex humic-derived mixture whose composition can vary by source and purification. Human data are limited and, in reactive/eczema-prone skin, acids/complex botanical-derived fractions have a meaningful risk of stinging or dermatitis (including potential impurity-related reactions), especially when layered with other actives. Given the variability and the sensitive-skin safety margin needed, I rate it as moderate irritancy where patch testing is prudent. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, fulvic acid is most often delivered via shilajit/peat/mineral complex extracts, where the implied active level can be very low; leave-on toners/serums and cleansers commonly list fulvic acid or fulvic-rich complexes at ~0.01–0.1% for mild antioxidant/soothing positioning. Higher-strength consumer products (typically leave-on spot serums, masks, or acid/clarifying treatments) are marketed around ~0.5–2.0% fulvic acid, with 2% representing the upper end seen OTC due to odor/color and potential irritation/stability constraints at higher loads. There is no specific FDA/EU maximum limit for fulvic acid itself, so the observed range is driven primarily by formulation practicality and consumer tolerability rather than a hard regulatory cap.