Tartaric Acid, what you need to know about this fruit acid.

Also known as threaric acid and 2,3-dihydroxysuccinic acid, tartaric acid is widely found in nature. It can be found in the vine, grapes and vine leaves, but also in dandelions, sugar beets and many fruits.

In the 18th century, it was first isolated from grapes by Carl Wilhelm SCHEEL, a Swedish apothecary. Since the middle of the 2nd century, it can be produced from the residues of wine production, using sulphuric acid.

Tartaric acid is commonly used in the food industry to enhance the taste of sweets, ice creams, and juices, among others. It has also become a prevalent ingredient in skincare products due to its keratolytic and astringent properties. It hydrates the skin, stimulates metabolism, promotes healing, and also has an effect on skin ageing.

It presents itself in the form of a crystalline powder. Being an AHA acid, tartaric acid is soluble in water and acts on the skin's surface. Its primary function is to target signs of ageing, blemishes, acne, as well as damage caused to the skin by the sun.

Given its high molecular weight (MW = 192.124 g/mol), it is less irritating than other exfoliating AHAs. It is suitable for almost all skin types. It offers various benefits for the skin.

• Like other AHAs, tartaric acid aids in naturally exfoliating the skin by removing dead cells from the upper layer. This can help to enhance the texture and appearance of the skin, and allows for other products applied afterwards to penetrate more easily.

• Tartaric acid possesses antioxidant properties that provide plumping benefits to the skin. It protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals, which are massively generated by various factors, such as sunlight/UV rays and environmental pollution.

• Tartaric acid has the ability to act as a pH adjuster and a product stabiliser. It helps to maintain the pH of other skincare products so they can continue to function as intended. By stabilising the pH levels of products, tartaric acid combats irritation that can be caused by certain active ingredients.

• Tartaric acid also has moisturising properties. It is broken down into tartaramides. These molecules mimic the ceramides found naturally in the skin that help to maintain skin hydration. Tartaramides are believed to help protect the skin's lipid matrix and bind moisture to your skin, which can reduce dryness and sensitivity.