What is tartaric acid?
Tartaric acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA). Alpha hydroxy acids are organic, natural acids found in foods.
It is also a dihydroxy derivative of succinic acid. When reaching room temperature, it turns into a white crystalline solid substance.
The natural form of tartaric acid is L-(+)-tartaric acid, and the most common enantiomer is D-(-)-tartaric acid.
What is another name for tartaric acid?
Tartaric acid goes by several names, including dihydroxysuccinic acid (its chemical name), L-tartaric acid, and names describing its derivatives/salts. It is sometimes referred to simply as cream of tartar, Rochelle's salt (potassium sodium tartrate, a mild laxative), and tartar emetic (potassium tartrate).
How else is it used?
In addition to its use as a skin care and food preservative, additive and flavoring agent, it is also used in the ceramic, textile, printing, tanning, metal cleaning, photographic and pharmaceutical industries due to its chemical properties.
What foods contain tartaric acid?
Tartaric acid occurs naturally in a variety of plants, especially fruits that are rich in antioxidants. The richest sources include:
- Tamarind
- Grape
- apricots
- banana
- citrus fruits
- dandelion
- beet
- apple
Today, it usually comes from grapes or a by-product of winemaking.
Food related uses and effects
In addition to fruits, tartaric acid is also found in wine and cream of tartar. In fact, this ingredient gives wine its signature sour flavor.
It is used in winemaking because it helps prevent spoilage caused by bacterial growth and therefore acts as a preservative. It occurs naturally in wine after fermentation.
Much like wine, in potassium bitartrate, tartaric acid is produced naturally during fermentation. Due to its antioxidant and antiseptic effects, coupled with its sour, sour taste, it is added to several other foods and even some medications and supplements. You'll find it in food/beverages such as carbonated drinks, jellies, gelatin, ice cream, and baking powder.
It can be used to help improve the taste of oral medications, and some of its derivatives, such as tartar emetics, can be found in cough syrups and expectors.
Drug name: Zolpidem tartrate tablets , used for insomnia .
The history of tartaric acid
Originally, it was extracted in Nigeria and Sudan and used as a food ingredient. Tartaric acid was also used in ancient Spanish cuisine and has been used in a variety of Mexican dishes using a variety of dishes. Mexican culture loves this acid so much that today it is its largest producer and consumer. Countries such as Spain and Portugal have also used this material in their cuisine since the 16th century.
Tartaric Acid Benefits and Side Effects
Tartaric acid is commonly found in grapes, apricots and apples and, along with malic acid, helps relieve key health issues and boost your overall immunity
Benefits of Tartaric Acid
1. Enhance immunity
Tartaric acid may aid the immune system. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this claim. Although tartaric acid's direct effects on the immune system are not known, consuming foods and beverages that contain tartaric acid, such as certain fruits and wine, can be part of a healthy diet that supports immune function.
2. Excellent digestive effect
Another health benefit of tartaric acid is that it aids digestion and fights gas ( it also improves intestinal absorption, thereby increasing the rate at which healthy nutrients flow into the bloodstream ) .
3. Improve glucose intolerance
One of the most surprising benefits of tartaric acid is that it can significantly improve glucose intolerance. According to an animal study, tartaric acid was able to improve glucose tolerance by enhancing glucose tolerance in mice. The activity of certain enzymes involved in glucose metabolism.
side effect
digestive problems
Some people may be sensitive or allergic to tartaric acid and may experience digestive problems or other adverse reactions after consuming it. In these cases, it is best to discontinue ingestion and seek medical advice.
Overeating
Another problem may be overeating. Anecdotal data suggests that anyone who consumes large amounts of tartaric acid may begin to overeat.
Special notes and warnings
dose
Tartaric Acid Benefits for Skin and How to Use It
You'll find tartaric acid, along with other AHAs, in skin care products like chemical exfoliants and serums. These products are considered powerful yet relatively gentle, making them a good choice for many skin types, including mildly sensitive, aging, dry, combination and acne-prone skin.
Tartaric acid has keratolytic and astringent properties that help promote skin cell regeneration and fight signs of aging, plus it even keeps skin hydrated and protected from sun damage and pollution.
Skin care benefits
Acts as a gentle exfoliant
Like other AHAs, tartaric acid helps naturally exfoliate the skin by removing dead skin cells from the top layer of the skin. This can help improve the texture and appearance of your skin - and it can allow other products to penetrate the skin more easily.
Some people find AHAs help even skin tone, reduce bumps, brighten skin, reduce "dullness" and add more even texture and skin tone.
Even if you don't typically react well to exfoliants, AHAs like tartaric acid are said to be suitable for almost all skin types due to their gentle effects.
Provides anti-aging benefits
Consistent application of AHAs (including tartaric acid) to the skin can combat cell damage caused by factors such as sun/UV damage and environmental pollution. Over time, it can reduce the appearance of dark spots, uneven skin tone, and reduce wrinkles and fine lines with the help of other anti-aging products.
Use with moisturizer for enhanced hydration
By stabilizing the product's pH, tartaric acid prevents irritation caused by changes in the chemical composition of skin care acids.
Plus, because it's an exfoliant, it helps other products, including serums and moisturizers, penetrate the skin more easily and work more effectively.
Tartaric acid itself is also thought to have some moisturizing properties.
It is broken down into tartamide. These molecules mimic ceramides found naturally in the skin and help keep the skin hydrated.
Tartaramide is thought to help protect the skin's lipid matrix and lock moisture into the skin, thereby reducing dryness and sensitivity.
Dosage and usage
Look for products that contain tartaric acid, such as exfoliating pads and masks, serums, and anti-aging moisturizers.
In addition to tartaric acid, skin care products often contain other AHAs, such as lactic acid, glycolic acid, and citric acid. Together, these acids have a wide range of benefits, including smoothing and protecting skin and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Each product containing AHAs works slightly differently, so be sure to read the instructions carefully. Do not overuse products containing AHAs (usually a small amount once a day is enough) or irritation may occur.
If using products that contain multiple alpha hydroxy acids, start with a product like a serum, cream, or lotion that contains 5% to 10% AHA. Apply to clean and dry skin daily or every other day. If you tolerate the product well, you can increase your daily dosage or use a higher concentration.
You can also talk to your dermatologist about having a more concentrated acid peel. Peels can be performed every two to three months to help treat conditions such as scarring, acne, or pigmentation.
Risks and Side Effects
Is tartaric acid safe?
Overall, tartaric acid and other AHAs are gentle and safe for most people to use on the skin.
However, some people with sensitive or allergic skin may still have adverse reactions to them, especially if they are overused or combined with more harsh products. This acid should also not be placed too close to the eyes, as it can irritate the eyes.
To reduce the risk of allergic reactions or skin irritation, check the full ingredient list to avoid anything you may be allergic or sensitive to, such as parabens, fragrance, and diethanolamine. Discontinue use if you experience signs of redness, peeling, itching, and inflammation.
High doses of tartaric acid can act as a muscle toxin because it inhibits malic acid production. It is not intended for oral administration in large amounts, so be sure to use as directed and only apply topically.
Frequently asked questions
Can tartaric acid remove dark spots?
Anecdotal evidence suggests that tartaric acid, like other AHAs, can help fade dark spots. Additionally, it helps exfoliate the skin and treat acne scars.
What is the pH value of tartaric acid?
Tartaric acid has a pH of 3.
What is the difference between citric acid and tartaric acid?
Tartaric acid occurs naturally in grapes as a white powder, while citric acid is found in citrus fruits as a solid crystalline compound.
What can I use instead of tartaric acid?
Fumaric acid and potassium bitartrate formed after fermentation are the best substitutes for tartaric acid.
Does Turmeric Contain Tartaric Acid?
Turmeric does not contain tartaric acid.
