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Tartaric Acid

INCI: Tartaric Acid
Also known as: AHA, Grape acid
ExfoliantsexfoliantbotanicalAnecdotal evidencePregnancy safe
65
Skinlumis Rating
Comedogenic
0/5
Irritancy
2/5
Best applied
PM
Effective range
1%–5%
How It Works

A grape-derived AHA. Most often used in peel blends to buffer pH and prolong AHA activity.

Acts as a chelator and pH buffer in addition to mild exfoliation. Often pairs with glycolic and lactic in cocktail peels.

pH Range
3.0–4.0
Benefits
  • Buffers AHA blends
  • Mild exfoliation
  • Antioxidant
  • Chelates metals
Proven For

What the evidence supports.

Dullness
Best For
  • All skin types
Avoid If

No notable contraindications reported.

Layering Order
3/10

Apply early in routine, toner/essence step.

Max Safe Concentration
5%

Concentration range in well-formulated products: 1%–5%

Seasonal Use

Year-round.

Nutrition Connection

Grapes, tamarind, bananas.

Skin Signals When You Need It

No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.

For Estheticians & Professionals

Largely a formulator's ingredient for peel buffering.

Clinical Evidence

The research behind Tartaric Acid.

4 peer-reviewed studies

Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.

Systematic Review
Oral collagen peptides at 2.5-10g daily significantly improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkle depth after 8-12 weeks across 11 RCTs.
Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz MLW, Mesinkovska NA
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2019
View Study →
Systematic Review
Estrogen deficiency following menopause causes 30% reduction in skin collagen within the first 5 years.
Wilkinson HN, Hardman MJ
Maturitas, 2017
View Study →
Systematic Review
Chronic psychological stress elevates cortisol, accelerating skin aging through collagen degradation and barrier disruption.
Chen Y, Lyga J
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014
View Study →
Randomized Controlled Trial
Nano-hyaluronic acid significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity after 8 weeks.
Jegasothy SM, Zabolotniaia V, Bielfeldt S
Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2014
View Study →
Pairs Well With
Glycolic AcidLactic Acid
Conflicts With

No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.

Your Skin Compatibility

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