Is Tartaric Acid safe in cosmetics?
Tartaric Acid has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted. 6 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Tartaric Acid
Also known as: L-(+)-Tartaric acid, d-alpha,beta-Dihydroxysuccinic acid, EINECS 201-766-0, Kyselina 2,3-dihydroxybutandiova, Kyselina vinna (+15 more)
INCI: TARTARIC ACID
Tartaric Acid (CAS 87-69-4) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as Dicarboxylic AHA (from grapes/wine). Historically significant as an AHA but. NOAEL 225 mg/kg bw/day (cross-referenced against ToxValDB ECHA IUCLID); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database. Same-CAS public records also appear in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 87-69-4 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Cross-Vertical Regulatory Divergence
Tartaric Acid is classified GHS Danger (H302, H315, H317, H318, H319, H335) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.
Source: Cosmetics: ingredients.eu_status; Chemicals: ghs_classifications.signal_word/hazard_statement_code
Function
Dicarboxylic AHA (from grapes/wine). Historically significant as an AHA but less stable than glycolic or lactic acid, making it uncommon as a primary exfoliant in modern formulations. More frequently employed as a pH adjuster, chelating agent, and mild exfoliating co-ingredient in combination peels. Contributes synergistic exfoliation in combination acid peels.
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
Included within CIR AHA class assessment. Also GRAS as food additive. Typically used at low concentrations as pH buffer and formulation stabiliser.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Tartaric Acid.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
6 study endpoints found for Tartaric Acid. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | 181 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Developmental | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 215 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rabbit | Developmental | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 225 mg/kg bw/day | oral | hamster | Developmental | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 274 mg/kg bw/day | oral | mouse | Developmental | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 990 mg/kg bw/day | oral | dog | Subchronic | COSMOS_DB |
| NOAEL | 1200 mg/kg bw/day | oral | rat | Chronic | COSMOS_DB |
Pre-Calculated Safety Assessment
Pre-calculated NOAEL → SED → MoS audit trail for Tartaric Acid across SCCS product categories, with measured dermal absorption where available.
Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Tartaric Acid, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Absorption %
4-8%
Penetration Level
surface
Penetration Depth
stratum corneum
Molecular Weight
150.1 Da
Log P
-1.92
Systemic Absorption
minimal
Topical Bioavailability
2-5%
Safety Margin Factor
low
Vehicle Dependent
Yes — absorption varies by formulation
Source: CIR
EPA ToxValDB — Toxicity Values
10 toxicity values from EPA ToxValDB (aggregated from CCTE, HPV, ToxRefDB, IRIS, and other regulatory dossiers).
| Endpoint | Value | Species | Route | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =3100 mg/kg-day | Rat | oral | chronic | EFSA |
| ADI | <=30 mg/kg | Human | oral | - | WHO JECFA ADI |
| LD50 | >2000 mg/kg | Rat | dermal | acute | ECHA IUCLID |
| LD50 | ~4109 mg/kg | Mouse | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| LD50 | >5000 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| LD50 | >5000 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| LD50 | =4109 mg/kg | Mouse | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| LD50 | =920 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| LD50 | >2000 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
| LD50 | ~920 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | ECHA IUCLID |
Sensitization AOP Dashboard
Adverse Outcome Pathway data across 5 assays (DPRA, KeratinoSens, hCLAT, LLNA, NESIL) aggregated from public sources.
DPRA Cys %
5.2%
DPRA Lys %
-0.4%
KeratinoSens IC50
1035.1 µM
hCLAT CV75
416.7 µg/mL
GHS: inconclusive
Source: DPRA: Bauch et al. 2012 [DOI:10.1016/j.yrtph.2012.05.013] | Jaworska 2011 [DOI:10.1002/jat.2869]; KS: Emter et al. 2010 [DOI:10.1016/j.taap.2010.03.009] | Bauch et al. 2012 [DOI:10.1016/j.yrtph.2012.05.013]; hCLAT: Bauch et al. 2012 [DOI:10.1016/j.yrtph.2012.05.013]
ECHA REACH Registration
European Chemicals Agency REACH dossier and Substances of Very High Concern listing.
Registration Type
Full
Tonnage Band
10,000 - 100,000 tonnes
Substance Type
SUBSTANCE
SVHC Candidate
No
Expanded Jurisdictional Detail
Additional regulatory detail beyond the 7-jurisdiction summary: Saudi SFDA, Korea MFDS, ASEAN ACD, Japan/Korea, Brazil/India, and cross-jurisdictional restriction entries.
Additional Jurisdictional Restrictions (1)
| Jurisdiction | Status | Max % | Product Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN | restricted | 6 | Rinse-off and leave-on products |
Additional Ingredient Properties
10 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
acne
{"cas_number": "87-69-4", "anti_acne_mechanism": "keratolytic", "comedogenicity_rating_0_to_5": "0", "acne_type_efficacy": "non_inflammatory", "sebum_reduction_pct_clinical": "5-8", "keratolytic_strength": "mild", "exfoliation_mechanism": "chemical", "optimal_ph_for_efficacy": "3.0-4.0", "aha_type": "tartaric", "peel_depth": "superficial", "prescription_required_usa": "No", "otc_drug_monograph_cat…
anti_pollution
{"cas_number": "87-69-4", "ingredient_class": "heavy_metal_chelator", "primary_mechanism": "chelation", "pollution_types_targeted": "heavy_metals", "IR_A_protection": "no", "visible_light_protection": "no", "digital_screen_protection_claim": "no", "PAH_neutralization": "no", "ozone_protection": "no", "mitochondrial_protection": "no", "Nrf2_activation": "no", "AhR_pathway_modulation": "no", "NF_kB_…
baby_pediatric
{"cas_number": "87-69-4", "ingredient_class": "other", "pediatric_safety_rating": "acceptable", "minimum_age_months": "12", "neonatal_safe": "no", "premature_infant_safe": "insufficient_data", "skin_barrier_maturity_consideration": "AHA - mild", "transepidermal_absorption_risk_pediatric": "low", "systemic_exposure_concern_pediatric": "low", "dose_per_kg_body_weight_concern": "Chelator/buffer funct…
comedogenicity_detail
{"comedogenicity_rating": "0", "irritancy_rating": "2", "skin_type_suitability": "all,combination,normal", "acne_safe": "yes", "source": "AHA exfoliant"}
concentration
{"min_concentration_pct": "1.0", "max_concentration_pct": "5.0", "typical_concentration_pct": "3.0", "product_type": "Serum", "function_at_concentration": "Exfoliation, antioxidant", "source": "Supplier TDS"}
cost_pricing
{"cost_tier": "budget", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_low": "10", "estimated_cost_per_kg_usd_high": "18", "natural_premium_markup_pct": "0", "organic_certified_premium_pct": "0", "supply_chain_volatility": "low", "primary_source_region": "China/Europe", "bulk_discount_threshold_kg": "300", "seasonal_price_variation": "low", "commodity_or_specialty": "commodity", "substitute_ingredients": "Citric Acid…
depigmentation
{"cas_number": "87-69-4", "ingredient_class": "keratinocyte_turnover_enhancer", "primary_mechanism_of_action": "AHA from grapes; exfoliating brightener", "secondary_mechanisms": "Variable", "molecular_target": "other", "tyrosinase_inhibition_IC50_uM": "varies", "tyrosinase_inhibition_type": "competitive", "melanin_reduction_pct_in_vitro": "25-45", "melanin_reduction_pct_clinical": "15-30", "onset_…
dermal_absorption
{"molecular_weight_da": "150.1", "log_p_value": "-1.92", "skin_penetration_level": "surface", "penetration_depth": "stratum corneum", "absorption_pct": "4-8", "systemic_absorption": "minimal", "penetration_enhancer": "no", "occlusion_effect": "no", "vehicle_dependent": "yes", "skin_barrier_effect": "neutral", "bioavailability_topical_pct": "2-5", "safety_margin_factor": "low", "source": "CIR"}
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Anti-caking agent
Anti-streaking agent
Deodorizer
Drier
Flavouring and nutrient
Fragrance
Humectant
Leavening agent
Processing aids not otherwise specified
Stabilizing agent
Regulatory List Membership (5)
EU Restricted for Children (Cosmetics)
IFRA Fragrance Transparency List
EPA Safer Chemical Ingredients List (SCIL)
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
Consumer Product Chemical
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Tartaric Acid.
Regulatory Flags
natural-origin
chelating
ph-adjuster-primary
mild-exfoliant
dicarboxylic
formulation-stability-limited
eu_children_restricted
epa_safer_alternative
ifra_fragrance
fda_food_additive
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Tartaric Acid by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
6
Lowest NOAEL
181 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
1200 mg/kg bw/day
COSMOS_DB
Known Synonyms
L-(+)-Tartaric acid
d-alpha,beta-Dihydroxysuccinic acid
EINECS 201-766-0
Kyselina 2,3-dihydroxybutandiova
Kyselina vinna
UNII-W4888I119H
(+)-Weinsaeure
(+)-tartarate
(1R,2R)-1,2-Dihydroxyethane-1,2-dicarboxylic acid
(2R,3R)-2,3-Dihydroxybernsteinsaeure
(2R,3R)-2,3-dihydroxybutanedioate
(2R,3R)-2,3-tartaric acid
(2R,3R)-Tartarate
(R,R)-tartarate
(R,R)-tartaric acid
2,3-Dihydroxy-succinate
2,3-Dihydroxy-succinic acid
2,3-Dihydroxybutanedioate
2,3-Dihydroxysuccinic acid
D-Tartaric acid
Chemical Function
pH regulating agent
Deodorizer
Fragrance
Anti-streaking agent
Regulatory Lists
active_ingredient; Europe; Pesticides
IFRA Transparency
consumer_product
pharmaceutical
Canada; pharmaceutical
Canada; pharmaceutical
active_ingredient; Australia
drinking_water; Europe; manufacturing; plastic_additive
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
children; Europe; Personal care
children; Europe; Personal care - specialized bath products - bath salts
children; Europe; Personal care - general moisturizing - hand/body lotion
animal_products
SCIL (9/2019)
consumer_product
food_additive; Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) (2/2019)
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Cross-Vertical Safety Context
Same-CAS public records found in pharmaceutical data.
SOURCE
ChEMBL / DrugCentral / FAERS
DB_PHARMA CAS match
Pharmaceutical Data
Same-CAS rows from the pharmaceutical spoke database.
Compound
TARTARIC ACID
ChEMBL ID
CHEMBL1236315
Max Phase
4
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tartaric Acid allowed in the EU?
Tartaric Acid EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Tartaric Acid do in cosmetics?
Tartaric Acid functions as: Dicarboxylic AHA (from grapes/wine). Historically significant as an AHA but less stable than glycolic or lactic acid, making it uncommon as a primary exfoliant in modern formulations. More frequently employed as a pH adjuster, chelating agent, and mild exfoliating co-ingredient in combination peels. Contributes synergistic exfoliation in combination acid peels.. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 87-69-4.
What is the NOAEL for Tartaric Acid?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Tartaric Acid is 181 mg/kg bw/day based on a Developmental study via oral route in rat. A total of 6 study endpoints are available. Source: COSMOS_DB.
Is Tartaric Acid used outside cosmetics?
Tartaric Acid also appears in industrial chemical safety and pharmaceutical data. The cross-vertical cards on this page render same-CAS public rows from the matched databases.
Does Tartaric Acid have different safety status in cosmetics vs industrial chemicals?
Tartaric Acid is classified GHS Danger (H302, H315, H317, H318, H319, H335) in the chemicals database but is allowed in EU cosmetics.
Compliance Tools
Check Tartaric Acid compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
Related Ingredients
Citric Acid
Excellent
Same category
Tricarboxylic acid used primarily as ...
Sodium Citrate
Excellent
Same category
pH buffering agent; chelating agent
Potassium Hydroxide
Moderate
Same category
Strong alkali used in cuticle remover...
Triethanolamine
Moderate
Same category
pH adjuster, emulsifier
1-Methylhydantoin-2-imide (Creatinine)
Excellent
Similar safety
Skin conditioning (skin brightening/l...
2,6-Dimethyl-7-octen-2-ol (Dihydromyrcenol)
Excellent
Similar safety
Fragrance (perfuming), masking
2-Ethoxy-2,6,6-Trimethyl-9-Methylenebicyclo[3.3.1]Nonane (Boisiris™)
Excellent
Similar safety
Fragrance (rich woody, orris/iris roo...
2-Hydroxypropylcarbamato Amodimethicone
Excellent
Similar safety
Hair conditioning; modified aminosili...
2-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Excellent
Similar safety
Softener and conditioner
3 O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Excellent
Similar safety
Antioxidant; tyrosinase inhibitor; me...
Beta-Caryophyllene
Good
Chemical family
Fragrance; skin-conditioning; anti-in...
Ethyl Anthranilate
Good
Chemical family
Fragrance ingredient
Glucaric Acid
Moderate
Chemical family
Chelating agent (related to glucarola...
Indole Acetic Acid
Moderate
Chemical family
Skin conditioning
TARAXACUM OFFICINALE ROOT
Good
Browse nearby
Not Reported
Is Tartaric Acid in Your Products?
Scan any product label with Piro — our free ingredient scanner. Point your camera at the ingredients list and get instant safety scores for every ingredient.
Try Piro Free →Analyze Your Full Ingredient List
Paste any INCI list into the Decoder for instant safety analysis, or calculate the Margin of Safety for Tartaric Acid in your formulation.