Tartaric acid, a naturally occurring organic acid found in many fruits, is utilized in various industrial applications owing to its acidic and chelating properties, including:
- Food Industry: Used as an acidulant to impart a tart flavor to foods and beverages. It's a key ingredient in winemaking. Acts as a chelating agent to bind metal ions and it used as a stabilizer and emulsifier in food products.
- Cosmetic Industry: Used as a pH adjuster in skincare and haircare products and as a chelating agent to improve the stability of formulations.
- Pharmaceuticals: Tartaric acid is utilized in pharmaceutical formulations as an excipient in tablets and lozenges to impart acidity and aid in drug dissolution.
Tartaric acid is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for use in food products. It's also safe for topical use in cosmetics and personal care products.