Potassium Bitartrate
A mineral salt for pH and texture control. It does not directly affect skin in the finished product.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Potassium Bitartrate, known as cream of tartar, is a mineral salt of tartaric acid. In cosmetics it is used to adjust pH and regulate a formula's texture, and in some mechanical scrubs or masks it adds a structural function. On already-applied skin it has almost no direct action. This is a functional ingredient, not a treatment active. Its role lies in the technical tuning of the formula, not in treating the skin. There is no point looking to it for hydration or anti-aging effect; it works behind the scenes to keep the product stable and pleasant. With topical use its systemic relevance is nil, so you can use it during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is good: irritation and allergy are both low, and it suits sensitive skin. In particle scrubs a gentle application helps avoid over-rubbing, but the ingredient itself is not harsh.
Frequently asked questions
Is Potassium Bitartrate safe during pregnancy?
Potassium Bitartrate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Potassium Bitartrate for?
Potassium Bitartrate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Potassium Bitartrate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A mineral salt for pH and texture control.
What's the INCI name for Potassium Bitartrate?
The INCI name is Potassium Bitartrate.
See Potassium Bitartrate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Potassium Cetyl Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Cocoate, Potassium Cocoyl Glycinate, Sucrose Palmitate, Calcium Silicate, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Oryza Sativa Cera
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