Ingredient review
Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides
INCI: MONOGLYCERIDES/DIACETYL TARTARATE ESTERS
A food-grade emulsifier that helps creams and lotions stay smooth and stable, with a low risk of irritation.
In plain English
This ingredient is a helper that keeps oil and water mixed together in your skincare products, so they don't separate into a greasy layer and a watery layer. It's made from natural fats (like those in vegetable oils) and tartaric acid (found in grapes). Because it's also used in food, it's generally considered gentle on skin.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Potentially useful with some tradeoffs
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- semi synthetic
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Useful, but context matters
Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.
Plain-English read
Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.
Score terms in plain English
Irritation risk
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A semi-synthetic emulsifier created by reacting monoglycerides (from plant or animal fats) with diacetyl tartaric acid (derived from tartaric acid, a natural compound in grapes). It is widely used in the food industry as DATEM and has been adopted in cosmetics for its ability to stabilize emulsions.
How it works
The molecule has both a water-loving (hydrophilic) end and an oil-loving (lipophilic) end. When added to a mixture of oil and water, it positions itself at the interface between the two, reducing surface tension and allowing them to blend into a stable, creamy emulsion. This prevents the product from separating over time.
Pros
Effective stabilizer
Helps keep oil and water mixed, so your cream stays smooth and doesn't separate into layers over time.
Low irritation risk
Generally considered safe and non-irritating for most skin types, even with repeated use.
Cons and cautions
Not for strict natural routines
It is semi-synthetic, so it may not fit a '100% natural' or 'no synthetic chemicals' skincare philosophy.
Limited skin benefit beyond emulsification
It doesn't actively moisturize, soothe, or treat skin conditions—it's purely a texture and stability helper.
Best for
- Anyone using standard moisturizers or creams who wants a stable, non-separating product
- People with normal to combination skin looking for a gentle emulsifier
Use caution if
- Those with known allergies to tartaric acid or glycerin derivatives (very rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has not specifically reviewed this ingredient, but its close relative, glyceryl stearate, is well-studied and safe. Food-grade DATEM has a long history of safe use.
Research notes
Most research on this ingredient comes from the food industry, where it is well-studied as a safe emulsifier. Cosmetic-specific studies are limited, but its chemical similarity to other safe emulsifiers supports its safety profile.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.5% to 5% of the formula
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics in the EU, US, and many other regions. Also approved as a food additive (E472e) by the FDA and EFSA.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Creams, Lotions, Makeup bases
- Environmental note
- Derived from natural fats and tartaric acid, but the manufacturing process involves chemical modification. Biodegradability is expected to be moderate.
Good to know
- This ingredient is also commonly used in bread and baked goods as a dough conditioner.
- It is often listed as 'DATEM' on food labels, but in cosmetics it appears under its full INCI name.
Common questions
What is Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides in beauty products?
This ingredient is a helper that keeps oil and water mixed together in your skincare products, so they don't separate into a greasy layer and a watery layer. It's made from natural fats (like those in vegetable oils) and tartaric acid (found in grapes). Because it's also used in food, it's generally considered gentle on skin.
What does Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides do in a beauty product?
The molecule has both a water-loving (hydrophilic) end and an oil-loving (lipophilic) end. When added to a mixture of oil and water, it positions itself at the interface between the two, reducing surface tension and allowing them to blend into a stable, creamy emulsion. This prevents the product from separating over time.
Is Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides safe for most people?
Considered safe for cosmetic use at typical concentrations. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) panel has not specifically reviewed this ingredient, but its close relative, glyceryl stearate, is well-studied and safe. Food-grade DATEM has a long history of safe use.
Who should be careful with Diacetyl Tartaric Acid Esters of Monoglycerides?
Those with known allergies to tartaric acid or glycerin derivatives (very rare)
Research sources
Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.