aclarante

Aclarante, or clarificante in Spanish and Portuguese, is a term used to describe substances added to liquids to promote clarification by removing suspended particles, color, and turbidity. Clarifying agents are employed in diverse sectors, including food and beverage production, winemaking and beer brewing, water treatment, and cosmetics. They work mainly by adsorption or by forming larger aggregates (flocs) with impurities, which can then settle or be filtered out.

In food and beverage processing, common aclarantes include gelatin, bentonite clay, diatomaceous earth, PVPP (polyvinylpolypyrrolidone), and isinglass. These agents help produce a clearer product with improved mouthfeel and stability. In winemaking and juice clarification, proteins and tannins are removed to prevent haze and improve shelf life, often under controlled conditions to avoid stripping desirable flavors.

In water and wastewater treatment, coagulants and flocculants such as aluminum or ferric salts, polyacrylamides, and organic polymers act as aclarantes to destabilize colloids and accelerate settling, filtration, and disinfection.

In cosmetics and dermatology, the term aclarante is commonly used to describe skin-brightening or whitening agents. Active ingredients may include hydroquinone (subject to regulatory restrictions in many regions), kojic acid, arbutin, azelaic acid, and certain forms of vitamin C. The use of these agents is regulated for safety, efficacy, and ethical considerations.

The usage and naming of aclarante vary by country and industry, reflecting different regulatory frameworks and applications.