Arabic gum powder

INCI: Acacia Senegal Gum

 

Arabic gum is obtained from the hardened tree sap of mimosa plants in the Middle East. Arabic
gum mainly consists of polysaccharides with principal components of glucuronic and galacturonic acid. Due to its polysaccharides, arabic gum is used in cosmetics as a thickener for the water phase and as an emulsion stabilizer. It also has mild emulsifying properties (forms O/W type emulsions). It is frequently used because it forms a protective film on the surface of skin or hair.

 

The thickening power of arabic gum is significantly lower than that of xanthan gum. A considerably larger amount of arabic gum is needed to achieve the same level of thickening. However, it performs very well in combination with other thickeners, especially with xanthan gum, as it has a very pleasant feel on the skin and thereby reduces the sticky and slimy sensation of xanthan.

 

Usage: in the water phase, typically 1–10%. Used in emulsions, shampoos, and makeup.

 

In quantities up to 5%, arabic gum can also be used in body sprays and deodorants as a simple emulsifier and stabilizer. Such low percentages of arabic gum produce almost no sticky sensation, and the film layer on the skin is barely visible, yet it can still be felt.

In a simple emulsion, 5% gum arabic can emulsify up to a maximum of 2% oils. Once our arabic gum, mixed with water, has completely dissolved or dispersed, we mix it well with a stick blender. We then pour the selected oils into the solution, stir, and then blend thoroughly with a stick blender until the mixture becomes completely white and homogeneous. In this way, simple deodorants in spray form or refreshing body sprays can be prepared without the use of solubilizers or alcohol.