thickeners

Acacia (Gum Arabic) Fiber

Acacia Fiber

thickenerfilm formeremulsifierhumectant

INCI Name

Acacia (Gum Arabic) ...

Functions

4 Roles

Sustainability

9/10

Category

thickeners

What It Does

Acacia (Gum Arabic) Fiber is a natural polysaccharide exudate obtained from the stems and branches of Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees, composed primarily of a complex mixture of arabinogalactan, arabinogalactan-proteins, and glycoproteins. Its uniquely high protein content (compared to most other gum exudates) gives it excellent emulsifying and film-forming properties, making it particularly effective at stabilizing oil-in-water emulsions and creating a smooth, breathable film on skin and hair. Formulators prize it as a multifunctional, naturally sourced ingredient that also acts as a prebiotic to support the skin's microbiome, while offering clean-label appeal and strong sustainability credentials due to its non-destructive harvesting process.

Controls product consistency
Improves application experience
Stabilizes suspensions and emulsions
Creates desired texture profiles

Technical Properties

pH Range

4.0-8.0

Optimal working range

Ionic Charge

anionic

Molecular charge type

Viscosity Effect

thickening

Impact on formula thickness

Foaming Ability

low

Lather generation

Ingredient Compatibility

Works Well With

nonionic surfactantsanionic surfactantshumectantswater-soluble polymerspolyolsmost preservativesbotanical extracts

Avoid Combining

high concentrations of electrolytescationic polymersstrong oxidizing agentshigh concentrations of alcohol
Compatibility analysis powered by OpenMix — open-source formulation science

Sustainability Profile

Sustainability Score

9/10

Biodegradability

readily biodegradable

Source

plant-derived

Feedstock

Exudate harvested from the bark of Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal trees, primarily grown in the Sahel region of sub-Saharan Africa (the 'Gum Belt'). Harvesting is done by tapping the bark, which does not require felling the tree.

Quick Reference

Full INCI Name
Acacia (Gum Arabic) Fiber
Common Name
Acacia Fiber
Category
thickeners

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