Tara Gum is a natural plant-derived galactomannan gum obtained from the seeds of the tara tree, Caesalpinia spinosa. It is also known as Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum, Tara Seed Gum and Peruvian Carob Gum. The cosmetic INCI name is Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum. COSMILE Europe identifies this ingredient as plant-derived and lists film forming and viscosity controlling as its cosmetic functions.
Tara Gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide consisting primarily of a mannose backbone with galactose side groups. The mannose-to-galactose ratio is approximately 3:1, giving Tara Gum properties intermediate between guar gum and locust bean gum.
Tara Gum hydrates in water and can increase the viscosity and consistency of suitable cosmetic formulations. Its rheological properties make it useful in creams, lotions, gels, masks and other personal-care formulations requiring natural thickening or viscosity control.
Commercial technical data show that viscosity varies significantly with grade and test conditions. A documented Tara Gum specification reports a minimum viscosity of 3,200 mPa·s for a 1% solution, while other grades report approximately 3,500–4,500 cP or higher.
COSMILE Europe identifies film forming as a cosmetic function of Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum. Tara Gum can therefore contribute to the formation of a continuous film on the skin, hair or nails in suitable formulations.
Tara Gum can be evaluated in creams, lotions, gels, masks and other skin-care formulations where viscosity modification, texture control and film-forming properties are desired.
Tara Gum can be incorporated into selected hair-care formulations as a natural polysaccharide and film-forming material. Its viscosity contribution can also help provide desirable product consistency.
When properly hydrated, Tara Gum can provide significant viscosity. Heating can improve hydration and viscosity development because the galactomannan structure requires disruption of polymer aggregation for full hydration.
Tara Gum is plant-derived and can be considered in cosmetic formulations where a naturally sourced galactomannan is desired. The exact suitability depends on the grade, processing conditions and finished formulation requirements.
Tara Gum is a natural polymer, so its specifications vary by grade and processing method. Important quality parameters can include appearance, pH, viscosity, moisture, ash, acid-insoluble matter, galactomannan content, protein and particle size.
A documented technical specification gives pH 4.5–7.0 for a 1% solution, viscosity ≥3,200 mPa·s, moisture ≤12%, ash ≤1.5%, acid-insoluble matter ≤2% and galactomannan ≥75%. These values are representative of that particular commercial grade and should not automatically be treated as universal specifications for every Tara Gum grade.
Tara Gum has better hydration after heating than when simply dispersed in cold water. Published technical information indicates that heating can substantially improve viscosity development.
Tara Gum can be used in:
Tara Gum is a natural galactomannan obtained from the seeds of Caesalpinia spinosa. Its cosmetic INCI name is Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum.
The commonly referenced CAS number for Tara Gum is 39300-88-4.
The INCI name is Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum.
Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum is recognized for film forming and viscosity controlling functions in cosmetic formulations.
Yes. COSMILE Europe identifies Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum as plant-derived.
Yes. Tara Gum hydrates and increases viscosity in suitable aqueous systems. Its viscosity depends on concentration, grade, hydration and test conditions.
Yes. Film forming is an officially listed cosmetic function of Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum.
Tara Gum can disperse and hydrate in water, but heating generally improves hydration and viscosity development.
No. Tara Gum is a complex natural galactomannan polymer rather than a discrete small molecule.
Important parameters include appearance, pH, viscosity, moisture, ash, acid-insoluble matter, galactomannan content, protein and particle size. Exact specifications depend on the commercial grade.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |