Acacia gum, also known as gum Arabic, is a dried exudate obtained from various species of the acacia tree native to tropical and subtropical regions of Africa. It is a non-toxic, tasteless, colorless, and odorless water-soluble substance, primarily used as a stabilizer and thickener in food products. When added to food, gum Arabic does not affect flavor and is valued for its dietary benefits, containing fewer than 1 calorie per gram, as it is largely indigestible by both humans and animals.
Acacia gum exhibits similarities to collagen. It provides structural support and stability to plant cells, retains moisture, and plays a key role in plant wound healing by sealing, protecting, and disinfecting injuries on branches and trunks.
In cosmetics, acacia gum offers many of the same benefits as collagen. It has anti-aging and moisturizing properties, enhances skin barrier function, and forms a protective film. It also acts as a stabilizer in lotions and creams, improving viscosity, aiding spreadability, and creating a smooth texture with a protective finish. Due to its anionic nature, the material is not compatible with cationic ingredients.
Acacia gum is well suited for low-viscosity applications due to its naturally low viscosity, typically not exceeding 200 mPa·s in a 20% solution. At concentrations of 10% or below, it maintains low viscosity and exhibits Newtonian flow characteristics. When the concentration increases to around 30%, the viscosity rises and the gum displays pseudoplastic (shear-thinning) behavior.
