Why tara gum is the future of texturization in skin care

Tara gum is causing a stir in the industry as sustainability has become a priority for modern consumers – and they are becoming increasingly discerning. Instead of merely looking for products with natural or organic claims, consumers are increasingly looking for complete ingredient transparency, and want to know every ingredient is sustainably synthesized or sourced. This is reflected in data: the Clean Beauty Survey 2023 by CleanHub found 63% of respondents prefer products “with natural ingredients that are good for their skin and the planet”.

From binding agents to texturizers, new cosmetic formulations have to be sustainable, and it’s in this context where tara gum has become one of the industries’ favorite and most-effective ingredients. Previously, petroleum film was a common agent used to enhance the texture and obtain the desired viscosity of cosmetics. Today, when sustainable cosmetics are taking the lead, ingredients like ‘petroleum’ set off alarm bells for companies and consumers alike. In contrast, tara gum is a compelling and effective alternative. We zoom in on its benefits and properties below.

What is tara gum and what is it made from?

Tara gum is a natural gum that acts as a natural thickening and stabilizing agent. Today, it’s one of the most popular natural gums used in cosmetics to improve the texture, viscosity, and stability of liquid or paste products. 

Natural gums are derived from seeds, tubers, or plant sources and prepared via fermentation. In the case of tara gum, the agent is derived from the seed endosperm of the tara tree (Caesalpinia spinosa), which is found in the Peruvian Andes. The substance can be extracted via purely mechanical means without the use of any solvents. After heating, the substance hydrates, resulting in at least a 30% increase in viscosity.

This composition makes tara gum vegan and part of the halal movement, and thus an excellent alternative to align with the vegan market, which is projected to grow exhibiting a CAGR of 6.82% from 2023 to 2032, reaching a market value of USD 32.56 billion by 2032, according to Fortune Business Insights.

What are the benefits?

Tara gum is rich in vitamins C, B, and complex sugars. Subsequently, it is reputed for its hydrating and protective qualities, which makes it more than just a thickening agent – it can, in fact, enhance a product’s efficacy. 

Like synthetic petroleum films, tara gum creates a protective barrier. This film reduces transepidermal water loss and desquamation, enhancing the skin’s appearance to deliver an anti-aging effect. However, unlike petroleum-based agents, tara gum is all-natural and fully biodegradable. 

Another benefit is its remarkable biocompatibility. For instance, the synergy of tara gum with xanthan gum is useful to create particular products, such as jellies, without the need to use large concentrations of the two thickeners. This versatility makes it a useful agent in many cosmetic applications – not to mention the comparatively low cost that makes it a compelling natural alternative to petroleum-based ingredients.

How does tara gum compare to other natural gums? 

There has been increasing interest in natural gums due to their versatility and sustainability. But how does it compare with other natural gums on the market? 

According to recently published research, compared with guar gum, tara gum has a higher elastic modulus and greater tensile strength that creates a strong, flexible film.  (Fei Liu et al., 2020). The paper also describes tara gum as having a higher density of polymer chains, as well as a smoother and more compact morphology that enhances its mechanical properties. 

Although the study showed that tara gum stood out from the crowd, it also showed all the natural gums studied demonstrated clear potential as effective alternatives to synthetic petroleum films.

How to incorporate tara gum into “all-natural” formulations

Tara gum presents an enormous opportunity for the beauty and personal care industry. With natural thickening and viscosity agents like these, the industry can meet consumer demands for natural ingredients, without compromising on results. With remarkable versatility and biodegradable qualities, beauty and personal care can take important steps to make ingredient lists all-natural with tara gum.

Provital is supporting the industry to seize this opportunity. Combining tara gum and our 3D matrix technology, Hydromanil™ represents a novel moisturizing active compound that acts both as a filmogenic protective barrier and as a sequential delivery system of small hydrating molecules. This results in an optimal level of moisture and a natural bacterial balance, putting the potential of tara gum to work.