Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum

What is Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum?

Ceratonia Siliqua Gum comes from the ground endosperm of seeds from the carob tree (Ceratonia siliqua), a drought-resistant evergreen native to the Mediterranean region. This plant-derived galactomannan polysaccharide consists mainly of mannose and galactose units linked in a linear chain with side branches. In cosmetics, it acts as a versatile rheology modifier found in lotions, creams, gels, shampoos, and facial masks. It works by absorbing water to swell and form a three-dimensional network, increasing viscosity for better spreadability and suspension of other ingredients. This prevents settling or separation in emulsions, while its pseudoplastic flow allows easy dispensing and even application. It also aids in binding powders and forming sheer films for enhanced product integrity and skin feel without greasiness.

Comedogenic Rating 0/5 Low risk of clogging pores
EWG Safety Rating 1 View on EWG →

Roles in Formulation

This ingredient serves the following purposes in cosmetic formulations:

Adhesive
Improves adhesion so the product or film sticks to skin, hair, or nails; helps bind layers together in patches, nail products, and long-wear formulas.
Binder
Helps hold solid ingredients together to form cohesive tablets, compacts, or sticks, improving pressability, integrity, and wear of the finished product.
Emulsion stabilizer
Improves emulsion robustness by preventing droplet coalescence and phase separation, often by thickening, structuring, or strengthening the interfacial layer.
Fragrance ingredient
Contributes scent character and/or masks base odors, shaping the overall sensory experience of the formula (subject to allergen and IFRA considerations).
Viscosity controlling agent
Adjusts thickness to the desired level for stability and usability, improving dispensing, suspension, and texture across many formulation types.
Binding
Provides cohesion by helping ingredients stick together, improving the strength and integrity of pressed powders, tablets, or solid bars.
Emollient
Softens and smooths skin by filling in surface roughness and improving slip; can also help reduce moisture loss when paired with occlusives and film formers.
Film former
Creates a continuous film on skin or hair to improve wear, water resistance, transfer resistance, shine, or hold in sunscreens, makeup, and styling products.
Masking
Reduces perception of unpleasant odors or tastes by neutralizing them or covering them with more acceptable sensory notes.

Benefits

Enhances product texture for smooth, easy application in creams and gels.

Stabilizes formulas to maintain consistency and prevent separation.

Offers natural binding and adhesion for better wear in solid cosmetics.

Who It's For

A quick guide for who this ingredient may suit (and who should be cautious).

Who May Benefit Who Should Avoid
Individuals seeking plant-based thickeners in daily moisturizers.
Those with rare allergies to carob or Fabaceae family plants.
People with sensitive skin preferring low-hazard natural stabilizers.
Individuals sensitive to plant-derived polysaccharides.
Users of emulsions like lotions wanting improved spreadability.
People prone to reactions from gum-based thickeners.

Safety Notes

  • Considered safe for cosmetic use by Cosmetic Ingredient Review experts.
  • Rated low overall hazard by Environmental Working Group.

Frequently Asked Questions about Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum

What is Ceratonia Siliqua Gum?

A natural gum extracted from carob tree seeds, used to thicken and stabilize cosmetic formulas.

Is carob gum irritating to skin?

It has low irritation potential based on safety assessments for cosmetics.

What products contain carob gum?

Common in lotions, creams, gels, and masks for texture and stability.