Ingredient dictionary

Acacia Senegal Gum

Also listed as: Gum Arabic

A natural gum from the sap of Acacia trees, mainly grown in Africa. It thickens, binds, and keeps oil and water ingredients blended. It is on the label of 30 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Acacia Senegal Gum does

Forms a flexible, lightly sticky film
Thickens and adds body to formulas
Keeps oil and water blended together

Acacia senegal gum comes from the hardened sap of Acacia senegal and related trees. The tree releases the sap when its bark is cut, and the sap dries into small pieces that are cleaned and ground for use. Gum arabic has long been used in food and cosmetics.

Formulators value it because it dissolves in water to form a thin, slightly sticky film. That film helps mascara cling to lashes, keeps particles evenly spread in a deodorant, and helps oil droplets stay mixed in a serum. On skin, it usually feels smooth and light, with a soft finish that fades as the product dries.

Good for

Suits shoppers who want plant-derived ingredients in smooth, well-blended formulas, from lash products to serums.

Frequently asked questions

Is Acacia Senegal Gum good for sensitive skin?

It is generally well tolerated in cosmetics. As with any ingredient, a rare person may react to it, so if your skin tends to react easily, patch test a new product on a small area first.

Does Acacia Senegal Gum make mascara waterproof?

Not on its own. Because it dissolves in water, it usually makes a film that rinses off with warm water. Waterproof mascaras usually rely on waxes and water-resistant film formers instead.