Acacia Senegal Gum
Also known as Gum arabic, Acacia gum, Senegal gum, Arabic gum
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
Acacia Senegal Gum (gum arabic, CAS 9000-01-5) is a natural exudate polysaccharide from the Acacia senegal tree, composed primarily of arabinogalactan with minor protein fractions. The 2005 CIR Expert Panel assessed 11 Acacia-derived ingredients and concluded that Acacia Senegal Gum and Acacia Senegal Gum Extract are safe as used in cosmetic formulations, noting little or no acute, short-term, or subchronic toxicity, absence of genotoxicity, and no reproductive or developmental toxicity in animal studies. A sensitization signal was identified: the CIR report noted some evidence of skin sensitization with gum arabic; literature describes IgE-mediated reactions to gum arabic's protein/glycoprotein fraction in occupationally exposed individuals (PMID 16804326) and carbohydrate-specific IgE in sensitized patients (PMID 9860236). Sensitization is primarily an occupational inhalation concern; topical cosmetic use at current concentrations (up to 9% in mascara, 0.0001% in hair products) was not considered a bar to safety approval.
Natural polysaccharide film-former and thickener used in mascara, lipstick, and hair products
GRAS for food use by FDA (21 CFR 184.1330); approved food additive E414 in the EU — long food safety history supports topical biocompatibility
High molecular weight polymer with minimal skin penetration; systemic exposure from topical use is negligible
CIR Expert Panel concluded safe in cosmetic formulations at present practices of use:75-118, 2005)
- · Some evidence of skin sensitization with gum arabic noted in CIR 2005 assessment; IgE-mediated allergy to protein/glycoprotein fraction documented in occupationally exposed workers
- · Carbohydrate-specific IgE reactivity reported in a sensitized patient; cross-reactivity with pollen or dietary antigens possible
CIR Quick Reference Table (12/2017, revised 07/2018) — Acacia Senegal Gum row: Finding=S, Citation=IJT 24(S3):75-118, 2005
“Acacia Senegal Gum | S | | IJT 24(S3):75-118, 2005”— QRT-122017revised072018.pdf, p. 2