A natural plant-derived thickener that helps bind ingredients together and keeps formulas stable and smooth on skin.
Solubility Partially soluble in cold water
Formula
C6H10O7
Mol. Weight
194.14
CAS #
9000-69-5
Form
Powder
State
Yellowish-white solid; [Merck Index] Light brown powder; [MSDSonline]
See origin →
Functions
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Viscosity Controlling
Antioxidant
Protects skin from free radical damage caused by UV, pollution, and stress
Improves Elasticity
Anti-Aging
Addresses signs of aging like fine lines, wrinkles, and loss of firmness
Holds ingredients together
Keeps product blended
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
Extracted from fruit cell walls and used traditionally in food preservation since ancient times. Adopted in 20th-century cosmetics for its gelling and thickening properties, particularly in face masks and skincare gels.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
1%
0%1%
Reg. Limit
EU regulatory limit: 1%. Source: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, Annex III (Restricted Substances), Entry 24. Dermal absorption: 2%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 680).