Sterculia urens gum
AKA “Karaya gum, Indian tragacanth”
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Sterculia urens gum
AKA: Karaya gum, Indian tragacanth
Ingredient · Emulsion Stabilising · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Emulsifier
Not Clean
Sterculia Urens Gum is the dried exudate (Karaya gum) of the tree Sterculia urens, Sterculiaceae
CAS #
9000-36-6
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.
Hair Fixing
Viscosity Controlling
Traditional Use
A natural gum obtained from the Sterculia urens tree, traditionally used in Indian Ayurvedic medicine and as a thickening agent in traditional cosmetics. Known for its binding and thickening properties in skincare and food applications.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 2%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 680).
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: Kew POWO · CosIng · EWG · CIR