Acacia gum, also known as gum arabic, is a natural, water-soluble gum collected from the sap of Acacia trees, primarily Acacia senegal and Acacia seyal. It appears as a dry, brittle substance that dissolves easily in water, forming a clear, tasteless solution.

Acacia gum is valued for its emulsifying, stabilizing, and film-forming properties, making it useful across food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and industrial applications. In skincare, it acts as a natural binder and thickener and is sometimes used for its skin-tightening and film-forming abilities that offer a subtle, temporary firming effect on the skin’s surface. It also helps improve the texture and spreadability of creams and lotions.

As a polysaccharide, acacia gum is gentle and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive or acne-prone skin. Its natural origin and biodegradability also appeal to consumers seeking cleaner, plant-based cosmetic formulations.

In food, it’s used to stabilize emulsions (like in soft drinks), provide dietary fiber, and enhance mouthfeel. As an FDA-approved ingredient, it’s generally recognized as safe (GRAS) when used appropriately.