Solagum TARA, 10 g

Solagum TARA is a natural thickener from tara gum. It gives water gels, creams and shampoos a smooth consistency without tackiness and a medium to thick texture. It increases the viscosity of the water phase, stabilises emulsions and improves skin feel, while keeping the formulation within plant-based raw materials. It is processed cold, at a dosage of 0.1 – 2 %.

The basis of the raw material is galactomannan, a polysaccharide obtained by grinding the endosperm of seeds of the tree Caesalpinia spinosa, which grows in South America. Processing is purely mechanical and physical, without solvents; spray drying takes place at a temperature below 50 °C. The same type of gum is commonly used as a food thickener.

Key properties

• Thickens and stabilises – according to the manufacturer's data, a 1 % solution at 25 °C achieves a viscosity of 3,100 – 4,800 mPa.s, which is sufficient for medium to thick consistencies and for reinforcing thin emulsions.
• Smooth gel without tackiness – according to the manufacturer's sensory tests, water gels are smooth and non-stringy.
• Non-ionic character – compatible with anionic and cationic components, so it can be used in surfactant systems as well as in conditioners with cationic conditioning agents.
• Shear resistance – does not lose viscosity under intensive mixing or homogenisation.
• Stability to pH and electrolytes – the manufacturer states that viscosity is maintained when the pH changes and in the presence of salts. We recommend verifying the specific behaviour in the finished formulation.
• Readily biodegradable – according to the OECD 301 test, and according to the manufacturer it is not considered a microplastic.

Use in formulation

The powder is added to the water phase with constant mechanical stirring until a homogeneous gel forms. It hydrates quickly: at a concentration of 0.5 % and room temperature, it hydrates in approximately 8 minutes according to the manufacturer, i.e. faster than xanthan gum alone. Heating is not required; the entire process takes place cold.

In emulsions it acts as a water-phase stabiliser and prevents separation. In the manufacturer's sample formulations it is used in the range of 0.1 – 1 %: around 0.1 – 0.15 % to reinforce a cream or moisturising lotion, 1 % in a leave-in hair conditioner. The upper limit of the recommended range, 2 %, corresponds to thick consistencies.

Combinations with other thickeners

Solagum TARA is often used as a partner to other polymers, where it increases viscosity and improves skin feel. The manufacturer notes synergy with Solagum AX for fully natural gels, cream-gels and emulsions, with Sepinov EMT 10 for high viscosity and a rich, comfortable touch, as well as with Sepimax Zen, Sepilife Nude and Simulquat HC 305. In surfactant systems, the manufacturer states that it supports lather in shampoos and shower gels. In combination with Fluidifeel Easy or Fluidanov 20X it enables emulsions to be manufactured entirely cold.

Suitable for products such as

• Water gels and serum-gels – smooth texture without drag, quick cold preparation.
• Creams and lotions – emulsion stabilisation and viscosity adjustment at low dosage.
• Shampoos and shower gels – thickening and lather support in surfactant systems.
• Conditioners and hair masks – compatible with cationic conditioning ingredients.
• Natural and certified cosmetics – according to the manufacturer, the raw material is COSMOS-approved, NATRUE-certified, kosher and halal, suitable for vegan formulations and GMO-free.

Good to know

Water gels containing this gum have a high water content and therefore require an effective preservation system. The gum itself is a thickener and stabiliser; it has no preservative effect. When combining it with a preservative or electrolytes yourself, we recommend carrying out a stability test.

The viscosity stated by the manufacturer is a reference value for a 1 % solution. In the finished product it is influenced by pH, salt content, surfactants, alcohol and other polymers, so the dosage is adjusted according to the specific formulation.

Frequently asked questions