What it is
This ingredient is derived from the flower and stem of Acacia senegal, the tree best known as the source of gum arabic. The extract contributes conditioning and light film-forming character that can support a smooth, even feel on the skin. In sunscreens it is used as a supporting botanical that can help with a refined surface feel rather than as a UV filter.
Safety & warnings
Acacia-derived materials are generally well tolerated in topical use. As with any botanical extract, occasional sensitivity is possible in reactive individuals. It is not associated with notable comedogenicity at cosmetic use levels.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; produced by extraction from the flower and stem of Acacia senegal, a tree native to the semi-arid regions of sub-Saharan Africa.
History
Acacia senegal is the traditional source of gum arabic, a material with a very long history of use as a thickener and binder, and acacia-derived extracts have since been adopted in cosmetics.
Questions everyone asks
Is this the same as gum arabic?
It comes from the same tree that produces gum arabic, but this is a flower/stem extract used for conditioning and film-forming rather than the purified gum.
What does it do in sunscreen?
It serves as a supporting botanical that contributes conditioning and a light film-forming feel, not UV filtering.