Common Name(s): Acacia seyal gum octenylsuccinate,osa-modified acacia seyal gum,modified gum arabic

DESCRIPTION

What It Does: Helps oil and water blend naturally while forming a protective film on skin.

Why It's Used: A chemically-modified gum (osa: octenylsuccinic anhydride modification) that converts hydrophilic acacia seyal gum into an amphiphilic emulsifier; suitable for natural and clean-label formulations.

How It Works: Osa modification esterifies hydroxyl groups of acacia polysaccharide with hydrophobic octenylsuccinate arms; the modified gum molecule is amphiphilic: polysaccharide backbone is hydrophilic, octenyl arms are lipophilic; provides stable o/w emulsification.

Typically Found In: Natural emulsions,clean beauty products,food-grade cosmetics,organic formulations

TECHNICAL DETAILS

Primary Category: Functional ingredient – emulsifier

Secondary Functions: Film forming,skin conditioning,humectant

Application Areas:

Typical Concentration Range: 0.5%–5%

SOURCING & ETHICS

Vegan Status: Yes

Halal Status: Yes

Source Notes: Acacia seyal gum from acacia seyal (a sustainable alternative to acacia senegal); osa modification semi-synthetic.

SKIN COMPATIBILITY

Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low

Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic

Sensitivity Concerns: Very mild; plant polysaccharide base; rare gum arabic allergy in sensitive individuals.

Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes

SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY

Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.

Works Well With: Natural oils,humectants,other natural gum emulsifiers,glycerin

Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities

SCIENTIFIC NOTE

Osa-modified gum arabic emulsifiers are used in food (e1450) and cosmetics; acacia seyal is an alternative source to acacia senegal that supports sustainable sourcing from african drylands; the osa degree of substitution (~3%) controls hlb and emulsification efficiency.

Last Verified: Cosing database,inci dictionary,food-grade osa starch literature

Primary Sources: 2026-03-27