100% NATURAL PERUVIAN TARA SEED BIONUTRIENT: PROPERTIES & APPLICATIONS

WHAT IS TARA SEED BIONUTRIENT?

Tara Seed Bionutrient – sometimes referred to as Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum and Tara Gum – is a 100% natural fiber and bionutrient obtained from the seeds of the Peruvian Caesalpinia spinosa botanical, a legume tree that is indigenous to Peru and that is better known as the Tara shrub.

Since the Incas governed the land that is now known as Peru, Andean communities have been using Tara Seed Bionutrient for various purposes, one of them being medicinal applications for treating skin irritation. Today, it has gained popularity for its reputed ability to improve the skin's moisture levels, texture, and appearance.

Many mainstream consumer brands have recently introduced Tara Seed Bionutrient in the skincare category. Neutrogena, a leading dermatologist-recommended brand implements Tara Gum – also referred to as Peruvian Tara Seed Bionutrient – to its makeup removing facial cleanser for its ability to promote the health, resilience, and detoxification of the skin. NDA’s Tara Seed Bionutrient (Tara Gum Raw Material) is a fine, soft, smooth, mostly odorless powder product of 100% plant origin.

SUSTAINABILITY IN SOURCING

While Andean communities continue to use Tara Seed Bionutrient in everyday applications, they also cultivate this beneficial cosmetic ingredient for commercial purposes, which has become lucrative to the economy as a sustainable source of income. The Andeans take special care to manage crops in a delicate manner to yield the highest quality crops possible, and they work with manufacturers to maintain Fair Trade practices. NDA recognizes the significance of Tara Seed Bionutrient to the community that nurtures it, and we strive to support sustainable practices throughout the supply chain.

TARA SEED BIONUTRIENT SOLUBILITY

Tara Seed Bionutrient is a galactomannan – a nonionic polysaccharide made up of galactose and mannose. It shares the same molecular configuration as Guar Gum, thus both of them belong to the same family and share similar solubility in cold water.

Tara Seed Bionutrient easily disperses and combines readily with hot water and hydrates partially in cold water. It is an ideal ingredient for addition to cosmetics formulations intended to have a consistency ranging from medium to thick. Tara Seed Bionutrient helps to regulate the final product’s viscosity, stability, and softness, to enhance its texture, and to control its suspension as well as its spreadability and consistency on the skin. When added to formulations for gels, it helps them remain smooth and prevents them from becoming stringy or from feeling gummy.

Tara Seed Bionutrient can easily be used in a wide range of pH levels. Furthermore, it exhibits resistance to electrolytes, which tend to alter the surface chemistry between emulsifying agents, thereby causing issues with formulations, such as impacting the final product’s stability.

TARA SEED BIONUTRIENT APPLICATIONS

Tara Seed Bionutrient must first be combined with Glycerin/Vegetable Glycerin in order to achieve a paste-like consistency with a viscosity like that of molasses. Once the gum is no longer in its powder form and has attained this consistency, small amounts of cold or room temperature water can be stirred into it.

Before adding it to a cosmetic formula as a natural thickener, allow the blend to sit for up to 15 minutes to encourage the powder gum to further dissolve. Next, stir in warm water until the blend is a smooth gel. For better dissolution, allow the blend to sit for 30 minutes before using.

TARA SEED BIONUTRIENT SIDE EFFECTS

As with all other New Directions Aromatics products, Tara Gum (Peruvian Tara Seed Bionutrient) Raw Material is for external use only. It is imperative to consult a medical practitioner before using this product for therapeutic purposes. Pregnant and nursing women as well as those with sensitive skin are especially advised not to use this product without the medical advice of a physician. It should always be stored in an area that is inaccessible to children, especially those under the age of 7.

Prior to using Tara Gum (Peruvian Tara Seed Bionutrient) Raw Material, a skin test is recommended. This can be done by dissolving 1 tsp Tara Seed Bionutrient Raw Material in 1 ml of warm water and applying a dime-size amount of this blend to a small area of skin that is not sensitive. Tara Seed Bionutrient must never be used near the inner nose, ears, or any other particularly sensitive areas of skin. Potential side effects of this product include rashes, hives, flatulence, bloating, stomach aches, cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest, coughing, runny nose, and watery eyes. In the event of an allergic reaction, discontinue use and see a doctor, pharmacist, or allergist immediately for a health assessment and appropriate remedial action. To prevent side effects, consult with a medical professional prior to use.