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Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum

Locust bean gum

Well toleratedThickenerthickeneremulsion-stabiliserfilm-former

No meaningful concern for most people; irritation is possible but rare.

Also written as: Locust Bean Gum · Carob Bean Gum · Ceratonia Siliqua Gum · E410

What it is

This gum is milled from the endosperm of carob seeds and is chemically a galactomannan, a chain of mannose sugars with galactose branches. It thickens water and works synergistically with xanthan gum and carrageenan to build gels with a smooth, non-slimy feel. Its role in a face mask is entirely textural.

What it does well

  • Thickens and stabilises formulas with a pleasant, non-tacky feel

    Galactomannan rheology is well-established across food and cosmetics. It lets formulators reach the right thickness with less gum overall when combined with xanthan or carrageenan.

    Strong evidence

Worth knowing

  • Very rare sensitivity in people allergic to carob or legume gums

    Allergy to locust bean gum is documented but uncommon, and reports mostly involve ingestion rather than skin contact. It is not a recognised cosmetic contact allergen.

    Matters most toPeople with a diagnosed carob or legume gum allergy.

Where the EU stands

No specific restriction

Not restricted under the EU Cosmetics Regulation; it appears in no annex and has no concentration limit. It is separately approved as food additive E410.

Masks that contain Ceratonia Siliqua (Carob) Gum