CIR Literature Review: The CIR Expert Panel noted that only material derived from Acacia senegal were reported to be used in cosmetics and personal care products. Toxicity data on gum arabic indicates little or no acute, short-term or subchronic toxicity. Gum arabic is negative in several genotoxicity assays, is not a reproductive or developmental toxin, and is not carcinogenic when given intraperitoneally or orally. Clinical testing indicated some evidence of skin sensitization with gum arabic, although a maximization test of a product containing Acacia Senegal Gum was negative. The extensive safety test data on gum arabic supports the safety of Acacia Senegal Gum and Acacia Senegal Gum Extract, and it was concluded that these two ingredients were safe as used in cosmetic formulations.

It was not possible, however, to relate the data on gum arabic to the crude extracts from species other than Acacia senegal. Therefore, additional data were needed to support the safety of Acacia Catechu Gum, Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract, Acacia Dealbata Leaf Extract, Acacia Dealbata Flower Wax, Acacia Decurrens Extract, Acacia Farnesiana Flower/Stem Extract, Acacia Farnesiana Flower Wax, Acacia Farnesiana Gum, and Acacia Senegal Flower/Stem Extract in cosmetics and personal care products. The CIR Expert Panel requested composition data on the other ingredients to determine if the information on Acacia Senegal Gum could be used to support the safety of the other acacia-derived ingredients.

Link to the FDA Code of Federal Regulations for Gum Arabic (Acacia Senegal Gum)
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...
http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfcfr/CFRS...

The Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives did not consider it necessary to specify an Acceptable Daily Intake for gum arabic.
http://www.inchem.org/documents/jecfa/jeceval/jec_948.htm

The acacia-derived ingredients may be used in cosmetics and personal care products marketed in Europe according to the general provisions of the Cosmetics Directive of the European Union.
Link to the EU Cosmetics Directive: http://ec.europa.eu/consumers/sectors/cosmetics/documents/di...

Acacia Senegal Gum, or gum arabic is comprised of various sugars and glucuronic acid residues in a long chain of galactosyl units with branched oligosaccharides. Acacia Concinna Fruit Extract is generally described as containing saponins, alkaloids, and malic acid. In cosmetics and personal care products, Acacia Senegal Gum functions as an adhesive.