Hydrolyzed C siliqua gum extract (Hydrolyzed Ceratonia Siliqua Gum Extract), commonly known as carob, is an ingredient derived from the carob plant. This extract is obtained by hydrolyzing the natural gum of the plant, a process that breaks it down into smaller components, making it more easily usable in cosmetic formulations. It is known for its thickening, stabilizing, and moisturizing properties and is often used in skincare and hair care products.

The name describes the structure of the molecule:

• Hydrolyzed. indicates that the natural gum has been broken down into smaller components through a process of hydrolysis, improving its solubility and functionality.
• Ceratonia Siliqua Gum  refers to the natural gum obtained from the carob plant, used for its viscosity-increasing and thickening properties.

Raw Materials and Their Functions

Ceratonia Siliqua Gum. Also known as carob gum, it is a natural polysaccharide extracted from the seeds of the carob tree. It provides the base for extraction and subsequent hydrolysis.

Water. Used as a solvent and reaction medium in the hydrolysis of Ceratonia Siliqua gum.

Enzymes or Acids. Used to facilitate the hydrolysis process, which breaks down the polysaccharide bonds in the gum, producing smaller, more soluble molecules.

Industrial Chemical Synthesis 

• Preparation. Ceratonia Siliqua gum is initially extracted from the seeds of the carob tree.
• Hydrolysis. The extracted gum is then subjected to hydrolysis, a process where it is treated with enzymes or acids in the presence of water. This process breaks down the polysaccharide bonds, reducing the gum to smaller components.
• Reaction Control. The hydrolysis reaction is monitored to ensure that the polysaccharides are adequately broken down and that the final product has the desired properties.
• Purification. After hydrolysis, the extract is purified to remove impurities and reaction residues.
• Quality Control. The hydrolyzed Ceratonia Siliqua gum extract undergoes quality checks 

Form and Color

 Typically appears as a fine powder or a viscous liquid, colorless or slightly yellow.

What it is used for and where

Acts as a natural thickening agent, increasing the viscosity of products and improving their texture.

Cosmetics

Hair conditioning agent. A large number of ingredients with specific purposes can co-exist in a hair shampoo: cleansers, conditioners, thickeners, mattifying agents, sequestering agents, fragrances, preservatives, special additives. However, the indispensable ingredients are the cleansers and conditioners as they are necessary and sufficient for hair cleansing and manageability. The others act as commercial and non-essential auxiliaries such as: appearance, fragrance, colouring, etc. Hair conditioning agents have the task of increasing shine, manageability and volume, and reducing static electricity, especially after treatments such as colouring, ironing, waving, drying and brushing. They are, in practice, dispersing agents that may contain cationic surfactants, thickeners, emollients, polymers. The typology of hair conditioners includes: intensive conditioners, instant conditioners, thickening conditioners, drying conditioners.

Commercial applications:

Cosmetic Industry. This extract is commonly used in cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, and hair care products for its thickening and conditioning properties.

Hair Care. In hair care, it helps improve combability and reduce frizz, while providing nourishment and shine.

Skin Care. Used in skin care products for its moisturizing properties and to give a feeling of softness and smoothness.