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We are pleased to showcase three carob-derived ingredients from Sinerga this month, each supporting a different formulation need while sharing the same natural, sustainable origin: Natifeel®, Natirheo® and Carobsoothe®. 

As the clean beauty movement continues to grow, and the personal care market moves towards silicon-free, microplastic-free and naturally-derived formulations, these three ingredients are ready to shine. 

 

Why Carob? 

Personal care products are under increasing scrutiny, as consumers and regulators turn their attention to microplastics and synthetic polymers. Carob is an ideal part of the solution, as consumers and formulators alike focus on silicon-free and microplastic-free products. 

The carob used for Natifeel® and Natirheo® has traceability of origin (carob is commonly found in the Mediterranean area, especially southern Italy). The extraction process is a thermo-mechanic process through heat only, without additional chemicals – this is a key differentiator in colour and purity compared to chemically treated gums.

For Carobsoothe®, Sinerga upcycle carob pods that would otherwise become waste, contributing to reduced emissions and supporting circular economy principles.

 

Natifeel®: Active Texturiser with Extraordinary Sensoriality

INCI: Ceratonia Siliqua Gum

Natifeel is an active texturiser with 100% natural origin, giving a modern silicon-like feel to formulations while also delivering hydrating, moisturising, firming and anti-wrinkle properties. It is compatible with the majority of cosmetic ingredients.

Key Features

• 100% natural origin with traceability of the origin of carob
• Eco-sustainable process: thermo-mechanic, without additional chemicals
• Confers extraordinary sensoriality, comparable to formulations with silicones
• Fast and homogeneous hot dispersion in the water phase
• Good tolerance to electrolytes (1%) and stability from pH 4–10
• High versatility and compatibility with emulsifiers, surfactants, humectants, solubilisers, rheological agents and UV filters

Efficacy Highlights

Clinical testing on 20 subjects demonstrated that Natifeel:

• Reduces roughness (Ra) by -6% after 15 minutes and -5% after 2 hours.
• Increases compactness (R0) by +10% after 15 minutes and +4% after 2 hours.
• Increases elasticity (R2) by +8% after 15 minutes and +5% after 2 hours.
• Decreases TEWL by -13% after 15 minutes and -8% after 2 hours.
• Increases hydration by +16% after 15 minutes and +7% after 2 hours.

Results were similar to (and in several metrics better than) the benchmark Sodium Hyaluronate.

Applications

Natifeel is suitable for serums, emulsions, body milks and silicone-free haircare, as well as any formulation requiring improved spreadability, softness and an elegant, modern sensorial profile.

 

Natirheo®: Innovative Active Jellifying Agent

INCI: Ceratonia Siliqua Gum, Sclerotium gum

Natirheo® is an innovative and synergistic blend of carob gum and sclerotium gum that acts as an active jellifying and rheological agent, offering a completely green alternative to synthetic polymers.

Key Features

• Innovative blend, 100% natural origin
• Gives higher viscosity than traditional natural rheological agents
• Adds excellent sensoriality to formulations
• Provides suspending properties and good tolerance to electrolytes (1%)
• Fast and homogeneous hot dispersion in the water phase
• Stable from pH 4-10
• Highly compatible with emulsifiers, surfactants, humectants, solubilisers and both chemical and physical UV filters

Applications

Natirheo® has shown versatility across:

• Suncare formulations (SPF 30 and SPF 50+), fully replacing synthetic rheological agents even with high UV filter loads
• Gel systems, including brightening gels where Natirheo suspends microbeads at 4.2%
• Clay masks, where it builds full structure at 5% even alongside 15% kaolin
• Colour cosmetics, such as mascaras where its natural film-forming behaviour enhances lasting effect

 

Carobsoothe®: Upcycled Active Targeting Inflammaging

INCI: Ceratonia Siliqua Fruit Extract

Carobsoothe® is a zero-waste beauty ingredient derived from upcycled carob pods, designed to counteract inflammaging. It is rich in inositols and stimulates Aquaporin-3, which enhances cellular hydration, boosts autophagy, and protects against oxidative stress. Skin is left soothed, radiant and more resilient.

Key Benefits

• Upcycled from food industry by-products
• Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity
• Reduces redness, dullness, and TEWL
• Improves hydration, elasticity, and healthy glow
• Ideal for soft-aging and anti-stress skincare products

Testing Highlights

In Vitro data demonstrated: 

• AQP3 stimulation: +43% expression at 0.5%
• Anti-oxidant activity: +9% to +18%, dose-dependent
• Inhibition of IL-1α and IL-6: -27% and -31% respectively
• Supports keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, enhances autophagy and contributes to protection from oxidative stress

In Vivo results showed: 

• Hydration: +13.5% at 1 week; +17% at 2 weeks
• TEWL: -12% at 1 week; -16.5% at 2 weeks
• Redness: -8.5% at 1 week; -12% at 2 weeks
• Healthy glow (L*): +3.5% at 1 week; +6% at 2 weeks
• Skin fatigue (R9): -9.5% at 1 week; -21% at 2 weeks
• Soothing effect: -34% erythema after 30 minutes

Applications

Carobsoothe® is suitable for anti-inflammaging and soft-ageing skincare, soothing and hydrating creams, products against stressed or dull complexion, after-sun systems, and masks, gels or serums.

 

Want To Find Out More? 

Together, Natifeel®, Natirheo® and Carobsoothe® form a complete, natural and eco-sustainable carob-based formulation toolkit. To request samples, technical data or formulation support, please contact the HARKE UK & Ireland team.

Written by Norman Lowe, Senior Technical Consultant HPC and Industrial, September 2025 

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