Acacia Catechu

Acacia Catechu - A Soothing, Anti-inflammatory Extract

Acacia catechu, also known as Black Cutch or Cutch tree, is a flowering tree native to South Asia and parts of East Asia. The extract derived from it has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for its medicinal properties. Recently, it has grown in popularity as a skincare ingredient as well.

What Is Acacia Catechu Used for in Skincare?

Acacia catechu extract is rich in compounds like catechin and epicatechin that have soothing, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects when applied topically on skin. Some key benefits of acacia catechu extract for skin include:

• Calms skin irritation and inflammation associated with conditions like eczema or allergies
• Helps reduce redness and protect skin from environmental aggressors
• Has antioxidant properties that fight signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles
• Promotes faster healing of superficial wounds
• Moisturizes skin and improves overall texture with regular use

In skincare products, you’ll typically find acacia catechu included in formulations targeting sensitive, reactive or inflamed skin. It often features in products like cleansers, serums and moisturizers designed to soothe and calm irritated complexions.

Is Acacia Catechu Safe for Skin?

When used in low concentrations in skincare preparations, acacia catechu extract is considered safe for most skin types. It is very well tolerated even by sensitive skin.

As with any new skincare ingredient, it’s a smart idea to perform a patch test before incorporating acacia catechu into your regular routine. Simply apply a small amount on your inner arm and check for redness or irritation over 24 hours.

How Does Acacia Catechu Benefit Skin in Soap?

In soaps, acacia catechu extract acts as an extremely gentle cleanser and hydrator. As you lather soap containing acacia catechu on your skin, the catechin compounds help lock moisture into the surface layers of skin.

With regular use, acacia catechu soap helps improve skin’s elasticity and suppleness. It also creates a protective barrier effect on skin’s surface, fending off pollutants. The anti-inflammatory action can decrease redness over time as well.

If you have sensitive, acne-prone or dermatitis-prone skin that often feels tight, dry or uncomfortable after washing with regular soaps, an acacia catechu-infused soap is a great choice. It cleans without stripping away natural oils.

What’s the Difference Between Acacia Catechu and Acacia Senegal?

Acacia senegal, also known as gum arabic, is another plant extract that shows up frequently in skincare. Although both acacia catechu and acacia senegal belong to the same genus of plants, they have quite different chemical compositions and therefore, different skincare benefits.

As outlined above, acacia catechu extract is primarily used for its anti-inflammatory, soothing, antioxidant and wound-healing abilities.

In contrast, acacia senegal is used as a natural emulsifier and thickening agent in skincare formulations. It helps creams, serums, etc retain a smooth, consistent texture and appearance. It can also form a protective film on skin to help seal in moisture.

So while acacia catechu targets skin concerns like sensitivity or chronic redness, acacia senegal plays more of a formulation role. Most products would not contain both as that would typically be quite redundant!

What Is the Shelf Life for Products Containing Acacia Catechu?

When stored properly away from heat, light and humidity, products containing acacia catechu extract generally have a shelf life of 6-12 months.

As with any natural ingredient or extract, potency can begin to reduce after the 6 month mark. But as long as the product does not smell or appear different in texture, it is likely still safe and effective to use for the full 12 months.

Do note that if a product containing acacia catechu is packaged in a jar, its shelf life is reduced because of repeated exposure to air each time the jar is opened. Products in air-restrictive packaging like pumps, squeeze tubes, etc last notably longer.

What Concentration of Acacia Catechu Is Ideal in Skincare?

Research indicates that skincare products need to contain between 0.5-3% concentration of acacia catechu extract in order to convey meaningful benefits. Lower concentrations may not have a very noticeable effect. Higher doses are unlikely to boost efficacy further.

As acacia catechu extract has low risk of sensitivity for most people when used topically, the concentration can be adjusted based on individual preference too. If your skin enjoys the soothing qualities at say 1%, you could opt for a higher say 2% concentration for enhanced calming benefits.

Are There Any Side Effects of Using Acacia Catechu?

Acacia catechu extract is considered very safe for use in skincare products. There are no documented adverse effects even with long-term use.

As with any botanical ingredient, allergies or skin sensitivity are a possibility. Start by patch testing any new products containing acacia catechu before incorporating them into your skincare routine.

Discontinue use if signs of irritation like redness, itching, stinging or swelling develop suddenly. In rare cases, an allergy may develop over time with repeated use. So consider getting an allergy test if irritation persists for more than 3 days.

Can You Use Acacia Catechu Extract While Pregnant or Breastfeeding?

There is no evidence indicating acacia catechu extract is unsafe to use topically while pregnant or nursing. However definitive research data is lacking currently.

As such, it's best to exercise some caution and limit use of acacia catechu to an 'as needed' basis at this time if you are expecting or breastfeeding. Consider consulting your dermatologist or obstetrician first as well.

FAQs About Acacia Catechu:

What does acacia catechu smell like?

100% pure acacia catechu extract has an earthy, rich, slightly astringent aroma reminiscent of black tea. In skincare products, it is typically combined with various natural oils and fragrances. So the end product would smell according to its formula rather than like the acacia extract itself.

What is the pH level of acacia catechu?

In its pure form, acacia catechu extract has an acidic pH between 3.5 to 4.5. However, finished skincare products containing acacia catechu would be pH balanced keeping in mind skin health and stability of the overall formula.

Is acacia catechu water-soluble or oil-soluble?

The key active compounds in acacia catechu like catechin and tannins have excellent solubility in water, alcohol and glycerin. This high solubility allows acacia catechu extract to be seamlessly incorporated into a wide range of product types including cleansers, serums, lotions, etc.

What happens if you ingest acacia catechu?

Small amounts of acacia catechu extract taken orally are considered safe for adults. Larger oral doses can trigger side effects like nausea, gas or bloating.

Do keep in mind that skincare products are formulated for external use only unless specifically mentioned as safe for ingestion. Accidental ingestion of small residue amounts is unlikely to cause major issues but do seek medical advice if significant quantities are consumed internally.

Does acacia catechu go by any other names?

Yes, acacia catechu is also referred to as:

• Cutch tree
• Shikakai (in Ayurveda)
• Khadir (in certain Indian and Southeast Asian dialects)
• Black khair (in parts of South Asia)

So you may come across any of the above terms used interchangeably with acacia catechu, especially in herbal skincare products. But they all denote the same source plant and extract.

Is this tree related to black wattle acacia?

No, black wattle refers to a group of acacia species native to Australia. Acacia catechu is a completely distinct plant species belonging to the Fabaceae family and growing across Asia. However, both contain derivatives that offer skincare benefits.