Difference between TaraGel and Pro Polymer

Both TaraGel (Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum) and Pro Polymer (Acrylate Crosspolymer) are used as gelling agents and thickeners in cosmetic formulations, but they differ in their origin and properties.

• TaraGel (Caesalpinia Spinosa Gum) is a natural polysaccharide gum derived from the Tara plant. It is commonly used to create viscous, smooth gels and can act as a stabilizer in emulsions. Natural gums like TaraGel generally hydrate in water to form a gel structure.

• Pro Polymer (Acrylate Crosspolymer), specifically the Gel Maker type, is a synthetic polymer. Based on the product description, it creates a gel texture through a polymeric structure and offers good resistance to electrolytes, which can be beneficial in formulas containing salts or other ionic ingredients that might reduce the viscosity of other thickeners. Pro Polymer can create different textures, from a standard gel to a thicker, pudding-like consistency at higher usage rates. It may initially feel slightly sticky but dries to a thin film.

In summary, the key differences lie in their source (natural vs. synthetic), chemical structure, and specific performance characteristics like electrolyte tolerance and resulting texture.