Tamarind Extract comes from the tangy, pulp-rich fruit of Tamarindus indica, a tropical tree prized in traditional wellness and modern skincare. Naturally abundant in organic acids (notably tartaric), polysaccharides, minerals, and polyphenols, it’s a multitasking botanical known for gentle surface renewal, comfortable hydration, and a cleaner, brighter-looking complexion. In well-balanced formulas, tamarind supports smooth texture and a fresh, non-greasy finish—ideal for daily-use products.
What It Does
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Gently resurfaces: Tartaric and other fruit acids provide mild exfoliation to soften rough patches and refine the look of pores—helping skin appear more even and luminous.
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Hydrates & plumps: Tamarind polysaccharides act as water-binding humectants that cushion the skin and reduce the feel of tightness, supporting a supple afterfeel.
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Antioxidant support: Polyphenols help defend against everyday environmental stressors, assisting with a brighter, more resilient complexion over time.
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Balances feel: In lightweight systems, the extract can help reduce the look of excess surface oil while maintaining comfortable moisture.
Sensory & Suitability
Expect a water-light to slightly viscous texture (depending on extract grade) that spreads easily and absorbs quickly. The afterfeel is soft and non-sticky when used at sensible levels. Suitable for normal, combination, and oilier skin; dry or sensitive types can also benefit when paired with barrier-supporting actives and a moderate application schedule.
Formulation Notes
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Formats: Excellent in brightening toners, hydrating essences, daily serums, gel-creams, sheet masks, and clarifying cleansers or masks (rinse-off).
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pH: Performs best in mildly acidic systems to preserve comfort and efficacy.
Target pH:
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Leave-on AHA: ~3.8–4.5 for comfort + activity.
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Rinse-off: ~4.0–5.0.
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TSP systems: works across typical skincare pH; hydrate/shear well.
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Use Levels: Typically low-to-moderate, aligned to the extract’s standardisation (acids/polysaccharides) and the product’s leave-on or rinse-off intent.
Typical use levels:
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TSP: ~0.1–2% overall; common: 0.05–0.5% in lotions, up to ~0.8–1% in gels.
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Fruit extract (AHA-style): keep modest in leave-ons; for rinse-off, do not exceed the equivalent of ~2% tartaric acid.
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Stability: Protect from excessive heat and light; consider chelators and supportive antioxidants to maintain colour and performance.
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Compatibility: Plays well with humectants, lightweight film-formers, mild surfactants, and cooling polymers for fresh sensorials.
Complementary Actives
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Hydration & barrier: Glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, beta-glucan, ceramide complexes.
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Tone & clarity: Niacinamide, tranexamic acid (leave-on), licorice root, vitamin C derivatives.
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Texture & glow: Polyhydroxy acids (gluconolactone), lactic or mandelic acid at gentle strengths, fruit enzymes (papain/bromelain) in rinse-off formats.
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Calm & comfort: Allantoin, bisabolol, Centella asiatica fractions.
Scent, Colour & Aesthetics
Depending on concentration and solvent system, Tamarind Extract ranges from colourless to amber. Aroma is typically soft-fruity to subtly tart in bulk; it’s easily aligned with citrus/green notes or masked for fragrance-free claims. Works well in clear, gel-based, or lightly tinted aqueous systems.
Sustainability & Sourcing
Tamarind trees are widely cultivated across tropical regions. Consider suppliers with traceable sourcing, responsible water and energy practices, and documentation such as COAs/spec sheets. Upcycling surplus fruit or by-products can lower waste and strengthen sustainability narratives.
On the Label
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INCI: Tamarindus indica Fruit Extract
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Positioning claims (examples): “Gentle resurfacing,” “Radiance,” “Hydrating humectant,” “Antioxidant support,” “Pore-refining,” “Non-greasy finish.”
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Usage note (consumer-facing): Start 3–4 times weekly, then build to daily use as tolerated. Always pair with daytime SPF. Discontinue if irritation occurs.
Properties
Skin whitening, Natural AHA, Emollient
INCI Name
Tamarindus indica Fruit Extract
