There are countless uses and benefits of natural gums and earth pigments. For millennia, humans have harnessed these resources for a variety of applications, ranging from medicine to construction.
These noble substances, which come from the earth, are not only essential in the manufacture of everyday products but have also proven to have surprising benefits in health, beauty and even in the food industry.
What are natural earth pigments and what are they for?
Natural earth pigments are materials from the earth, composed of minerals and organic particles found on the earth’s surface. According to their geological origin and the region from which they are extracted, their composition, texture, color and properties vary.
Below you can check out some of the uses and benefits of natural earth pigments:
Construction and pottery
Clays have been essential in the construction of dwellings since the dawn of civilization. Their ability to form durable structures was harnessed in the creation of bricks, ceramics and other architectural elements.
Potters, on the other hand, used them to model both ornamental pieces and everyday utensils: bowls, jugs, plates and vessels, among others. The versatility of this material allowed them to create functional pieces that also had aesthetic value.
Agriculture and soil improvement
Clay’s ability to retain water helps to create suitable substrates for crop growth, especially in dry regions.
In addition, its mineral-rich composition serves to enrich the soil with essential nutrients.
Finally, there are also some specific uses, such as that of kaolin to protect vines. By coating their leaves with this substance, they are protected from the sun’s rays and from thermal stress.
Beauty and personal care
In this area, natural earths are valued for their ability to detoxify the skin and improve blood circulation. Clays are used in facial masks and skin care treatments.
For example, brown clay provides deep cleansing, while green clay is known to balance the skin and remove impurities.You may also be interested in: Buying wholesale paraffin waxes and natural waxes: tips and recommendations.
What are natural gums?
Natural gums are polymeric substances produced by certain organisms within the plant and animal kingdoms. They are extracted from the secretions of plants and insects and are characterized by their ability to form viscous and versatile structures.
Here are some uses and applications of natural gums:
Pharmaceuticals and personal care
There are many uses and benefits of natural gums in these industries. On the one hand, thanks to its ability to form viscous solutions, guar gum is used in the manufacture of tablets and drug coatings.
What’s more, gums such as xanthan are used in the cosmetics industry to improve the stability of products such as lotions, moisturizers, face masks and hair gels.
Food industry
This is one of the most popular uses of natural gums. For example, gum arabic, derived from the resin of Acacia species trees, is used as a thickening and stabilizing agent in a wide variety of products, including beverages, sauces, and processed foods.
Guar gum, extracted from the seeds of the guar plant, is known for its ability to thicken and stabilize. In the food industry, guar gum is used in ice cream, salad dressings and soups.
Xanthan gum, produced by bacterial fermentation, is also widely used as a thickener and stabilizer in processed foods, bakery and dairy products.
Art and conservation
One of the most interesting uses and benefits of natural gums is in the art industry. Here, shellac, derived from the secretions of the Laccifer lacca insect, is used as a protective varnish in paintings and sculptures.
Its ability to create a transparent, glossy finish has been appreciated for centuries, not only because it protects works of art from wear and tear and moisture, but also because it brings out their colors and details.
Dammar gum is also used in the conservation and restoration of works of art. Its adhesive and stabilizing properties make it a valuable binder in the manufacture of paints and varnishes. Dammar gum is used to fix pictorial layers, consolidate pigments and provide a protective layer on canvases and panels. Its use contributes not only to the preservation of art works, but also to the restoration of their original appearance.
Uses and benefits of natural gums and earth pigments: make the most of them with Ceras Martí!
In this post you explored the many uses and benefits of natural gums and earth pigments. You discovered that these essential components find application in areas as diverse as construction, health and beauty.
At Ceras Martí we work with the best raw materials, responsibly extracted from their natural sources.
In our catalog you will find gums and natural earth pigments for cosmetic and industrial applications including:
- Brown clay, green clay and kaolin
- Rosin in chunks
- Gum arabic grains and powders
- Guar gum
- Regular and dewaxed shellac
- Xanthan gum.
Enjoy the benefits of working with a trusted business partner. Contact us or request your free sample to learn more about our products.
