How to make Jagua gel from Juice

Up to date in November 2024
How to make Jagua gel from Juice

In this article we'll show you how to create your own Jagua gel with our Jagua Juice. Jagua Juice consist of 100% freshly squeezed Genipa Americana fruit juice, which is also known as Jagua ink.

Because it has a watery consistency, it is not suitable to apply directly to the skin. Follow our recipe to mix it with the necessary ingredients, so you can start creating beautiful dark temporary tattoos that lasts for up to two weeks!

Ingredients to create jagua gel

To create jagua gel from juice, you only need three ingredients:

To create a larger batch you can increase the quantities proportionally.

Materials needed

To extend the shelf life of your jagua gel we recommend to use clean materials. Keep in mind that jagua juice can leave stains, so you may need to take precautions with respect to your surroundings, clothing and skin.  

Generally, we recommend to use the following materials:

Mixing instructions

Making a smooth Jagua gel can require some experimentation. These instructions should generally help you to create a smooth gel:

  1. Choose a suitable size of mixing bowl and cups. One larger mixing bowl for the juice and two small to medium-sized cups for the essential oil and xanthan gum.
  2. Use the cups and mixing bowl to weigh the ingredients. Place a cup on the scale, press the 'tare' button to reset the weight to 0g, and then weigh the ingredients as precisely as possible.
  3. Add the xanthan gum to the essential oil and mix. Mixing these two ingredients into a paste will prevent the formation of lumps when adding them to the juice.
  4. Gradually add this mixture to the jagua juice and mix until it has the thickness of your liking. Mix thoroughly after each addition to avoid lumps. Keep in mind that Xanthan gum is a thickening agent and its effectiveness can depend on the right conditions, so you may not need to use it all. 
  5. Let the formula settle for at least 30 minutes but preferably 24 hours.
  6. Finalize your gel by mixing it thoroughly again to remove any lumps.

For more details, you can watch our video instruction:

After mixing 

Are you satisfied with your jagua gel? Put it in an applicator bottle or a cone for safe and easy storage. Make sure that you store your jagua gel in conditions that preserve the quality. Read our guide for more tips:

How to store jagua products

How to store jagua products

How-to guides · Read more

Now it is time to put your self-made jagua gel to the test: create beautiful temporary tattoos! Take note of how the stain develops over time, which can point you to improvements in your recipe next time.

Feel free to contact us if you need any help. We are also very curious about the result! Share it with us on Instagram or other socials. 

Ready to make your own Jagua gel?

Get everything you need to get started.

Get ingredients
View all How-to guides