Effetto Mariposa Végétalex is a puncture-preventing tyre sealant for bikes, designed for tubeless setups, tubulars and compatible inner tubes. Its standout is a latex-free, biodegradable and plastic-free blend built around plant-derived particles and fibres.

Unlike many conventional sealants, Végétalex uses no natural or synthetic latex to plug holes. Sealing relies on finely ground olive pits, cellulose fibres and xanthan gum. Effetto Mariposa claims a sealing capacity of up to 5 mm, depending on conditions.

Key features

• Latex-free, plastic-free and biodegradable formula
• Compatible with tubeless, tubulars and inner tubes in butyl, latex or TPU
• Compatible with CO2 cartridges
• Available in 250 ml and 1000 ml bottles, plus a 5-litre Pro Point format
• Typical price: €14.95 for 250 ml
• Stated operating temperature: -20 °C to +50 °C
• Stated shelf life up to 2 years after opening if the bottle is properly closed and stored

The brand recommends shaking the bottle well before injecting it and using roughly 20% more sealant than the amounts advised for its Caffélatex. For particularly aggressive terrain, Effetto Mariposa suggests adding 30 ml to the usual amount.

Végétalex may weep slightly after sealing a puncture, without any associated pressure loss. This behaviour is linked to its latex-free formula, which can take a little longer to achieve a final seal than a conventional sealant.

Tested by GravelPassion

Used for over 3,000 km on road and gravel, across several wheelsets and tyres, Végétalex ran quietly in the background: no punctures, no troublesome leaks and no rapid drying after three months. Its appeal lies in its clean performance, CO2 compatibility and easy clean-up. Its price and the recommended dosage place it more as a durable, carefully engineered sealant than a budget-first option.