Xantan Gum ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a water-phase thickener and rheology modifier. It helps suspend particles, stabilize emulsions, and give formulas a smooth, shear-thinning texture.
What does Xantan Gum do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily a water-phase thickener and rheology modifier. It helps suspend particles, stabilize emulsions, and give formulas a smooth, shear-thinning texture.
Is Xantan Gum clean?
This ingredient is widely accepted in clean-beauty frameworks and is generally well tolerated at cosmetic use levels. Sensitivity is uncommon, with most concerns limited to formula feel or occasional issues from residual fermentation proteins in highly sensitive users.
Is Xantan Gum sustainable?
This material is made by microbial fermentation of carbohydrate feedstocks, often from corn, wheat, soy, or sugar sources. It is readily biodegradable and has low environmental persistence, though its footprint depends on crop sourcing and drying energy.
Is Xantan Gum COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards when made and processed according to the standard. It aligns well with Green Chemistry principles because it can use renewable feedstocks, water-based fermentation, and biodegrades after use.
How does Xantan Gum work chemically?
The molecule is a high-molecular-weight anionic polysaccharide that hydrates in water to build viscosity and create shear-thinning flow. Typical use levels are about 0.1% to 1.0%, with broad stability across roughly pH 3 to 12, and it is often pre-dispersed in glycerin or another wetting phase to reduce clumping.
Last updated 2026-05-14