Xantham Gum ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is primarily a thickener and rheology modifier, giving gels, creams, and cleansers a more stable, cushiony texture. It also helps suspend particles and stabilize emulsions by increasing the water phase viscosity.
What does Xantham Gum do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is primarily a thickener and rheology modifier, giving gels, creams, and cleansers a more stable, cushiony texture. It also helps suspend particles and stabilize emulsions by increasing the water phase viscosity.
Is Xantham Gum clean?
It is broadly accepted in clean-beauty frameworks and is generally well tolerated on skin at cosmetic use levels. The main quality considerations are microbial control and purity from the fermentation and drying process, not routine irritation concerns.
Is Xantham Gum sustainable?
This material is typically made by microbial fermentation of sugar-based feedstocks and is readily biodegradable. Its sustainability profile depends mostly on the agricultural source of those sugars and the energy and water used in fermentation and purification.
Is Xantham Gum COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic standards when produced and processed according to the standard’s allowed methods. It fits Green Chemistry well because it can come from renewable feedstocks, works efficiently at low levels, and biodegrades after use.
How does Xantham Gum work chemically?
The molecule is a high-molecular-weight anionic polysaccharide with a cellulose-like backbone and charged side groups that create strong water binding and shear-thinning flow. Typical use levels are about 0.1% to 1.0%, and it is stable across a wide pH range, often around pH 2 to 12, with good tolerance to salts and many surfactant systems.
Last updated 2026-05-13