Xanthum Gum ●
TL;DR. This ingredient is a water-phase thickener and rheology modifier that helps build viscosity, suspend particles, and stabilize emulsions. It is commonly used to give gels, creams, cleansers, and serums a smoother, more uniform texture.
What does Xanthum Gum do in a cosmetic formula?
This ingredient is a water-phase thickener and rheology modifier that helps build viscosity, suspend particles, and stabilize emulsions. It is commonly used to give gels, creams, cleansers, and serums a smoother, more uniform texture.
Is Xanthum Gum clean?
From a clean beauty perspective, it is generally well tolerated, non-sensitizing for most users, and not a common restricted-list concern. The main quality consideration is good manufacturing control, since it is fermentation-derived and should meet microbial and purity specifications.
Is Xanthum Gum sustainable?
This material is typically made by microbial fermentation of plant-derived sugars, often from corn, wheat, soy, or similar carbohydrate feedstocks. It is biodegradable, water-compatible, and does not raise the persistence concerns associated with many synthetic film-formers or silicones.
Is Xanthum Gum COSMOS-approved?
It is permitted under COSMOS-natural and COSMOS-organic formulations when produced and processed according to the standard, including relevant non-GMO and processing requirements. It aligns well with Green Chemistry principles because it can come from renewable feedstocks, is made in water-based fermentation, and is biodegradable.
How does Xanthum Gum work chemically?
It is a high-molecular-weight anionic polysaccharide with a cellulose-like backbone and charged side chains that create strong water binding and shear-thinning flow. Typical use levels are about 0.1% to 1.0%, with broad stability across roughly pH 3 to 12 and good tolerance of salts, though high levels can feel stringy or tacky if not balanced with other texture modifiers.
Last updated 2026-05-13