Xanthan Gum (Clear)
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Xanthan gum is a versatile ingredient used in skincare formulations for its unique properties as a thickening, stabilising, and emulsifying agent. Derived from the fermentation of carbohydrates by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris, xanthan gum has become a popular choice in skincare products due to its ability to improve texture, increase product viscosity, and enhance the overall user experience. Its non-toxic and hypoallergenic nature makes it suitable for a wide range of skin types.
One of the key properties of xanthan gum is its ability to create a gel-like consistency when mixed with water. This makes it an effective thickener for skincare products, including creams, lotions, and serums.
Xanthan gum helps to improve the stability and texture of formulations, preventing ingredients from separating and giving products a smooth and consistent feel. Its emulsifying properties allow it to help stabilise oil and water mixtures, which is essential for creating stable emulsions such as moisturisers and lotions.
Non-gelling thickener (but binds water) and viscosity enhancer: Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide that increases the viscosity of liquids without forming a gel, making it ideal for products that require a smooth, pourable consistency. It effectively binds water, preventing separation and maintaining the desired texture in formulations like dressings, sauces, or cosmetic creams.
Provides volume and enhances foam in surfactant systems: In surfactant-based products like shampoos or body washes, xanthan gum improves the richness and stability of foam, creating a more luxurious user experience. It helps retain volume, ensuring that the product maintains its creamy or foamy texture during use.
Stabilises emulsions: By preventing the separation of oil and water phases, xanthan gum ensures long-lasting stability in emulsions. This is especially valuable in cosmetics, skincare, and food products where consistent texture and appearance are critical.
Has lubricant properties: Xanthan gum reduces friction in formulations, providing a silky, smooth feel on application. This makes it a popular choice in personal care products like lotions and serums, as well as in industrial applications where reduced friction is beneficial.
Can act as a suspending agent: Its ability to suspend particles, such as exfoliants in scrubs or pigments in makeup, ensures even distribution and prevents settling. This property is essential for maintaining the uniformity and effectiveness of a product over time.
Pre-hydrated for easy mixing: Pre-hydrated xanthan gum disperses easily in liquids, reducing clumping and simplifying the mixing process. This saves time during production and ensures a consistent blend, whether for home formulations or large-scale manufacturing.
Dissolve in warm water (ideally sprinkle slowly into water under constant high-speed stirring): Xanthan gum dissolves best when added gradually to warm water while stirring vigorously. This prevents clumping and ensures even dispersion, resulting in a smooth, lump-free mixture. High-speed stirring helps break down the gum particles and allows them to hydrate fully, maximizing their thickening and stabilising properties.
Add propylene glycol or butylene glycol to the water phase (3 parts glycol, 1 part xanthan gum) for best dispersion: Incorporating propylene glycol or butylene glycol into the water phase improves the dispersion of xanthan gum. These glycols act as humectants and dispersing agents, ensuring that the gum particles separate efficiently, hydrate faster, and integrate seamlessly into the formula. This step is particularly useful in creating clear, uniform gels or serums.
Adding up to 0.5% sodium chloride (salt) will increase the thickening effect: A small amount of sodium chloride (up to 0.5%) can enhance the thickening properties of xanthan gum by improving its interaction with water molecules. This results in a more robust and stable viscosity, which is particularly useful for products that require a higher level of thickness, such as creams or sauces.
Typical use level 0.5–2%: Xanthan gum is typically used at a concentration of 0.5–2% in formulations, depending on the desired level of viscosity. Lower concentrations are suitable for light emulsions and serums, while higher concentrations provide a thicker consistency for products like gels and creams. Exceeding this range can result in an overly sticky or slimy texture.
For external use only: Xanthan gum is intended for use in topical applications or products designed for external use, such as cosmetics, skincare, and personal care items. It is not meant for internal consumption unless specifically labelled for food or pharmaceutical purposes, as different grades of xanthan gum are manufactured for different applications.
CAS 11138-66-2
INCI Xanthan gum
Composition Xanthan gum
Appearance White powder, oderless
Solubility Soluble in cold or warm water
Preservation Preservative-free
Storage Store in a closed container at a dry place at room temperature
Country of Origin USA
Raw Material Source Bacterium Xanthomonas campestris
Manufacture Xanthan gum is produced from the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris in the presence of a carbohydrate solution. The xanthan polymer is precipitated from the medium by the addition of isopropyl alcohol, and the precipitate is dried and milled to give a powder.
Animal Testing Not animal tested
GMO GMO-free (does not contain plant-derived components)
Vegan Does not contain animal-derived components