INCI Name
Xanthan Gum
Botanical Name
None
Xanthan Gum is a natural biopolymer produced via fermentation, widely used in cosmetics as a thickener, stabilizer, and texture enhancer. It provides smooth, gel-like consistency and stabilizes emulsions, making it a staple in both natural and conventional formulations.
Thickener, stabilizer, rheology modifier, film-former, suspending agent, emulsifier booster
Product Type(s):
Typical Usage Range:
0.1–2% typical in cosmetics (up to 5% in specialized gels)
Provides viscosity and texture in formulations, stabilizes emulsions, prevents ingredient separation, creates smooth gel-like consistency, enhances sensory feel of products
Primary Components:
Polysaccharides (glucose, mannose, glucuronic acid), pyruvic acid, acetyl groups
Generally safe; rare cases of skin sensitivity possible; may cause mild irritation in very high concentrations
Preferred Extraction Method:
Fermentation of carbohydrates (corn, wheat, soy, or sugar sources) by Xanthomonas campestris bacteria, followed by precipitation, drying, and milling
Look for GMO-free, COSMOS/ECOCERT-approved xanthan gum for natural formulations; grades vary in viscosity and clarity
Explore additional safety and regulatory data from trusted external sources:
*The ingredient details on this page are intended for general educational use and should not be considered exhaustive. Additional properties, uses, or safety considerations may be available from other sources. Root & Ritual Apothecary is not affiliated with Cosmetics Info, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), INCIDecoder, SkinSafe, EWG Skin Deep, or SpecialChem. External links are provided solely for informational purposes; Root & Ritual does not control or guarantee the accuracy, methodology, or conclusions of third-party sources, including consumer rating systems such as EWG.
Xanthan Gum
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