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SCLEROTIUM GUM

Last update on Dec 23, 2022
Sclerotium gum is a natural polysaccharide obtained by the fermentation of the filamentous fungus, Sclerotium rolfsii. It works as a thickening and gelling agent in cosmetics and personal care products, similar to Xanthan gum.
CAS Number: 39464-87-4Chem/IUPAC Name: 2-[[6-[3,5-dihydroxy-2-(hydroxymethyl)-6-phosphanyloxan-4-yl]oxy-4-[3,5-dihydroxy-6-(hydroxymethyl)-4-phosphanyloxyoxan-2-yl]oxy-3,5-dihydroxyoxan-2-yl]methoxy]-6-(hydroxymethyl)oxane-3,4,5-triolEINECS/ELINCS No: 254-464-6COSING REF No: 78705

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What is SCLEROTIUM GUM used for?

Sclerotium gum is used as a natural alternative to synthetic gelling agents such as carbomer. It also works as a suspending agent, literally keeping heavier ingredients in a formula from sinking to the bottom and requiring a product to be shaken vigorously before each use. It imparts high gelling, stabilizing, and hydrating properties to cosmetic formulations. As a gelling agent, it provides a solid gel of increasing viscosity and as a thickener, it can be used to increase the viscosity of formulations. It is biodegradable and is thus sustainably produced. Specifically in skin care, it provides gel-like and viscous formulations for skin care, it acts as a skin conditioning agent. It is typically used at 0.8-1.2% concentrations.

Origin

Under controlled conditions of ph, temperature, aeration, and other fermentation parameters, the fermentation of Sclerotium rolfsii is carried out. The fermentation broth is sterilized after the completion of the cycle to kill the fungal cells, inactivate unwanted enzymes, and separate cells from the exopolysaccharide (Sclerotium gum). It is then obtained in powder form after drying and is finally blended to obtain a homogenous mixture.

What does SCLEROTIUM GUM do in a formulation?

GEL FORMING|
SKIN CONDITIONING|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Safety Profile

The Cosmetics Ingredient Review (CIR) Board considers Sclerotium gum to be safe as used in cosmetics, where its typical concentration ranges from 0.25–2%, depending on the desired product aesthetics and needs of the ingredients it’s blended with.

SCLEROTIUM GUM alternatives

SCLEROTIUM GUM technical profile

Property Values
Melting Point >211°C
Solubility Soluble in water