Xanthan gum is an anionic, high molecular weight polysaccharide, which is used as a stabilizer and viscosity modifier in aqueous-based systems. It is a natural product that is non-toxic and non-irritating. It can be used in combination with other thickeners and stabilizers to improve texture, flow behavior, stability, and appearance. The high viscosity of xanthan gum at low shear rates effectively stabilizes creams and lotions which are primarily oil-in-water emulsions. Xanthan gum keeps emulsions stable over a broad temperature and pH range.
Products with XANTHAN GUM
With samples available
ALTHEOSTEM™
by Provital
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
HYDRAFENCE™ GNNN
by Provital
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
PURABYK® -R 5510
by BYK
- Sustainable option
- Support available
- Original documents
What is XANTHAN GUM used for?
It is used as an effective thickening agent, emulsifier, and stabilizer that prevents ingredients from separating. In cosmetics, Xanthan gum is used to prepare water gels. It is also used in oil-in-water emulsions to enhance droplet coalescence. It also helps to bind the formulations like toothpaste and keep the product uniform. It is used in a concentration of 0.1-2%.
- Skin care: It stabilizes the oil phase of creams and lotions and delivers the active ingredients to the skin in a uniform manner. With its high viscosity at rest, Xanthan gum effectively suspends insoluble ingredients in cosmetics. Due to its shear thinning flow behavior, highly pigmented products like liquid makeup can be spread easily and uniformly
- Hair care: It provides effective stabilization and suspension to hair care products and enhances the lathering quality of shampoos
Origin
Xanthan gum is produced by the fermentation of glucose and sucrose by the bacterium, Xanthomonas campestris. The xanthan polymer is produced extracellularly into the medium. After one to four days, the polymer is precipitated from the medium by the addition of isopropyl alcohol, and the precipitate is dried and milled to give a powder that is readily soluble in water or brine.
What does XANTHAN GUM do in a formulation?
BINDING|
EMULSIFYING|
EMULSION STABILISING|
GEL FORMING|
VISCOSITY CONTROLLINGSafety Profile
There is no widespread or consistent evidence of any adverse health effects associated with Xanthan gum. It has the lowest possible hazard rating from EWG (1) with no significant concerns for irritation, sensitization, comedogenicity, or toxicity at typical concentrations (0.1-2%; higher in gels). It is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and exceptionally well-tolerated across all skin and hair types, including sensitive, baby, and atopic skin.
XANTHAN GUM alternatives
XANTHAN GUM technical profile
| Property | Values |
| pH | 6.0-8.0 |
| Solubility | Soluble in water |
