Researched by Helena DeMaria-Williams
Formula IngredientThickener/Emulsion StabiliserXanthan Gum
INCI: Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by fermentation of glucose or sucrose by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is one of the most commonly used thickeners and emulsion stabilisers in cosmetic formulations, creating gel-like textures and preventing ingredient separation. It is also approved as a food additive (E415) and is Ecocert-approved for natural cosmetics.
Category
Thickener/Emulsion Stabiliser
Irritation Risk
Low
Skin Types
all skin types, sensitive, oily, dry, combination, acne-prone
What does this do in a formula?
thickening, emulsion stabilisation, gel forming, texture enhancement, binding, skin conditioning
Is Xanthan Gum safe? Key considerations
Can Xanthan Gum cause irritation?
Low RiskXanthan gum is a high molecular weight polysaccharide that sits on the skin surface and does not penetrate. It is non-irritating and non-sensitising at all cosmetic concentrations. No EU CosIng Annex II or III restrictions apply. The CIR Expert Panel has reviewed it and concluded it is safe as used in cosmetics.
Does Xanthan Gum increase sun sensitivity?
No RiskXanthan gum does not increase photosensitivity. No sun protection precautions are required.
Is Xanthan Gum safe during pregnancy?
SafeXanthan gum is an inert polysaccharide with no systemic absorption from topical use. No reproductive or developmental concerns are documented. It is also approved for oral consumption as a food additive.
How does Xanthan Gum work?
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by fermentation of glucose or sucrose by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. It is one of the most commonly used thickeners and emulsion stabilisers in cosmetic formulations, creating gel-like textures and preventing ingredient separation. It is also approved as a food additive (E415) and is Ecocert-approved for natural cosmetics.
Which products contain Xanthan Gum?
Shop products that contain Xanthan Gum
Starter Retinol Serum
Caffeine Eye Cream
Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
15% Vitamin C + EGF Serum
Milk Cleanser
10% Niacinamide Serum
Glycerin Gentle Purifying Cleanser
Retinol Eye Cream
Blemish Clearing Moisturiser with 2% Novoretin
Fulvic Acid Cleanser
10% Azelaic Acid Serum for Redness Relief
C-50 Blemish Night Treatment
Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser
Gentle Clear Triple Action Blemish Serum
Gentle Skin Cleanser
Hydrating Foaming Cream Cleanser
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Soothing Foam Wash
Multi-Peptide + Copper Peptides 1% Serum
Niacinamide 10% + Zinc 1%
Caffeine Solution 5% + EGCG Eye Serum
PHA 5% Exfoliating Lip Serum
Glucoside Foaming Cleanser
Multi-Peptide Eye Serum
Multi-Peptide + HA Serum
Multi-Peptide Lash and Brow Serum
AHA 30% + BHA 2% Peeling Solution
Granactive Retinoid 2% Emulsion
Soothing & Barrier Support Serum
Natural Moisturizing Factors + Inulin Body Lotion
Ascorbyl Glucoside Solution 12%
Sulphate 4% Cleanser for Body and Hair
Salicylic Acid 2% Masque
Balancing & Clarifying Serum
Lactic Acid 5% + HA
Lactic Acid 10% + HA
