Cosmetic-grade xanthan gum is a high-purity polysaccharide produced by controlled microbial fermentation (typically Xanthomonas campestris) and refined to meet cosmetic safety, stability, and sensory requirements. Xanthan gum enhances product application by improving the spreadability, ensuring that the skincare products cover the skin evenly without clumping or separation. Xanthan gum also locks in moisture on the skin's surface, which is crucial for maintaining hydration and contributing to a smoother, more youthful complexion. This moisturising capability makes it an excellent ingredient for formulations aimed at skin whitening and conditioning. In the realm of personal care, xanthan gum acts primarily as a thickening agent, lending a desirable viscosity to products like lotions and gels. Its ability to stabilize emulsions ensures that oil and water-based ingredients remain blended, thus maintaining the efficacy and texture of the product over time.
Cosmetic Grade Xanthan Gum
Pharmaceutical Grade Xanthan Gum
Industrial Grade Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide made by the bacteria Xanthomonas campestris. Once xanthan gum is formed by fermentation, it’s isolated, dried and processed into a fine powder. It is a dynamic ingredient that enhances the texture, stability, and moisture retention of skincare products. As the beauty industry continues to evolve, the role of xanthan gum in creating effective and natural products becomes increasingly important.
Xanthan gum is usually used between 0.1% and 0.5%. Xanthan gum can be dispersed into water and must be blended by creating a Vortex in the water then gently sprinkling the Xanthan gum into the water. The easiest and most effective option however is to blend Xanthan gum into Glycerin, where it will make a paste that can easily be mixed into your formulation. Xanthan gum should be added to cream-based formulations to the water component and is resistant to heat, so can then be heated and combined with oil. Xanthan gum will continue to thicken over the following days after manufacture. The final thickness of the Xanthan gum-based product will be heavily influenced by the amount of shear that the product has been subject to in manufacture. The greater the shear the thinner the final consistency will be.
Xanthan gum has widespread use in various consumer products supports its safety profile, with no significant health risks associated with topical application in the concentrations typically used in skincare formulations. Below are practical formulation examples showing how cosmetic-grade xanthan gum is used in gel, cream, and shampoo systems. These are starter formulas commonly used in R&D and client demos and can be adjusted for actives, preservatives, or regional regulations.
| Parameter | Hydrating Gel | O/W Cream | Shampoo / Cleanser |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Function | Gel structuring, hydration | Emulsion stabilization, texture building | Viscosity control, suspension |
| Typical Xanthan Gum Level | 0.20 – 0.50% | 0.15 – 0.30% | 0.20 – 0.40% |
| Water Phase % | 90 – 95% | 65 – 75% | 55 – 65% |
| Oil Phase % | 0 – 5% | 15 – 25% | 0 – 2% |
| Surfactant System | None | None | Anionic / Amphoteric / Nonionic |
| Viscosity Range (25 °C) | 5,000 – 25,000 cP | 15,000 – 60,000 cP | 3,000 – 10,000 cP |
| pH Compatibility | 4.5 – 7.0 | 4.5 – 6.5 | 5.0 – 7.0 |
| Clarity | Clear to slightly hazy | Opaque | Clear to pearlescent |
| Texture / Sensory | Fresh, smooth, non-sticky | Rich, cushioned, creamy | Smooth flow, good slip |
| Salt Tolerance | Moderate | High | High |
| Heat Stability | High | High | High |
| Compatibility with Actives | Excellent (HA, panthenol) | Excellent (niacinamide, ceramides) | Excellent (proteins, extracts) |
| Need for Neutralization | No | No | No |
| Common Co-Polymers | HA, carbomer | Carbomer, cellulose gum | Guar hydroxypropyltrimonium |
| Typical Applications | After-sun gel, serum base | Face cream, body lotion | Shampoo, body wash |
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