Xanthan Gum (Transparent)
Buy it with
| What is it? | Xanthan Gum is a natural gum polysaccharide created through fermentation of sugar (glucose or sucrose) by Xanthomonas campestris bacteria. Xanthan Gum is used in cosmetics as a thickener or rheology modifier and emulsion stabilizer. Our Xanthan Gum Clear is a higher purity, cosmetic grade made without hydration retardants for quicker thickening. It produces the clearest gels. Our Xanthan Gum Clear in solution will have greater viscosity and clarity than our Xanthan Gum Soft, but with more stringing effect. |
| INCI | Xanthan Gum |
| Appearance | Fine white granular powder |
| Usage rate |
Typical use level 0.5-2%. Dissolve in warm water (ideally sprinkle slowly into water under constant high-speed stirring). Add propylene glycol or butylene glycol to the water phase (3 parts glycol,1 part xanthan gum) for best dispersion. Also adding up to 0.5% sodium chloride (salt) will increase the thickening effect. For external use only. |
| Applications | Shampoos, conditioners, lotions, creams, body washes, serums, shower gels. |
| Texture |
Once hydrated they create slippy, cushiony gels that are clear and nearly colorless. |
| Scent | Nothing strong |
| pH | 6–8 |
| Charge | Anionic |
| Solubility | Soluble in cold or warm water |
| Why do we use it in formulations? |
In gels, xanthan gum creates the body of the gel. In emulsions, it can be used to stabilize and thicken by thickening the water phase. Cosmetic grade xanthan gums are far more versatile than regular xathan gum as the skin feel and consistency is far more appealing. They can be used in emulsions as well as in gels as the sole gelling ingredient. |
| Strengths | Effective natural gelling agent and thickener. |
| Alternatives & Substitutions | Consider; guar gum & hydroxyethylcellulose. |
| How to Work with It | Pre-disperse it in glycerin or propylene glycol (depending on what else is in the formulation) before combining it with water to fully hydrate. I usually choose oil as the pre-dispersing medium when it is available as xanthan gum cannot clump in oil. |
| Storage & Shelf Life | Stored somewhere cool, dark, and dry, xanthan gum should last at least two years. |
| Tips, Tricks, and Quirks | The inclusion of xanthan gum in emulsions can amplify the soaping effect. |
| Benefits |
|
