INCI name Xanthan gum
CAS number 11138-66-2
Xanthan Gum is a preservative-free, non-GMO, and gluten-free thickening and viscosity-enhancing agent that does not form a gel. It consists of pure polysaccharides, including glucose, mannose, and glucuronic acid.
Purpose
Xanthan Gum is primarily used for thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying. It enhances the viscosity of formulations, prevents ingredient separation, and ensures a smooth, uniform texture in various applications.
Origin
Xanthan Gum is a natural polysaccharide derived from the fermentation of Xanthomonas campestris bacteria. It is produced through a fermentation process using simple sugars like glucose or sucrose, followed by purification, drying, and milling into a fine powder.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Xanthan Gum |
| Type | Natural polysaccharide, thickening agent |
| Source | Fermentation of Xanthomonas campestris bacteria using sugars like glucose or sucrose |
| PH | 6.0–8.0 |
| Concentration | 0.1-2% |
| Solubility | Soluble in both hot and cold water, forming a highly viscous solution |
| Physical state | Fine powder |
| Odor | Odorless or slight characteristic odor |
| Color | Off-white to light yellow |
| Boiling point | 311.00 Degree Celsius |
Pseudoplastic Behavior (Shear-Thinning Property)
Xanthan gum exhibits shear-thinning characteristics, meaning its viscosity decreases when subjected to shear forces (stirring, shaking, or pumping) and increases again when at rest. This property is crucial in products like sauces, dressings, and personal care formulations, ensuring they pour or spread easily but remain thick when undisturbed.
Stable Across a Wide pH Range
Xanthan gum retains its functionality in extreme pH conditions, ranging from pH 1 to 13. This makes it ideal for acidic formulations (e.g., vinegar-based dressings, citrus-flavored beverages) and alkaline products (e.g., cleaning agents, industrial applications).
Temperature Resilience
Unlike some thickeners that lose effectiveness at high temperatures, xanthan gum maintains its thickening properties across hot and cold conditions. It remains stable even when subjected to freezing and thawing cycles, making it valuable for frozen food products and temperature-sensitive formulations.
High Compatibility with Various Ingredients
Xanthan gum works well with salts, acids, enzymes, and alcohols without significant degradation. Unlike some hydrocolloids, it does not precipitate in the presence of high salt concentrations, making it useful for electrolyte-rich formulations such as sports drinks and pharmaceutical suspensions.
Effective at Low Concentrations
A very small amount of this (0.1% to 1%) significantly increases viscosity, making it an economical choice for thickening and stabilizing. This allows for cost savings in formulations where a high viscosity is required with minimal ingredient use.
Excellent Suspension Ability
Xanthan gum prevents solid particles from settling in liquid formulations by creating a stable, uniform dispersion. This property is essential in applications such as pharmaceutical suspensions, cosmetics (e.g., serums), and beverages (e.g., pulp-containing drinks, protein shakes).
Water-Soluble in Both Hot and Cold Conditions
Unlike some hydrocolloids that require heating to dissolve, this is readily soluble in both hot and cold water, allowing for easy processing in food, cosmetics, and industrial applications.
Gluten-Free and Non-GMO
Xanthan gum is naturally derived and safe for gluten-sensitive individuals, making it a preferred thickener in gluten-free food products like bread, pasta, and baked goods. It is often used in clean-label and organic formulations where synthetic thickeners are avoided.
Synergistic Effects with Other Hydrocolloids
Xanthan gum enhances gel strength, elasticity, and stability when combined with guar gum, locust bean gum, or carrageenan. This synergy is often utilized in dairy alternatives such as plant-based milk, vegan cheese, confectionery, and pharmaceutical gels.
Non-Gelling Thickener
Unlike some hydrocolloids that form rigid gels (e.g., agar, gelatin), xanthan gum only increases viscosity without solidifying, ensuring a smooth, flowable texture in food and cosmetic formulations.
Applications of Xanthan Gum in Skincare and Cosmetics
Thickening and Viscosity Control
Xanthan gum acts as a non-gelling thickener, increasing the viscosity of creams, lotions, and serums. It ensures a smooth, rich texture that spreads evenly on the skin without feeling sticky or heavy.
Emulsion Stabilization
It helps stabilize oil-in-water and water-in-oil emulsions, preventing the separation of ingredients in creams, lotions, and serums. This enhances the product’s shelf life and ensures a uniform, well-blended formulation.
Suspension Agent
Xanthan gum prevents solid particles, pigments, or active ingredients from settling in liquid formulations. This is particularly useful in suspending exfoliants in facial scrubs, stabilizing clays in masks, and preventing separation in serums and toners.
Improving Skin Feel and Spreadability
By creating a smooth, silky texture, xanthan gum enhances the sensory appeal of skincare products. It helps products glide effortlessly onto the skin while providing a lightweight, non-greasy feel.
Hydration and Moisture Retention
Xanthan gum forms a flexible, breathable film on the skin, helping to retain moisture and improve hydration. This property makes it beneficial in hydrating gels, moisturizers, and anti-aging formulations.
Foam Stabilization in Cleansers
In face washes, body washes, and shampoos, this helps maintain a stable foam, improving lather quality and enhancing the cleansing experience. It ensures that foaming agents work effectively without causing excessive dryness.
Natural and Safe Ingredient for Sensitive Skin
Being non-irritating and derived from natural fermentation, xanthan gum is suitable for sensitive skin types. It is often included in formulations for hypoallergenic and organic skincare products.
Applications in Various Skincare and Cosmetic Products
- Face & Body Creams – Enhances texture, thickness, and stability.
- Lotions & Serums – Improves consistency and spreadability.
- Face Masks & Scrubs – Suspends active ingredients and exfoliants.
- Shampoos & Conditioners – Improves viscosity and foam stability.
- Cleansers & Body Washes – Stabilizes foams and enhances cleansing.
- Makeup Products (e.g., Foundations, Primers, Mascaras) – Provides smooth texture and prevents ingredient separation.
