Xanthan Gum
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide (chain of sugar molecules) produced via fermentation of individual sugars such as glucose and sucrose. It is one of the most commonly used thickeners and emulsion stabilizers in cosmetic formulations. Typical use levels are below 1%, usually in the 0.1–0.5% range. It is approved by Ecocert and also used in the food industry as E415.
Xanthan gum thickens formulas and stabilizes emulsions, preventing them from separating. It can create a gel-like texture when a product would otherwise be too runny. It is typically combined with other thickeners and rheology modifiers to avoid stickiness and improve the overall feel of a formula.
Used alone at higher concentrations it can make formulas sticky; it is generally recommended to combine it with other thickeners or rheology modifiers.
