XANTHAN GUM

Name / description

Xanthan Gum

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Function(s) of this ingredient in cosmetic products

BINDING

Ensures the cohesion of powdered products

EMULSION STABILISING

Supports emulsion formation and improves product stability

GEL FORMING

Allows the production of a gel (gelatinous, semi-solid product)

SKIN CONDITIONING

Maintains the skin in good condition

SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING

Allows the formation of finely dispersed mixtures of oil and water (emulsions)

VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

Increases or decreases the viscosity of cosmetic products

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Origin

plant/biotechnology

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Occurrence in cosmetics

Toothpaste, emulsions, body lotions, gels, makeup and other cosmetics

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Background information on use in cosmetics

Xanthan (INCI: XANTHAN GUM) is a high-molecular weight heteropolysaccharide formed from the microorganism Xanthomonas campestris or produced from hydrolysed starch. Xanthan consists essentially of beta-1,4-connected glucose units with side chains, which contain mannose and glucuronic acid. This concerns a bulking agent. Xanthan dissolves well in hot water and forms highly viscous solutions with a gel-like consistency. In cosmetic products xanthan is also highly appreciated because of its emulsion-stabilising effect. The gel formation of xanthan can be synergetically enhanced by adding galactomannans. Emulsifiers are often used in cosmetics as excipients. They allow actually unmixable components like oil and water to be brought in a permanently stable emulsion. In this way both aqueous and oily care and active ingredients can be used in one and the same product in cosmetics. Emulsifiers are able to do that since their molecules consist of a lipophilic and a hydrophilic part. In this way they can reduce the interfacial tension which actually exists between two incompatible substances like fat and water. Emulsifiers are, more particularly, used for creams, lotions and cleansing agents. At present emulsifiers are, however, more than only excipients which keep an emulsion stable. Fatty acid esters on the basis of sugar, lecithin or glycerin monodistearate contribute, for instance, to improving the moisture balance of the skin and are, therefore, also considered as cosmetic active ingredients.

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Belongs to the following substance groups

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Regulating cosmetics

Cosmetics Ingredients are subject to regulation. Please note, different regulations may apply to cosmetic ingredients outside the EU.