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The ingredient, explained

Xanthan Gum

A published expert assessment examines cosmetic-use safety.

BindingEmulsifyingEmulsion stabilisingGel formingSkin conditioningViscosity controllingSurfactant
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Ingredient guide

What it is and what it does

Xanthan gum helps control the texture of a formula. Its recorded roles include gel formation, adjusting thickness and helping mixtures remain stable.

About this ingredient: CosIng identity and functions via Open Beauty Facts ↗ · European Commission ingredient function definitions ↗

Binding
Helps the components of a product hold together.
Emulsifying
Helps liquids that do not normally mix form a mixture.
Emulsion stabilising
Helps keep an emulsion from separating.
Gel forming
Gives a liquid a gel-like consistency.
Skin conditioning
A broad cosmetic role for maintaining skin condition. It does not identify a particular clinical benefit.
Viscosity controlling
Adjusts how thick or fluid a product is.
Surfactant
Changes surface tension to help a product distribute or interact with other materials.

Function definitions: European Commission ingredient function definitions (SCCNFP/0299/00, pages 16 to 20) ↗

Registry functions describe possible formulation roles, not results for a finished product. A dictionary entry is not an approval or a safety assessment.

A closer look

What the research shows

Safety assessment

Xanthan gum is expressly included in the group judged safe for the uses and concentrations described.

What this does not tell us

This group assessment uses animal and clinical safety data; it does not establish an independent hydration benefit.

Sources for this summary. PubMed 27383198 ↗

Research review checked Oct 1, 2026

Bounded review of 4 local candidate records, selected relevant abstracts, and targeted exact-name primary-source searches. Not a systematic review.

Ingredient research is not proof that a product containing this ingredient works.

Read the 1 selected study

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Products containing this ingredient

All 1,697 products ↗

From the Serenfold edit. Linked by the ingredient list, without an efficacy ranking.

Names and identifiers

Registry identity

Xanthan gum

INCI name on ingredient lists
XANTHAN GUM
CAS registry number
11138-66-2
EC number
234-394-2
Other recorded names (1)
  • gummi xanthanum

Sources for this ingredient record