Xanthan Gum

Xanthan Gum is a cosmetic ingredient used as a binding, surfactant - emulsifying agent. It appears in about 12% of cosmetic products in our 90,000+ product dataset. It is regulated in the EU (listed in a Cosmetics Regulation annex). PubMed carries 264 studies of its skin or topical use.

INCI nameXANTHAN GUM
FunctionBINDING, SURFACTANT - EMULSIFYING, EMULSION STABILISING, GEL FORMING
CAS number11138-66-2
EC number234-394-2
Prevalence11,212 products (12.08% of dataset)
Most used inSkincare
EU statusRestricted (annex )
Scientific studies264 on PubMed (skin/cosmetic/topical)
Monthly searches74,000

Used in

Serums 22.9%General Moisturizers 9.6%Face Cleansers 9.4%Sheet Masks 6.3%Toners 4.6%Wash Off Masks 4.3%

Frequently asked

What does Xanthan Gum do in skincare?
Xanthan Gum functions as a binding, surfactant - emulsifying agent in cosmetic formulas.
Is Xanthan Gum allowed in cosmetics?
Yes, but it is regulated in the EU — it appears in a Cosmetics Regulation annex with usage conditions.
What products contain Xanthan Gum?
It is most commonly found in Skincare products, especially serums (22.9% of its uses).

Manufacturers with experience using Xanthan Gum

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