INCI name

Xanthan Gum

Also listed as: A fermentation gum thickener

Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide made by fermenting sugar with the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. In food it thickens dressings. In cosmetics it thickens gels and keeps particles suspended so that a product does not separate in the bottle.

It is used at low levels. It can give a slightly stringy or gel-like feel that some people notice between the fingers.

Where it turns up

Gels, serums, toothpastes, cleansers and any lotion that needs a little body.

Sensitivities

Uncommon. People with a known gum allergy should read labels, though xanthan is not the same as guar or acacia.

Vegan or animal-derived

Vegan. It is made by bacterial fermentation.

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