What is Xanthan Gum?

Xanthan gum is a white powder that is created by fermenting sugar. It is a commonly used thickening agent in cosmetics and care products, such as toothpaste and shampoo.

Xanthan gum is made using the fermentation bacteria Xanthomonas campestris, which is where the gum gets its name from. Xanthan gum is a natural ingredient and is also known as E415.

Benefits

Binding & stabilizing

Xanthan gum improves the spreadability of care products and ensures that other ingredients bind together better. Xanthan gum helps stabilize your product, which prevents ingredients from separating again after mixing. You only need a very small amount of Xanthan gum to achieve this effect.

Consistent quality

Xanthan gum is a natural product but is often produced under controlled conditions. This ensures that the quality is very consistent, unlike for example Arabic gum or guar gum.

How do you use it?

To use Xanthan gum as a thickening agent, you must first mix it well with a small amount of vegetable glycerin. This prevents the Xanthan gum from clumping in your care product. Add just enough glycerin until you have a slimy substance that resembles honey or syrup. Add a small amount of cold water to this and your thickening agent is ready for use. It is important to add the syrupy gum to your product while it is still warm, because the gum only becomes active in a warm environment.

Store the Xanthan gum cool, dry and dark and keep the packaging tightly closed.

What is so special about it?

Xanthan gum is the only natural thickening agent that is internationally approved. It has therefore also been given an E-number (E415), so that it is easy to recognize.