Xanthan Gum
Natural thickener and stabiliser for gels, emulsions, and surfactant systems. Builds viscosity fast, but this grade does not go fully clear.
Xanthan Gum USP (Food Grade) is a high utility rheology modifier used to thicken and stabilise water based formulas.
It improves suspension, reduces separation, and gives that smooth, slightly elastic gel structure that holds up across a wide pH range.
Note: this grade typically forms a hazy to opaque gel and will not give a crystal clear finish. If you need clarity for toners and clear gels,
we recommend Clear Xanthan Gum.
FEATURES
- Fast viscosity build – thickens efficiently at low percentages.
- Stabilises systems – helps reduce separation and improves suspension.
- Wide pH tolerance – performs well in many skincare and wash off formats.
- Not fully clear – creates haze/opacity in gels, especially at higher levels.
BEST FOR
- Water gels
- Creams and lotions
- Surfactant cleansers
- Suspension formulas
- Scrubs and wash off masks
FORMULATION GUIDELINES
| INCI | Xanthan Gum |
|---|---|
| Type | Natural polysaccharide thickener (rheology modifier) |
| Solubility | Water dispersible. Hydrates to form a gel network. |
| Clarity | Hazy to opaque gel (this grade does not go fully clear). For clear gels, use Clear Xanthan Gum. |
| Use Rate | 0.1–1.0% typical. 0.2–0.5% for light gel structure, 0.6–1.0% for stronger body and suspension. |
| pH Compatibility | We recommend pH 4.0–9.0 for broad compatibility across most personal care systems. |
| Temperature Tolerance | Hydrates well at room temperature with time, or faster with gentle heating. Avoid aggressive high shear once fully hydrated if you want maximum viscosity. |
| Pro Tip | For smooth hydration, pre-disperse xanthan in glycerin (or propanediol) before adding to water. Add slowly with good mixing, then allow full hydration (20–60 minutes depending on batch size). If your gel feels stringy, lower the dose and blend with a second thickener that gives cleaner flow. In surfactant systems, add after your surfactant blend is uniform, then adjust viscosity gradually. |
| Appearance | Off-white to pale cream powder |
| Stability Notes | Overuse can create “snotty” texture and visible haze. Pairing with a complementary polymer can improve flow and sensory. |
| Storage | Keep sealed, cool, and dry. Protect from humidity to prevent clumping. |
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