Is Xanthan Gum Vegan? What Is Xanthan Gum Made Of?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: April 2023.
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Xanthan gum is a common skincare ingredient used as a thickening agent. As it is a sugar-derived component, it often comes from corn, wheat, soy, or dairy. Therefore, xanthan gum might be both, vegan and non-vegan.

In foods, this sticky substance helps thicken things like salad dressings, nut milk, and sauces. But what about skincare? Let’s find out. 

What Is Xanthan Gum? What Is Xanthan Gum Made Of?

Xanthan gum is a soluble dietary fiber that can be used as an emulsifying agent. It is a carbohydrate made from sugar derived from corn, soy, wheat, or dairy.

The ingredient is biodegradable, gluten-free, colorless, and tasteless. It was discovered in the 1960s in an American laboratory when scientists were looking for ways to use the overproduce of corn. So, although xanthan gum sounds foreign and chemical, it is actually a pure carbohydrate made from sugars.

The final product contains no traces of corn, soy, wheat, or dairy – only 100% carbohydrates. The sugar is added to a particular type of bacteria to make it ferment. It gets a gel-like consistency, which is then dried and ground into a powder. 

Xanthan Gum is accepted as a safe additive in the United States, Canada, Europe, and many other countries. It is also known as E415. Today, xanthan gum is found in everything from salad dressings, spices, ice creams, and oral hygiene products to every other skincare product. 

Why Is Xanthan Gum Used In Skincare?

Xanthan gum is used in skincare because it is additive binding, thickening, emulsifying, and stabilizing. It keeps the skin hydrated and contributes to an optimal and even application.

Xanthan gum is an emulsifier, which creates a smooth and evenly textured product. Most cosmetic formulas contain a tiny amount of xanthan gum. It is popular in skincare. because it only takes a minimum quantity to get a good texture.

Further, xanthan gum is one of the few naturally derived thickeners commonly used in natural skin care. It requires no heating or cooling to be effective and can be added to products. It binds, thickens, and keeps the product stable.

The polysaccharides in xanthan gum have the ability to lock in water. The moisture-binding substance reduces transepidermal water loss and prevents the skin from drying out. Therefore, it is often added to moisturizing products. such as lotions, face creams, gel cleansers, and sunscreens.

Since xanthan gum has an extremely high molecular weight compared to many other emulsifiers, it cannot penetrate the top layer of the skin. Therefore, it usually does not irritate the skin. It has almost no side effects. It can have a laxative effect in very high doses, but this only applies to use in food.

FAQ About Xanthan Gum In Skincare

What is xanthan gum?

Xanthan gum is a soluble dietary fiber that can be used as an emulsifying agent. It is a biodegradable, gluten-free, colorless, and tasteless carbohydrate made from sugars.

Why is xanthan gum used in skincare?

Xanthan gum is used in skincare because it is additive binding, thickening, emulsifying, and stabilizing. It keeps the skin hydrated and contributes to an optimal and even application.

Is xanthan gum in skincare harmful?

No. Xanthan gum in skincare is not harmful. It can have a laxative effect in very high doses, but this only applies to use in food.

Is xanthan gum vegan?

Xanthan gum might be both, vegan and non-vegan. It is a sugar-derived component and comes from corn, wheat, soy, or dairy.

Summary

Xanthan gum is a safe ingredient in skin care. Thanks to its high viscosity, xanthan forms a good structure, stabilizes products, extends their shelf life, and ensures a good texture.

In addition to the previously mentioned properties, xanthan gum also has a gentle effect of binding moisture in the skin. Therefore, it is often added to moisturizing products.

Xanthan gum is made from sugars that come from soy, corn, wheat, or dairy products. Therefore, it might be both, vegan and non-vegan. If you are looking for vegan skincare products, we recommend looking for certified vegan labels or turning to a high-quality vegan brand.

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.