Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide with many industrial uses, including as a common food additive.
It is a glucose/sucrose derivative which is used for emulsification stabilisation and prolonging the shelf life of a product.
Xanthan gum is used in skincare and food care products, being perfectly safe for use in both.
In skincare it creates a gel like texture, which is useful for a range of products including; moisturisers, lotions, facial cleansers, body washes and foundation.
Buy products with XG in it here.
When it comes to skin concerns, there really aren’t many to be concerned with. There isn’t much evidence to suggest it has any harmful effects on skin.
It is primarily used to improve the texture and application of a product.
Some people may be allergic, which is worth checking.
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Xanthan Gum History
Xanthan gum was discovered in the 1950s by U.S. Department of Agriculture scientists when they were trying to identify microorganisms that made water-soluble gums.
It became available for commercial use in 1964.
It was deemed safe after toxicology and safety studies, and the FDA gave approval for food use in 1969.
To make XG, glucose, sucrose, or lactose is fermented by Xanthomonas campestris, a bacteria.
