Ingredient dictionary

Xanthan Gum

Xanthan Gum is a thickener and stabilizer made by fermenting sugar with a bacterium. It builds body and keeps oil and water mixes from separating. It is on the label of 280 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

The catch: none for most people; check the full product list if your skin reacts easily.

What Xanthan Gum does

Thickens water-based formulas
Stabilizes oil and water blends
Gives a smooth, slippery feel
Keeps particles evenly suspended

Xanthan gum is made by fermenting sugar, such as glucose, with a bacterium. The fermentation produces a long sugar molecule, which is then dried and ground into a fine powder. In water, its chains tangle together, so even a small amount thickens a formula.

Formulators use it because it keeps lotions, creams and gels from separating. It also holds particles such as pigments and mineral particles evenly, and it helps products stay stable as temperatures change. On skin and hair it feels smooth and slightly slippery, and it rinses away easily.

Good for

Works well for most skin and hair types, including sensitive skin, because it is generally gentle.

Be careful if

Nothing in particular for most skin types.

Frequently asked questions

Is xanthan gum safe for sensitive skin?

Xanthan gum is generally well tolerated and appears in many products for sensitive skin. It is a large sugar-based molecule that does not usually soak into the skin. Anyone with known reactions should still patch test new products first.

Does xanthan gum cause breakouts?

Xanthan gum is not an oil, and it is not known as a common cause of breakouts. It is a water-soluble sugar, so it does not behave like the heavy oils that can block pores. Breakouts usually depend on the full formula, so check the other ingredients too.