murphyHydroxypropyl xanthan gum
AKA: Modified Xanthan Gum
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Not Clean
OriginDerived from xanthan gum, a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation of glucose or sucrose. Modified through hydroxypropylation, adding hydroxypropyl ether groups to the xanthan gum backbone.
Hydroxypropyl Xanthan Gum is the hydroxypropyl ether of Xanthan Gum
CAS #
-
Form
Powder
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Viscosity Controlling
Stabilizes Emulsion
Creates Protective Barrier
Controls Viscosity
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
Fights Bacteria
Creates protective layer
Keeps product blended
Controls product thickness
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed1 review →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Skin Irritant (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 611)
Not a Sensitizer (CIR report on the ingredient group)
CIR report statement covering this group of ingredients / not tested individually (CIR 611)
Concentration Guide
CIR lists it as not reported to be in use.
CIR · report published 2016
Regulatory Agencies
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR