Xanthan gum

AKA: Natural Thickener
Plant-Derived Synthetic
Cleanser
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Clean
Xanthan gum
Effective at 3.0%
CAS #
11138-66-2
Functions
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Gel Forming
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Cleansing
Makes oil and water mix so dirt, makeup, and sunscreen can actually be washed away. The reason your face wash foams.
Emulsifying
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Viscosity Controlling
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
Developed in the 1950s by scientists at the United States Department of Agriculture as a natural thickening agent derived from bacterial fermentation. It was adopted by the cosmetics industry in the 1960s-70s as a stabilizer and viscosity modifier for creams and lotions.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
ewg-1
medical-approval
pregnancy-nursing-safe
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
1e-05%
6.0%
0%100%
Reported use
CIR reported use: 0.00001-6 | 0.1-1 | 0.03-5
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Skin Types
all-skin-types, gentle
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper
⚖️Regulatory1 listing
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
3 Piece Classic Suncare Travel Set
COOLA
 →
Age-Defying Fundamentals
Odacité
 →
the anti aging day and night ritual
Agent Nateur
 →
AI Peptide Serum Duo
Acure
 →
AI Peptide Serum
Acure
 →
All In: The Farm Collection
Acure
 →
AM + PM Hydrating Booster Set
Goldfaden MD
 →
Anti-aging Dream Duo • SPF 50 + Retinol
Odacité
 →
Anti Aging Eye & Sun Defense Duo
Odacité
 →
Anti-Aging Hand Cream
COOLA
 →
Balance + Support Duo
Marie Veronique
 →
The New Tendency Complete Set
Nécessaire
 →
Bathroom Sink Ritual Set
Acure
 →
Bioactive Renew Supreme Cream • Edelweiss Extrême® • Peptides + Carnosine
Odacité
 →
Black Tulip Eye Treatment
Bloom Effects
 →
Black Tulip Facial Treatment
Bloom Effects
 →
Black Tulip Regenerative Brightening Serum
Bloom Effects
 →
Body Lotion
Acure
 →
Body Surge Travel
Goldfaden MD
 →
Body Wash Oil
Acure
 →
Bonne Nuit™ Night Cream
Pai Skincare
 →
Brand New Day Microderma Scrub + Masque
One Love Organics
 →
Mini Brand New Day Microderma Scrub + Masque
One Love Organics
 →
Brightening Cleanser Home & Travel Duo
Indie Lee
 →
Brightening Cleanser Travel
Indie Lee
 →
Brightening Cream
Indie Lee
 →
calm & clarify duo
Cocokind
 →
ceramide hydration duo
Cocokind
 →
Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion
COOLA
 →
Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion - Tropical Coconut
COOLA
 →
Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion - Fragrance Free
COOLA
 →
Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion - Guava Mango
COOLA
 →
Hydrating Sunscreen Lotion - Peach Blossom
COOLA
 →
Face Sunscreen Lotion - Cucumber
COOLA
 →
Face Sunscreen Lotion
COOLA
 →
Face Sunscreen Lotion - White Tea
COOLA
 →
Clean-ical Formulations AM + PM Serum Duo
Odacité
 →
Cleansing Essentials Travel Set
Goldfaden MD
 →
Smooth + Sculpt Set
Grown Alchemist
 →
Day & Night Eye Care Duo
Odacité
 →
Day & Night Fundamentals
Odacité
 →
Detox & Clarify Collection
Goldfaden MD
 →
Detox Clarifying Facial Wash
Goldfaden MD
 →
Detox Hydrating Gel
Goldfaden MD
 →
Dew Good Illuminating Body Melt Lotion
COOLA
 →
Discovery Starter Pack
Goldfaden MD
 →
Doctor's Scrub
Goldfaden MD
 →
Dream Set
Goldfaden MD
 →
Derm-Restore Super Serum • Edelweiss Extrême® • Peptides + Carnosine
Odacité
 →
Edelweiss Extrême® • Repair + Restore Set
Odacité
 →
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR