INCI: Xanthan Gum - Also known as: Xanthomonas Campestris Polysaccharide, Corn Sugar Gum

QUICK FACTS

What is xanthan gum?

Xanthan gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide produced through the fermentation of sugars - typically from corn - by the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. Originally developed in the 1960s as an industrial thickener, it is now one of the most widely used and well-studied biopolymers in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic formulation. Its approval across regulatory bodies globally reflects its exceptional safety profile and functional versatility.

In skincare emulsions, xanthan gum functions as a rheology modifier - a substance that controls the flow and texture properties of a formula. It creates a stable, structured network within the water phase that prevents ingredient separation, maintains even distribution of actives, and produces a consistent skin feel from first pump to last. Without rheology modifiers like xanthan gum, even the most scientifically advanced emulsions would lose stability and homogeneity over time.

Its use in Sweet Chemistry's water-based formulas reflects a formulation philosophy that favors naturally derived, fermentation-sourced alternatives to synthetic thickeners wherever possible, without compromising on formula architecture or active delivery.

What does it do for skin?

Xanthan gum's primary function in formulation is structural - it is not a direct skin active in the conventional sense. However, its role in maintaining the integrity of the emulsion has a direct bearing on how efficiently every other ingredient in the formula reaches the skin. A stable, consistent emulsion ensures that actives are evenly distributed and delivered at their intended concentrations with every use.

At the skin surface, xanthan gum's polysaccharide structure provides a mild film-forming effect that contributes to the smooth, even skin feel that characterizes the Sweet Chemistry creams and serum. This thin, breathable film also adds a subtle moisture-supporting function - helping to retain some of the water phase on the skin's surface and reduce immediate evaporation, which complements the humectant activity of glycerin, beta-glucan, and sodium hyaluronate already present in the same formulas.

Xanthan gum is also pseudoplastic - meaning it thins under shear (when you pump or spread the product) and thickens again at rest. This property produces the characteristic smooth, non-draggy application feel of the Sweet Chemistry serums and creams, allowing the formula to glide over skin without balling, pilling, or requiring excess product.

FOUND IN

In 3 Formulas

Xanthan gum is present in all three water-based Sweet Chemistry formulas, where it provides the rheological backbone that keeps high-active emulsions stable, consistent, and comfortable to use.

Nourishment - All Skin Types

Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum Xanthan Gum - 1.0 oz / 30 ml

The Hydra-Serum achieves a 40%-active emulsion in a lightweight, natural-finish texture. Xanthan gum is part of the emulsion architecture that makes this level of active loading possible without compromising application elegance.

Hydration - Dry to Normal

Elasticity Reinforcing Hydra-Cream Xanthan Gum - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

The Hydra-Cream's cushioned satin finish relies on a carefully calibrated rheology system. Xanthan gum contributes to the stable, butter-smooth texture that distributes over 77 benefit ingredients evenly across the skin.

Hydration - Dry to Dehydrated

Elasticity Reinforcing Lipid-Cream Xanthan Gum - 1.7 oz / 50 ml

In the Lipid-Cream, xanthan gum works alongside shea butter, squalane, and emollient lipid oils to create a radiant-finish texture that feels emollient and skin-like without heaviness.

WORKS TOGETHER WITH

Polysaccharide Humectant Beta-Glucan

INCI: Beta-Glucan.

A high-molecular-weight oat polysaccharide humectant with surface film-forming and moisture-binding properties, present in all three water-based formulas. Synergy Note: Xanthan gum and beta-glucan are both polysaccharides that contribute to the overall texture architecture - xanthan provides viscosity control while beta-glucan adds a separate surface film and moisture-binding effect.

Synthetic Polymer Polyvinyl Alcohol

INCI: Polyvinyl Alcohol.

A synthetic water-soluble polymer used in all three water-based formulas to contribute additional film-forming and stabilizing properties within the emulsion system. Synergy Note: Polyvinyl alcohol and xanthan gum work in concert to create a stable, layered emulsion network - natural biopolymer and synthetic polymer complementing each other's rheological properties.

Organic Humectant Glycerin

INCI: Glycerin.

An organic plant-derived polyol and primary humectant in all three water-based formulas, present near the top of the ingredient list. Synergy Note: Xanthan gum helps slow the migration of glycerin through the emulsion, extending its contact with the skin and supporting its moisture-binding contribution over time.

ECM Peptide Complex Matrikynes® Bone Peptides

INCI: Hydrolyzed Cow Bone Extract.

A 3% patent-pending peptide complex present in all four formulas. Synergy Note: The stable emulsion architecture that xanthan gum supports is what allows Matrikynes® peptides to be formulated at a full 3% without sedimentation or loss of homogeneity - making xanthan gum a quiet but essential enabler of the formula's active delivery.