Xanthan Gum

• Catalog Number: ACM11138662
• Product Name: Xanthan Gum
• CAS: 11138-66-2
• Category: Heterocyclic Organic Compound
• Description: Xanthan gum is a complex carbohydrate, made from the fermentation of simple sugars by a bacterium called Xanthomonas campestris. Xanthan gum is a popular ingredient in gluten-free baking, providing the texture and consistency that is often lost without gluten. It is also used in personal care products like shampoo, toothpaste and cosmetics because of its ability to make the products thicker and more stable.
• Synonyms: Gum xanthan
• IUPAC Name: 2-(2,4-diaminophenoxy)ethanol;dihydrochloride
• Molecular Weight: 933.75
• Molecular Formula: C35H49O29
• Canonical SMILES: C1=CC(=C(C=C1N)N)OCCO.Cl.Cl
• InChI: VXYWXJXCQSDNHX-UHFFFAOYSA-N
• InChI Key: InChI=1S/C8H12N2O2.2ClH/c9-6-1-2-8(7(10)5-6)12-4-3-11;;/h1-2,5,11H,3-4,9-10H2;2*1H
• Melting Point: 64.5 °C
• Appearance: fine, white to cream-colored powder
• Application: 1. Thickening agent: Xanthan gum is commonly used as a food additive to thicken liquids and create a desired texture in products such as salad dressings, sauces, and dairy products.; 2. Stabilizer: It also acts as a stabilizer in food products, helping to prevent separation of oil and water or other ingredients.; 3. Gluten-free baking: As a gluten-free alternative for wheat flour, xanthan gum can be used to provide elasticity and texture in baked goods.; 4. Industrial applications: Xanthan gum is also widely used in industrial applications, such as in the production of oil and gas, paper, and textiles.; 5. Personal care products: It can be found in personal care products, such as toothpaste, as a thickening agent.
• Complexity: 132
• Covalently-Bonded Unit Count: 3
• EC Number: 266-357-1;234-394-2
• Exact Mass: 240.043233g/mol
• Features And Benefits: 1. Provides stability to cosmetic formulations; 2. Enhances product texture and viscosity; 3. Emulsifies oil and water-based ingredients; 4. Provides long-lasting hydration; 5. Improves spreadability; 6. Enhances skin feel; 7. Does not leave a residue or greasy feeling on the skin; 8. Increases product shelf-life
• Formal Charge: 0
• H-Bond Acceptor: 4
• H-Bond Donor: 5
• Heavy Atom Count: 14
• MDL Number: MFCD00131256
• Monoisotopic Mass: 240.043233g/mol
• Physical State: Solid
• Rotatable Bond Count: 3
• UNII: Z5Y843J6KQ

Custom Q&A

What is xanthan gum used for in skincare?

Xanthan gum is primarily used as a thickening and binding agent in skincare products.

Does xanthan gum have any skin conditioning properties?

Xanthan gum, being a polysaccharide, has the ability to lock in water and help maintain skin hydration levels, potentially providing some skin conditioning properties.

Who mainly uses xanthan gum in skincare products?

Xanthan gum is mainly used by formulators in the formulation of skincare products, rather than by consumers.

Does xanthan gum work well with other ingredients?

Yes, xanthan gum works well with almost all ingredients.

Are there any ingredients that should not be used with xanthan gum?

There are no ingredients known to interact negatively with xanthan gum.

What is xanthan gum derived from?

Xanthan gum can be derived from corn, wheat, soy, and dairy.

Can xanthan gum have any side effects when used topically?

Xanthan gum is generally well-tolerated and does not irritate the skin. However, individuals with allergies to corn, wheat, soy, or dairy may react to it.

Can xanthan gum clog pores?

No, xanthan gum is non-comedogenic and does not clog pores.

Is xanthan gum commonly used in natural and clean beauty products?

Yes, xanthan gum is commonly used in a variety of skincare products, including those in the natural and clean beauty space.

Does xanthan gum have any known benefits for the skin?

While there hasn't been much research specifically on the benefits of xanthan gum for the skin, its polysaccharides have the potential to lock in moisture and maintain hydration levels. However, it is not an active ingredient that consumers need to actively seek out.

Case Study

Chemical Modification of Xanthan Gum to Obtain Diverse Xanthan Gum Derivatives

Patel, Jwala, et al. RSC advances, 2020, 10(45), 27103-27136.

Xanthan Gum (XG) is known for its biocompatibility, non-toxicity and biodegradability. Further chemical modification of xanthan gum can break through its own limitations, and the obtained xanthan gum derivatives can meet the diverse needs of drug delivery, tissue engineering, oil drilling and other applications.
Synthesis of modified xanthan gum materials
· Etherified XG: The most common and widely studied XG ether derivative is O-carboxymethyl XG.
· Esterified XG: XG has also been reshaped through esterification. For example, esterification of the carboxyl group of XG with 1-bromooctane promotes hydrophobic association, thereby increasing the viscosity of XG.
· Oxidation of XG: Oxidation of XG can partially convert the glucopyranose units into aldehydes and create additional functional sites for covalent cross-linking.
· Amide Functionalized XG: The carboxyl functionality of the XG chain may be the focal point for bifunctional amine cross-linkers to establish covalent amide bonds.
· Acetal XG: The properties of XG can be modified by the formation of acetal bonds in the presence of aldehydes.