Xanthan Gum

Xanthan gum is a high-molecular-weight carbohydrate polymer that is produced by the fermentation of glucose, sucrose, or lactose by the Xanthomonas campestris bacteria. It is a thickening agent, stabilizer, and emulsifier that is commonly used in food, personal care, and industrial products. It is a white to yellowish-white, free-flowing powder that is hygroscopic and dissolves easily in cold or hot water.

In personal care products, xanthan gum is used as a thickener and emulsifier in lotions, creams, and other cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of these products, making them easier to apply and preventing them from separating.

Xanthan gum is generally considered safe for consumption, and it is approved for use as a food additive by the FDA and other regulatory agencies around the world. However, some people may have a sensitivity to xanthan gum and may experience stomach discomfort or other side effects after consuming products that contain it.

Overall, xanthan gum is a versatile and widely used ingredient in many products due to its unique thickening, stabilizing, and emulsifying properties. It is commonly used in food, personal care, and industrial products to improve texture, stability, and ease of use.

A study published in the Journal of Food Science found that xanthan gum improved the texture and stability of gluten-free bread, making it more similar to bread made with wheat flour.

A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Science found that xanthan gum was an effective thickening agent and emulsifier in a lotion, improving its texture and stability.

A study published in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry found that xanthan gum could be used as a fat substitute in low-fat salad dressings, improving their texture and stability.

A study published in the Journal of Applied Polymer Science found that xanthan gum could be used as a thickener and stabilizer in drilling fluids, improving their viscosity and reducing the amount of fluid needed for drilling.

A study published in the Journal of Biomedical Materials Research found that xanthan gum could be used as a hydrogel in wound healing, promoting the growth of new tissue and reducing inflammation.

These studies suggest that xanthan gum has a wide range of potential applications due to its unique thickening, stabilizing and emulsifying properties. However, some people may have a sensitivity to xanthan gum and may experience stomach discomfort or other side effects after consuming products that contain it.