Thickening, Suspension, Auxiliary Stabilization, and Agglomeration Mechanisms of Xanthan Gum in Personal Care Formulations: From Molecular Structure to Processing Applications

1 Introduction

Xanthan gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide obtained through fermentation by microorganisms of the genus Xanthomonas. In personal care formulations, it is mainly used as a thickener, suspension stabilizer, auxiliary emulsion stabilizer, and rheology modifier. The value of xanthan gum lies in its ability to change the physical state of a system. It can increase the viscosity of the aqueous phase, strengthen the structure of the formulation, slow down rapid particle sedimentation, reduce obvious emulsion separation, and provide structural support when the product is at rest while maintaining good flowability during squeezing, pumping, or application.

2 Structural Characteristics of Xanthan Gum

2.1 The Main Chain Provides a Polymeric Backbone

The main chain of xanthan gum is similar to that of cellulose and is mainly composed of β-1,4-linked D-glucose units. This linear backbone gives xanthan gum a stable polymeric framework and allows it to occupy a relatively large volume in water. Unlike low-molecular-weight substances, xanthan gum does not simply disperse uniformly among water molecules after entering water. Instead, it forms a hydrated structure as a long-chain polymer. The longer the molecular chain, the greater the resistance it creates to the flow of the aqueous phase, which macroscopically appears as an increase in system viscosity.

2.2 Side Chains Provide Hydrophilicity, Charge, and Steric Hindrance

Trisaccharide side chains are attached to the main chain of xanthan gum. A typical side chain consists of two D-mannose units and one D-glucuronic acid unit. Some mannose residues may carry acetyl or pyruvate groups. These side chains determine the important behavior of xanthan gum in water:

Structural Feature	Effect on Aqueous-Phase Behavior	Significance in Personal Care Formulations
The polysaccharide structure contains many hydrophilic groups	Easily forms a hydration layer with water	Helps form a viscous aqueous-phase structure
The side chains contain anionic groups	A certain degree of electrostatic repulsion exists between molecular chains	Helps increase the hydrodynamic volume of the molecule and affects its conformation and intermolecular interactions in water
The side chains provide steric hindrance	Reduces excessive close aggregation between molecular chains	Helps form a relatively stable colloidal structure
The polymer chains are relatively long	Increases resistance to aqueous-phase flow	A low addition level can significantly increase viscosity

2.3 Hydrated Structure Is the Key to Performance Formation

After xanthan gum enters the aqueous phase, its hydrophilic groups form a hydration layer with water. As the molecular chains become fully hydrated and develop a relatively large hydrodynamic volume, the freely flowing water in the aqueous phase becomes restricted, the flow resistance of the system increases, and the viscosity rises accordingly.

This process can be summarized as follows:

Polymer chain structure → full hydration → molecular chain expansion → restricted aqueous-phase flow → increased viscosity.

3 How Structure Translates into Performance in Personal Care Products

3.1 Why Xanthan Gum Can Thicken at Low Use Levels

Xanthan gum has a high molecular weight and strong hydration capacity, and its molecular chains occupy a large volume in water. After a large number of water molecules are restricted by the polymer chains and hydration layers, the flow rate decreases and the system viscosity increases.

In personal care products, this thickening effect is mainly reflected in the following ways:

① It increases product consistency and structural body.

② It improves flow behavior during pouring, dispensing, and application.

③ It enhances the supporting force of the aqueous phase, providing a basis for suspension and auxiliary stabilization.

Xanthan gum improves the rheological structure of a system, but this does not necessarily mean that it will provide an ideal skin feel. If used at an excessively high level, the product may become slippery, draggy, or stringy.

3.2 Why Xanthan Gum Helps Suspend Particles

Whether particles settle depends on particle density, particle size, continuous-phase viscosity, and the static structure of the system. By increasing the viscosity of the continuous phase, xanthan gum increases the resistance encountered by particles as they sink, thereby reducing the sedimentation rate. In scrub creams, pearlescent body washes, mud masks, and cleansing or hair-care products containing suspended particles, the role of xanthan gum is not to completely immobilize the particles. Rather, it slows down their movement in the system and reduces the risk of settling, phase separation, or pearlescent-agent sedimentation.

Xanthan gum can be used as an auxiliary suspension ingredient, but it cannot, by itself, guarantee the long-term stability of all suspension systems. If the particles have a high density or large particle size, or if the system contains relatively high levels of electrolytes, surfactants, or other polymeric ingredients, stability testing must still be conducted based on the specific formulation.

3.3 Why Xanthan Gum Can Assist Emulsion Stability

Xanthan gum is not an emulsifier and cannot replace emulsifiers in forming a stable interfacial film. Its main role in emulsions is to increase the viscosity of the external phase and strengthen the aqueous-phase structure, thereby slowing the creaming, collision, and coalescence of oil droplets.

Location of Action	Main Role of Xanthan Gum
Oil-water interface	Does not primarily perform interfacial emulsification
Continuous aqueous phase	Increases viscosity and strengthens structural support
Overall emulsion	Slows oil droplet movement and helps reduce the risk of phase separation

Xanthan gum is an auxiliary emulsion stabilizer rather than a substitute for emulsifiers. Whether an emulsion is stable also depends on the emulsifier system, oil-phase ratio, oil droplet size, pH, ionic strength, preservative system, and manufacturing process.

3.4 Why Xanthan Gum Provides “Support at Rest and Flowability During Use”

Hydrated xanthan gum systems usually exhibit obvious pseudoplasticity, also known as shear-thinning behavior. Shear thinning means that the system has relatively high viscosity at rest, while its viscosity decreases when subjected to external forces such as stirring, squeezing, pumping, or spreading. This rheological characteristic has practical significance for personal care products:

Product State	Behavior of a Xanthan Gum System	Formulation Significance
Static storage	Relatively high viscosity and relatively stable structure	Helps reduce the risk of phase separation and sedimentation
Squeezing or pumping	Viscosity decreases and flowability increases	Makes the product easier to dispense from packaging
Spreading during application	Becomes thinner under shear	Makes the product easier to spread
After external force stops	System viscosity or structure can gradually recover	Helps restore the system structure

4 Typical Applications of Xanthan Gum in Personal Care Products

4.1 Skin Care Lotions and Creams

In lotions and creams, xanthan gum is mainly used to increase aqueous-phase viscosity, strengthen system structure, and assist emulsion stability. It can reduce the movement speed of oil droplets, making the emulsion less prone to obvious separation or thinning during storage.

However, the addition level of xanthan gum should not be increased solely based on target viscosity. If the use level is too high, the emulsion may develop a draggy feel, slippery feel, or stringiness. For lightweight lotions, xanthan gum is more suitable as an auxiliary stabilizer and should be used together with other rheology modifiers.

4.2 Shampoos, Body Washes, Facial Cleansers, and Hand Washes

In cleansing products, xanthan gum can improve system consistency, wall-cling, and flow behavior. Because of its shear-thinning characteristics, the product has a certain degree of structural support at rest while still being easy to dispense and disperse during use.

Cleansing systems usually contain relatively high proportions of surfactants, electrolytes, and pH adjusters. These factors may affect the hydration state, viscosity behavior, transparency, and foaming performance of xanthan gum. When xanthan gum is used in cleansing products, it is not recommended to evaluate only the initial thickening effect. Foam, rinse-off feel, appearance, and long-term viscosity stability should also be assessed at the same time.

4.3 Suspended Particles, Pearlescent Agents, and Powder Systems

For products containing scrub particles, pearlescent agents, powders, or insoluble actives, the static viscosity and aqueous-phase structure provided by xanthan gum help reduce particle settling. When xanthan gum is used in these products, the key is to establish appropriate static support. If the viscosity is insufficient, particles may settle easily. If the viscosity is too high, the product may become difficult to fill, difficult to dispense, and difficult to spread during use.

4.4 Gels, Gel Creams, and Mask Products

In gels, gel creams, and mask products, xanthan gum can provide a basic structure and body. Because xanthan gum has relatively long molecular chains, the systems it forms usually show a certain long-flow rheological character, which may lead to stringiness, slipperiness, or a residual feel. If the product is designed to have a fresh, short-flow, or highly transparent appearance, xanthan gum is usually not suitable as the sole source of the entire gel structure. It can be combined with cellulose-based thickeners, carbomers, or acrylic rheology modifiers.

5 Advantages and Use Limitations of Xanthan Gum

5.1 Main Advantages

The advantages of xanthan gum mainly come from its polymeric hydrated structure and pseudoplastic rheological characteristics.

Advantage	Structural Source	Formulation Significance
Significant thickening at low use levels	High molecular weight and strong hydration capacity	Can increase viscosity at relatively low addition levels
Good suspension ability	Relatively high static viscosity and high aqueous-phase resistance	Helps reduce the risk of particle sedimentation
Auxiliary emulsion stabilization	Increases external-phase viscosity	Slows oil droplet movement and creaming
Shear thinning	Molecular chains orient under force	Provides support during storage and easier flow during use
Broad pH adaptability	Relatively good structural stability	Can be used in many weakly acidic, near-neutral, and mildly alkaline systems
Suitable for cold processing	Rich in hydrophilic groups	Can disperse and gradually hydrate in cold water, but requires an appropriate dispersion method and sufficient hydration time; heating is not necessarily required

A broad pH adaptability does not mean that xanthan gum is completely unaffected under all acidic or alkaline conditions. Final viscosity and stability still need to be verified based on the specific pH, ionic strength, surfactant type, xanthan gum grade, and manufacturing process.

5.2 Main Limitations

The use limitations of xanthan gum also arise from its structural characteristics.

Use Issue	Structural Cause	Typical Manifestation
Easy agglomeration	The surface rapidly hydrates upon contact with water and forms a gel film	Fish eyes, dry cores, particles
Possible stringiness	Long-chain polymers form a continuous hydrated structure	Stringy texture during application
Possible slipperiness	Strong hydration layer and obvious long-flow behavior	Skin feel may not be fresh enough
Transparency may be affected	Differences in natural gum grade, particle size, and impurities	Transparent systems may become hazy or insufficiently clear
Performance in complex systems requires verification	Electrolytes, surfactants, and cationic ingredients may alter hydration, conformation, and intermolecular interactions	Viscosity increase or decrease, haze, flocculation, or changes in stability

6 Why Xanthan Gum Easily Agglomerates

6.1 The Essence of Agglomeration Is Rapid Surface Hydration

The core reason xanthan gum agglomerates is that the outer layer of the powder rapidly hydrates after contacting water, forming a viscous gel film that encapsulates the dry powder inside and prevents water from further entering the interior of the particles.

This type of agglomeration is often called “fish eyes.” The surface appears to have absorbed water and softened, but the interior remains dry powder. Ordinary stirring often only washes over the surface of the agglomerates and cannot easily allow water to fully penetrate inside. Therefore, once agglomerates form, subsequent processing becomes much more difficult.

6.2 Common Causes of Agglomeration

Cause	Process Behavior	Result
Directly adding the powder onto the surface of still water	Powder contacts water in a concentrated area	The surface rapidly gels and dry powder inside becomes encapsulated
Adding too quickly	Local powder concentration becomes too high	A large number of fish-eye agglomerates form
Insufficient stirring or shear	Powder cannot be dispersed in time	Gel lumps gradually become larger
Adding xanthan gum later into a high-viscosity system	Powder diffusion becomes difficult	Hydration becomes uneven
Adding salts, surfactants, or pH adjusters first	The hydration state of xanthan gum is affected	Abnormal viscosity or incomplete dispersion
Powder absorbs moisture	Powder particles have already stuck together	More prone to agglomeration after entering water

6.3 How to Avoid Agglomeration

The basic principle for avoiding agglomeration is: disperse first, hydrate later; reduce local powder concentration first, then allow xanthan gum to enter the aqueous phase evenly.

6.3.1 Pre-Dispersion Method

Add xanthan gum first into polyols such as glycerin, propylene glycol, or butylene glycol, and stir to form a uniform slurry before adding it to the aqueous phase. The purpose of this method is not to completely dissolve xanthan gum in the polyol, but to wet and disperse the powder particles first. After the powder particles are separated by the polyol, they are less likely to rapidly form gel lumps locally when entering the aqueous phase.

6.3.2 Dry Powder Premixing Method

Fully dry-mix xanthan gum with other powdered ingredients before slowly adding the mixture into the aqueous phase. The core purpose of this method is to dilute xanthan gum with other powders, increase the distance between xanthan gum particles, and prevent a large amount of xanthan gum powder from contacting water in the same location at the same time. This method is suitable for powder masks, mud masks, filler-containing systems, and certain powder premixing processes. If the premixed powders themselves significantly affect pH, ionic strength, or water absorption rate, small-scale testing should be conducted first.

6.3.3 High-Shear Dispersion Method

At the production scale, high-shear dispersion equipment or powder-liquid mixing equipment can be used to rapidly disperse xanthan gum as it enters the aqueous phase, thereby reducing lump formation. The purpose of high shear is not to forcibly break apart agglomerates after they have fully formed, but to disperse the powder in time when hydration has just begun, allowing every portion of xanthan gum to contact the aqueous phase more evenly.

It should be noted that high shear may introduce air bubbles and may also affect subsequent deaeration, appearance, and filling efficiency. Therefore, the shear intensity and processing time should be determined according to the product type, batch size, and equipment conditions.

6.3.4 Control of Addition Sequence

Xanthan gum is usually more suitable for dispersion and full hydration in a low-viscosity aqueous phase first, followed by the addition of surfactants, electrolytes, pH adjusters, and other ingredients that may affect its hydration state. The recommended sequence is as follows:

① Add deionized water or the main aqueous phase.

② Add the pre-dispersed xanthan gum.

③ Stir until the xanthan gum is fully dispersed and hydrated.

④ Then add salts, surfactants, pH adjusters, actives, and other polymeric ingredients.

⑤ Finally adjust pH, viscosity, appearance, fragrance, and the preservative system.

The purpose of this sequence is to allow xanthan gum to form a stable hydrated structure first before entering a more complex formulation environment.

7 Xanthan Gum Combination Strategies

7.1 Purpose of Combination

When xanthan gum is used alone, its advantages are obvious thickening and suspension. Its disadvantages include possible agglomeration, stringiness, slipperiness, or reduced transparency. The purpose of combination is to use different rheology modifiers together to improve the shortcomings of xanthan gum used alone. Combination design should first clarify the formulation objective:

Formulation Objective	Combination Direction
Improve suspension force while controlling xanthan gum use level	Combine with galactomannan gums such as locust bean gum, guar gum, and tara gum, or with cellulose-based thickeners; the degree of synergy must be confirmed through testing
Reduce stringiness and slipperiness	Combine with hydroxyethyl cellulose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, or acrylic rheology modifiers
Create a fresh-feeling gel	Use a small amount of xanthan gum together with carbomer or acrylic thickeners
Develop hair-care and cleansing products	Design in coordination with the surfactant system, salt-thickening system, or cellulose-based thickeners

7.2 Combination with Guar Gum, Locust Bean Gum, and Tara Gum

Xanthan gum can produce synergistic thickening or structural enhancement with some galactomannan gums. Systems containing locust bean gum are relatively typical examples. The degree of synergy with guar gum and tara gum is affected by gum structure, ratio, temperature, and processing conditions, and should be confirmed through small-scale testing.

Applicable scenarios include mud masks, scrub products, creams, and some suspension systems. It should be noted that such combinations may increase slipperiness, affect transparency, and make dispersion more difficult. Therefore, they are not suitable for direct use in highly transparent or extremely fresh-feeling products without prior verification.

7.3 Combination with Hydroxyethyl Cellulose and Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose

HEC, or hydroxyethyl cellulose, and HPMC, or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, are commonly used to adjust aqueous-phase viscosity and improve spreadability. Xanthan gum provides suspension ability and shear-thinning characteristics, while HEC or HPMC provides relatively mild aqueous-phase thickening and a film-forming feel. In some systems, this type of combination can adjust the overly long-flow rheological behavior of xanthan gum used alone and reduce stringiness and slipperiness. Applicable scenarios include lotions, serums, cleansing gels, and gel masks.

7.4 Combination with Carbomer or Acrylic Rheology Modifiers

Carbomers and acrylic rheology modifiers usually provide a shorter, fresher gel structure. A small amount of xanthan gum can supplement the system’s tolerance, suspension ability, and auxiliary stability. This type of combination is suitable for transparent or translucent gels, serums, lightweight lotions, and similar products. However, carbomer ingredients are relatively sensitive to pH and electrolytes. If the formulation contains salts, acidic actives, or surfactants, viscosity change, appearance change, and long-term stability should be key testing items.

7.5 Combination in Cleansing Systems

In shampoos, body washes, facial cleansers, and hand washes, xanthan gum can interact with the surfactant system to influence viscosity, foam, and flowability. Different surfactants, pH values, electrolyte concentrations, and xanthan gum grades will all affect the final performance. When xanthan gum is used in cleansing systems, at least the following items should be evaluated:

Test Item	Key Observation
Initial viscosity	Whether it meets filling and use requirements
Long-term viscosity	Whether obvious thinning or thickening occurs
Transparency	Whether haze, precipitation, or cloudiness occurs
Foaming performance	Whether foam volume, foam fineness, and foam stability change
Rinse-off feel	Whether slippery residue occurs
Heating-cooling cycles	Whether phase separation, syneresis, or abnormal viscosity occurs

8 Determining Whether Xanthan Gum Is Suitable for Use

Whether xanthan gum should be used in a personal care formulation should be comprehensively determined based on product goals, system composition, production process, and stability requirements.

Evaluation Question	Formulation Recommendation
Is suspension, anti-sedimentation, or auxiliary stabilization needed?	If the formulation contains particles, powders, pearlescent agents, oil droplets, or insoluble components, xanthan gum can be used to increase the aqueous-phase structure and reduce the risk of sedimentation and phase separation.
Is a fresh, short-flow skin feel desired?	If the product requires light spreading and low residue, the xanthan gum use level should be controlled, and combination with cellulose-based, carbomer, or acrylic rheology modifiers should be considered.
Is a highly transparent appearance required?	If used in transparent gels or transparent cleansing systems, a xanthan gum grade suitable for transparent systems should be selected, and appearance, turbidity, and long-term storage should be tested.
Does the formulation contain high salt, high surfactant levels, or cationic ingredients?	These may change xanthan gum hydration, conformation, and intermolecular interactions, leading to changes in viscosity, appearance, or stability. Compatibility, viscosity change, appearance change, and long-term stability should be key verification items.
Does the production equipment support sufficient dispersion?	If the equipment has limited shear capacity, or if the production process is not suitable for long periods of high-speed stirring, polyol pre-dispersion, dry powder premixing, or staged addition should be prioritized.
Does the production process allow sufficient hydration time?	Xanthan gum usually requires a certain amount of time to complete hydration after dispersion, and viscosity may continue to change during the hydration process. Final adjustment should be made after the viscosity has stabilized.
Has stability testing been completed?	The formulation should be tested for centrifugation, heating-cooling cycles, high- and low-temperature storage, long-term viscosity, appearance change, phase separation, syneresis, and microbial control.

Xanthan gum is suitable for formulations that require aqueous-phase structure, suspension ability, and auxiliary stabilization. It is not suitable for direct large-scale addition without dispersion process control, nor should it be used alone to carry the entire skin-feel and rheological structure design of a product.

9 Representative Chemical Classification Tables Related to Xanthan Gum Structure, Rheology, Dispersion, and Formulation Stability

Table 1 Core Colloids, Combination Thickeners, and Rheology Modifiers

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Catalog No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Core rheology modifier	11138-66-2	G104873	Xanthan Gum	PharmPure™, USP	The core ingredient discussed in this article; used for studying polymer hydration, shear thinning, suspension stability, agglomeration control, and combination rheology modification.
Natural colloid for combination use	9000-30-0	G109238	Guar Gum	Viscosity: 5000–5500 cps, 200 mesh	A natural galactomannan colloid used for synergistic thickening with xanthan gum, suspension-structure construction, and viscosity-curve comparison.
Cellulose-based thickener	9004-32-4	C104986	Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose (CMC)	Viscosity: 1000–1400 mPa·s, USP grade	An anionic cellulose thickener used for aqueous-phase viscosity adjustment, suspension comparison, and rheological testing of colloid combinations.
Natural colloid for combination use	9000-07-1	C107615	Carrageenan	Reagent grade	A seaweed-derived polysaccharide colloid used for studying gel networks, suspension stability, and rheological comparison of natural polysaccharides.
Cellulose-based thickener	9004-65-3	H1506257	Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (HPMC)	Substitution type 2910; viscosity: 400 mPa·s; methoxy: 28–30%; hydroxypropyl: 7.0–12%	A nonionic cellulose thickener used for aqueous-phase structure adjustment, film-forming observation, and spreadability studies in combination with xanthan gum.
Synthetic polymer dispersion/stability control ingredient	9003-04-7	P434409	Sodium Polyacrylate (PAAS)	Average Mw ~8000, 45% in H₂O	A synthetic polymer thickening and dispersing agent used for particle dispersion, stability observation, electrolyte-effect evaluation, and rheological control testing.
Cellulose-based thickener	9004-62-0	H434475	2-Hydroxyethyl Cellulose (HEC)	Average Mw ~380,000	A nonionic cellulose thickener used to adjust the long-flow rheology of xanthan gum, reduce stringiness, and improve gel spreadability.
Natural colloid for combination use	9000-40-2	L118711	Locust Bean Gum	—	A galactomannan colloid used for synergistic thickening with xanthan gum, structural support, and suspension-system design.
Synthetic rheology modifier	9007-20-9	C299587	Carbomer 940 (Carbopol® 940 polymer)	—	An acrylic gel-network ingredient used for gel structuring, emulsion thickening, and rheology modification in combination with xanthan gum.
Polysaccharide moisturizing and film-forming ingredient	9067-32-7	H758869	Sodium Hyaluronate	≥95% (HPLC), molecular weight: 7,000–12,000	A high-molecular-weight moisturizing polysaccharide used for hydration-film formation, viscoelasticity comparison, and polysaccharide colloid-system studies.
Functional polysaccharide ingredient	9051-97-2	G121026	β-1,3-Glucan	≥70%	A functional polysaccharide ingredient used for aqueous-phase film formation, skin-feel adjustment, and compatibility observation in polysaccharide systems.
Polysaccharide film-forming ingredient	9057-02-7	P121048	Pullulan	—	A film-forming polysaccharide used for evaluating hydrated film feel, colloidal film-forming properties, and skin-feel comparison in combination with xanthan gum.

Table 2 Ingredients Related to Pre-Dispersion, Hydration Assistance, and Preservative Enhancement

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Catalog No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Pre-dispersion aid	56-81-5	G755728	Glycerol	Anhydrous, UltraBio™, molecular biology grade, ≥99.5% (GC)	A polyol pre-dispersion carrier used for wetting xanthan gum powder, reducing fish-eye agglomerates, and improving hydration uniformity.
Pre-dispersion aid	107-88-0	B119672	1,3-Butanediol	Anhydrous, ≥99%	A moisturizing polyol used for xanthan gum pre-wetting, aqueous-phase dispersion, and evaluation of cold-process formulations.
Pre-dispersion aid	504-63-2	P432773	1,3-Propanediol	Suitable for synthesis	A polyol solvent used for colloid pre-dispersion, construction of moisturizing systems, and studies of naturally derived formulations.
Pre-dispersion aid	57-55-6	P103430	1,2-Propanediol	AR, ≥99%	A polyol solvent used for xanthan gum pre-dispersion, powder wetting, and control of aqueous-phase hydration processes.
Pre-dispersion and solubilizing ingredient	25265-71-8	D105105	Dipropylene Glycol (mixture of isomers) (DPG)	≥99%	A diol solvent used for fragrance solubilization, powder wetting, and support in colloid-dispersion processes.
Preservative booster	1117-86-8	O108069	1,2-Octanediol	≥96%	A diol preservative-boosting aid used for preservative support in aqueous systems, wetting, and skin-feel adjustment.
Preservative booster	70445-33-9	E156476	3-(2-Ethylhexyloxy)-1,2-propanediol	≥98% (GC)	An ingredient for preservative enhancement and skin-feel adjustment, used in preservative-combination design for aqueous colloidal systems.

Table 3 Surfactants for Cleansing Systems and Xanthan Gum Compatibility Testing

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Catalog No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Anionic surfactant	151-21-3	S432157	Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS)	Anhydrous, ACS, ≥99%	An anionic surfactant used to test changes in viscosity, foam, and stability of xanthan gum in high-surfactant systems.
Anionic surfactant	137-16-6	N432001	Sodium N-Lauroyl Sarcosinate	Suitable for synthesis	A mild anionic surfactant used to evaluate xanthan gum compatibility and foaming performance in facial cleanser and shampoo systems.
Nonionic surfactant	68515-73-1	T476404	Decyl Glucoside (APG)	Moligand™, 60% in H₂O	A nonionic glycoside surfactant used to evaluate xanthan gum viscosity, transparency, and foam performance in mild cleansing systems.
Amphoteric surfactant	61789-40-0	C665446	Cocamidopropyl Betaine	Active content 28%–32% in water	An amphoteric surfactant used for foam adjustment, viscosity synergy, and xanthan gum compatibility testing in cleansing systems.
Nonionic surfactant	110615-47-9	L196324	Lauryl Glucoside	≥40%	A nonionic glycoside surfactant used to evaluate rheology, turbidity, and rinse-off feel in cleansing systems.
Anionic surfactant	9004-82-4	S196294	Sodium Polyoxyethylene Lauryl Ether Sulfate	≥25%	An anionic surfactant used for salt thickening in hair-care and cleansing systems, xanthan gum combination viscosity testing, and foam-stability evaluation.

Table 4 Ingredients for pH Adjustment, Electrolyte Testing, Chelation, and Preservative/Stability Support

Category	CAS No.	Aladdin Catalog No.	Name	Specification or Purity	Product Features and Applications
Buffer salt	6132-04-3	S434901	Sodium Citrate Dihydrate	Pharmaceutical grade, PharmPure™	A buffer salt used for citric acid buffer systems, pH stabilization, and viscosity observation of xanthan gum in acidic systems.
Preservative	532-32-1	S104128	Sodium Benzoate	Pharmaceutical grade, PharmPure™	A preservative for mildly acidic systems, used for preservative design in aqueous colloidal formulations and stability observation under acidic conditions.
Acidity regulator	77-92-9	C434175	Citric Acid	Anhydrous, PharmPure™, USP, JP, BP, European Pharmacopoeia (Ph.Eur), powder	An acidity regulator used for constructing weakly acidic systems, preparing buffer systems, and testing xanthan gum viscosity under acidic conditions.
Electrolyte and salt-thickening test ingredient	7647-14-5	S433744	Sodium Chloride	Anhydrous, premium grade, reagent grade, ≥99%	An electrolyte and salt-thickening test ingredient used to observe xanthan gum viscosity, surfactant-system rheology, and salt-tolerance behavior.
Alkalinity regulator	1310-73-2	S431795	50% Sodium Hydroxide Solution	Suitable for analysis, superior grade	An alkalinity regulator used for formulation pH correction, carbomer neutralization, and testing xanthan gum in alkaline systems.
Organic base neutralizer	102-71-6	T478536	Triethanolamine	Reagent grade, ≥98%	An organic base neutralizer used for carbomer-system neutralization, emulsion pH adjustment, and rheological testing of combined systems.
Preservative	24634-61-5	P103846	Potassium Sorbate	Chemical pure (CP), ≥98%	A preservative for mildly acidic systems, used for preservative combinations in aqueous colloidal formulations and long-term stability observation.
Organic base neutralizer	124-68-5	A755868	2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol	BioReagent, ≥95%	An organic base neutralizer used for pH adjustment in gel systems, carbomer neutralization, and combined viscosity control.
Acidity regulator	50-21-5	L108839	DL-Lactic Acid	AR, 85–90%	An acidity regulator used for testing xanthan gum viscosity stability in weakly acidic skin-care and cleansing systems.
Chelating agent	139-33-3	D684233	Disodium Ethylenediaminetetraacetate	≥99%	A chelating agent used to complex metal ions, reduce ionic interference, and support colloidal system stability.
Preservative	122-99-6	E109370	Phenoxyethanol	≥99%	A commonly used preservative for preservative design and microbial-control formulation studies in xanthan gum aqueous systems.

Note: The above are representative Aladdin products related to scientific research and formulation studies. More product specifications, grades, and COA information can be searched on the Aladdin website by product name, CAS number, or catalog number. The products listed in the tables are mainly intended for scientific research, formulation development, and process verification. When they are used in finished cosmetic production, their applicability should be confirmed based on product grade, regulatory requirements, COA, microbial specifications, and compliance requirements.

References

[1] Cosmetic Ingredient Review Expert Panel. Safety Assessment of Microbial Polysaccharide Gums as Used in Cosmetics. International Journal of Toxicology, 2016.

[2] CP Kelco. KELTROL CG Xanthan Gum Product Data Sheet. CP Kelco, 2019.

[3] Morris E. R. Ordered conformation of xanthan in solutions and “weak gels”: single helix, double helix—or both? Food Hydrocolloids, 1992.

[4] Li P., et al. Xanthan gum in aqueous solutions: Fundamentals and applications. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2023.

[5] Jungbunzlauer. Xanthan Gum: Premium Stabilizer and Thickener. Jungbunzlauer, 2025.

[6] Jungbunzlauer. Investigation into the Stability and Foaming Performance of Xanthan Gum in Combination with Different Surfactants. Jungbunzlauer Application Report, 2024.

[7] Silverson Machines. Hydration of Xanthan Gum. Silverson Machines Application Report.

[8] Ingredion. How to Disperse Gums in Water. Ingredion Technical Resource, 2021.

[9] Quadro Liquids. Dispersion of Xanthan Gum. Quadro Liquids Technical Article.

For more related articles, please see below:

Understanding Brij 35: A Deep Dive into Its Role as a Nonionic Surfactant

Structural Basis and Laboratory Applications of Sodium Cholate as an Anionic Biosurfactant

From Foxglove to the Lab Bench: How Digitonin Works as a Non-ionic Surfactant

Understanding n-Octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside: A Non-ionic Surfactant for Research and Biotechnology

n-Dodecyl-β-D-maltoside (DDM): Structure, Properties, and Applications as a Non-ionic Surfactant

Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate: Structure–Property–Application of an Amino-Acid–Based Anionic Surfactant

CTAB Demystified: Structure, Properties, and Practical Uses of a Classic Cationic Surfactant

Poloxamers Explained: A Comprehensive Guide to Non-Ionic Block Copolymer Surfactants

Non-Ionic Surfactants in Focus: Alcohol Ethoxylates, Polyethylene Glycol Trimethylnonyl Ether, and Triton™ X-100

Tween 20 and Tween 80 as Non-Ionic Surfactants: Structure, Properties, and Applications

A Panoramic Guide to Surfactants: Definitions & Mechanisms, Key Metrics, Application Scenarios, and Selection Navigation (Tables 1–3)

Saponins as Natural Non-ionic Surfactants: Structure, Function, and Applications

Non-ionic Detergents Explained: From Chemical Structure to Laboratory Use