Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation, widely used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and emulsion-stabilizing agent. It improves texture and suspends ingredients without contributing active treatment effects.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Skin irritation | Rare | Mild transient irritation possible in sensitive individuals, usually formulation-dependent. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated sensitization reports; generally considered low allergenic potential. |
Tacky or sticky skin feel | Uncommon | Cosmetic, not a health concern; occurs at higher concentrations. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.