Xanthan Gum: what it is in skincare
⏱ 1 min read
⚡ Quick answer: A natural thickener that helps give a product a smooth, even texture and keeps ingredients evenly mixed.
A natural thickener that helps give a product a smooth, even texture and keeps ingredients evenly mixed.
What it does
Function: stabilizer. Emulsifiers and stabilizers hold oil and water together so a cream stays smooth and uniform from first pump to last.
How to spot it on a label
On a Korean product's INCI list, look for Xanthan Gum. Ingredients are listed high-to-low by amount, so its position hints at how much is in the formula. See all emulsifiers & stabilizers →
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Sodium MetabisulfiteCarbomerAcrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerSodium PolyacrylateHydroxyethylcellulose✍️ Written & reviewed by the KoreaPlus Editorial team — dermatologist-informed, cosmetic-science researched & source-cited. Last reviewed: 2026-08-08.
General educational information using cosmetic structure-function wording — not medical advice. Always patch-test new actives. © KoreaPlus.