What it is
Dehydroxanthan gum is derived from xanthan gum, a fermentation-produced polysaccharide, through chemical modification that crosslinks the polymer. Compared with conventional xanthan gum it tends to give a lighter, less stringy feel and good clarity in gel and emulsion systems. In sunscreens it helps thicken the formula, suspend particles, and stabilize emulsions while keeping the skin feel fresh.
Safety & warnings
Polymeric gums of this type are generally well tolerated, non-sensitizing in normal use, and not associated with comedogenicity because the large molecule stays on the skin surface. Sensitivity reactions are uncommon.
Origin & sourcing
Made by chemically modifying xanthan gum, which is itself produced by bacterial fermentation (Xanthomonas campestris) of carbohydrates; the finished material is therefore a semi-synthetic derivative of a biotechnological polysaccharide.
Questions everyone asks
How is dehydroxanthan gum different from xanthan gum?
It is a crosslinked, chemically modified version of xanthan gum that typically gives a lighter, less sticky and clearer gel than the standard gum.
What does it do in a sunscreen?
It thickens the formula, helps suspend ingredients, and stabilizes the emulsion while keeping a fresh, non-tacky skin feel.