What it is
Gellan Gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide produced by fermentation using the bacterium Sphingomonas elodea. It forms clear, stable gels and is used to thicken aqueous formulas, suspend particles, and stabilize emulsions at low concentrations. In serums and sun care it helps create a smooth texture and keeps the product uniform.
Safety & warnings
Gellan gum is a high-molecular-weight polymer that remains on the skin surface and is generally considered well tolerated and non-irritating in cosmetic use.
Origin & sourcing
It is produced by bacterial fermentation of a carbohydrate substrate using Sphingomonas elodea, then purified into a powdered gum.
History
Gellan gum was developed in the late twentieth century and was first widely adopted in food applications before becoming a common cosmetic texturizer.
Questions everyone asks
What is Gellan Gum used for?
It thickens water-based formulas, suspends particles, and stabilizes emulsions to give products a smooth, uniform texture.
Is Gellan Gum natural?
It is produced by bacterial fermentation, making it a biotechnology-derived polysaccharide rather than a directly plant-harvested ingredient.