Many of us have tried our hand at making DIY Face and Hair treatments using ingredients such as honey, olive oil and natural fruits and herbs. However, what we usually end up with is a big kitchen mess and not the results we were after.
There is a lot of work and research involved in the formulation and production of products that can provide the same kind of results as a high-end organic beauty formula. There are basic principles and methods of beauty formulas, which make them effective and give the benefit of the active ingredients. Emulsifiers, thickeners, preservatives, plant oils, humectants, emollients, surfactants and fragrances are required to be mixed in their correct ratio in an organic skin care formula, keeping the properties of the active ingredients intact so that you get the desired results.
One of these essential ingredients important in the proper formulation organic products is Xanthan Gum – a type of thickener or emulsion stabilizer that gives the product its desired texture and slip, while keeping ingredients suspended properly without separation and/or oxidation (ie; ingredient degradation). Not only it xanthan completely natural, it also has hydrating benefits.
Is Xanthan Gum Natural?
Xanthan Gum is a completely natural ingredient and is certified by EcoCert for its use in both skin care/beauty and food industry. The ingredient is obtained from Xanthomonas campestris in a similar process to how yeast helps to convert sugars into alcohol to make wine, bread, etc.
Xanthan gum is a polysaccharide that is produced from simple sugar molecules like glucose and sucrose by the process of microbial fermentation.
Why is Xanthan Gum Used in Organic Skincare?
Binders play an important role in formulating any beauty product to create the desired texture and shelf-life. Traditionally, chemical binders are used in beauty products such as gelatin from animal sources, Stearyl Palmitate, Cetyl Alcohol/ Cetearyl Alcohol, Acrylate Copolymer, Carbomer, Palmitic Acid, Synthetic Wax, Silicone, Dimethicone, etc. Most of these chemicals can and do cause skin irritation, allergies, dermatitis and are comedogenic (clogs pores), while Animal-derived Gelatins are not cruelty free and and also cause allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
To avoid skin sensitization, Xanthan Gum is one of the best plant-based and natural alternative that is an amazing multi-tasking ingredient, workng as an emulsifier, binder, stabilizer and a natural preservative in skin care. A typical concentration of 0.5 – 1% of Xanthan Gum gives a formula the desired thickness and ‘slip’ (ease of application). Xanthan Gum is not truly an emulsifier, but it keeps the different plant oils from separating and thicken/thin the consistency of products as required.
Which Products Contain Xanthan Gum
Xanthan Gum is used almost in all kinds of natural products. You can find this ingredient in face cleansers, shampoo, conditioners, body butter, serums, hydrators, face scrubs, blemish masks, etc.
Are There Any Skin Benefits of Xanthan Gum?
Besides being an essential component in product formulation, Xanthan Gum also has skin conditioning properties. The polysaccharides in Xanthan Gum help to lock moisture, which keeps the skin hydrated. As always, well-hydrated skin with Organic Anti-aging Serums is the best protection against wrinkles, fine lines, crow’s feet and other Vata (Dry) and Pitta (Sensitive) skin issues. Since Xanthan Gum is non-comedogenic, pH balancer and has significant particle suspension ability, it is a great addition to Kapha (Oily) Skincare and Natural Exfoliation Mask and Scrub as well.
Like Xanthan Gum, several other natural ingredients can replace toxic chemicals that were previously thought to be indispensable for product formulation. By switching to strict standards of clean beauty with Puraveda Organics, your skin is exposed to 100% natural ingredients that truly benefit and strengthens skin without adding to your overall toxin load.
