Is Xanthan Gum Safe? What You Need to Know
Safety Score
Concern Level: low
Xanthan Gum is generally considered safe for use in household and personal care products.
What Is Xanthan Gum?
A polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation. Used as a thickener and stabilizer with excellent safety profile.
Commonly found in: toothpaste, lotions, salad dressing, gluten-free baking
Safety Research & Evidence
A polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation. Used as a thickener and stabilizer with excellent safety profile.
Regulatory status: GRAS by FDA; CIR safe in cosmetics; EU approved food additive (E415)
Health Concerns
No significant health concerns have been identified.
Safer Alternatives
| Alternative | Safety Score |
|---|---|
| Guar Gum | 9/10 |
How to Avoid Xanthan Gum
- Read ingredient labels carefully for "Xanthan Gum" or its chemical synonyms
- Choose products with third-party certifications (EWG Verified, Made Safe)
- Consider alternatives like Guar Gum
- Check the EWG Skin Deep database for product ratings
- Look for "Xanthan Gum-free" labels on product packaging
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Xanthan Gum safe for babies?
Xanthan Gum is generally considered acceptable for use around babies at typical concentrations in consumer products.
What are the safest alternatives to Xanthan Gum?
Safer alternatives include Guar Gum (safety score: 9/10).
Is Xanthan Gum banned in other countries?
Regulatory status: GRAS by FDA; CIR safe in cosmetics; EU approved food additive (E415)
How do I know if my product contains Xanthan Gum?
Check the full ingredient list on the product label. Xanthan Gum may also appear under different chemical names. Using apps like EWG Healthy Living or Think Dirty can help identify it.
Related Safety Guides
References
- EFSA Panel (2017). Xanthan gum safety assessment PMID: 28322363