Ingredient deep-dive
Xanthan Gum: Is It a Microplastic?
Not a microplastic. A polysaccharide produced by bacterial fermentation of sugar, used to thicken. It is the standard natural substitute for synthetic acrylate thickeners like carbomer.
Where it appears
- Gels and serums
- Natural thickener
- Emulsion stabiliser
Regulatory status (2026)
European Union
Permitted; a biopolymer, exempt from the microplastics restriction.
United States
Permitted.
Cleaner alternatives
- No swap needed — often the swap for carbomer
Use the app
Scan any product for Xanthan Gum in 5 seconds
The MicroPlastics iOS app flags this ingredient and 24 others instantly. Paste a label into the free web ingredient checker first if you want a no-install scan.
Download on the App StoreXanthan Gum, common questions
Is Xanthan Gum a microplastic?
Is Xanthan Gum banned?
What can I use instead of Xanthan Gum?
What products contain Xanthan Gum?
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