At Aloderma, transparency extends beyond our farm-to-skin philosophy. We believe in demystifying the science behind our meticulously chosen ingredients, one of which is Xanthan gum. While the name may not be readily familiar, its functionality in our Aloe Brightening Toner and Aloe Firming Serum is nothing short of remarkable.
Xanthan gum is a biopolymer, a complex sugar molecule produced through the fermentation of carbohydrates (often corn sugar) with the bacterium Xanthomonas campestris. This fermentation process yields a high molecular weight polysaccharide, essentially a long chain of sugar units. The unique structure of Xanthan gum allows it to form intricate hydrogen bonds with water molecules upon introduction. These bonds create a three-dimensional network, effectively increasing the viscosity (thickness) of the solution. In layman's terms, Xanthan gum acts as a thickening agent, transforming our aloe vera base from a runny liquid to a luxurious gel.
But Xanthan gum's contributions extend far beyond mere aesthetics. Its thickening properties play a crucial role in stabilizing emulsions, which are mixtures of normally immiscible liquids like oil and water. Many skincare products rely on stable emulsions to deliver a potent cocktail of beneficial ingredients. Without Xanthan gum, these components could separate, compromising product efficacy and user experience. Xanthan gum's ability to prevent separation ensures a uniform distribution of all the good-for-your-skin ingredients in our formulas, maximizing their delivery and impact.
Furthermore, Xanthan gum exhibits pseudoplastic behavior. This fancy term simply means that its viscosity decreases with increasing shear stress (force applied). In simpler terms, the product thins slightly as you spread it, offering a smooth and easily absorbed application. This shear-thinning property enhances the user experience and allows for targeted application without compromising the overall structure of the product.
By incorporating Xanthan gum, we achieve a trifecta of benefits: luxurious texture, enhanced stability, and optimal delivery of our hero ingredient – aloe vera. It's a testament to Aloderma's commitment to combining the power of nature with advanced science to create skincare solutions that are both effective and delightful to use.