Rhizobian Gum
Reviewed by Rosie · Last updated 18 Aug 2026
Also known as: Xanthan Gum, Acacia Senegal Gum
Polysaccharide gum produced by the fermentation of Rhizobium bacterium | Components include glucose, glucuronic acid, and galactose
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Rhizobian Gum?
Rhizobian gum is a polysaccharide gum produced by the fermentation of Rhizobium bacterium, a type of bacteria found in the roots and stems of sunflowers and wheat. Some of its components include the sugars glucose, glucuronic acid, and galactose.
In cosmetics, rhizobian gum serves as a film-forming agent and a suspending agent. It can also be used as a thickener. The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has ruled rhizobian gum is safe as used in cosmetics. Typical usage levels in cosmetics are 0.05–2% and is sometimes combined with similar ingredient acacia senegal gum.
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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International Journal of Toxicology, 2016, pages 5S-49S [https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1091581816651606]
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https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/inci-ingredients/rhizobian-gum [https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/inci-ingredients/rhizobian-gum]
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