Gellan Gum

Gellan gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide produced via Sphingomonas microbial fermentation. In cosmetics it's used to gel water phases, suspend particles, improve glide, and create flexible, breathable films on skin.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A plant-based gum that thickens formulas and adds a smooth glide.
Category
Skin Conditioning
Type
Rheology Modifier

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Fair

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Improves slip and forms a light, flexible film that feels smooth on skin. Benefits are primarily formulation-focused rather than direct treatment, and evidence for intrinsic skincare effects is limited.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in jelly cleansers, watery serums, and sprayable gels to build bouncy textures and keep pigments or actives evenly suspended.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Widely used and generally low risk for irritation or sensitization. Suitable for most skin types; patch test if very reactive. No common cosmetic regulatory restrictions.

Is Gellan Gum a Good Ingredient?

It's Fair because, while it improves texture and film formation reliably, direct skin benefits are modest given the limited evidence for anything beyond formulation performance. Minor irritation or tackiness may occur for some users, which keeps it from Good.

Products with Gellan Gum

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