Ingredient dictionary

Gellan Gum

Gellan Gum is a thickener and gelling agent made by bacterial fermentation. It adds body to a formula and helps keep its ingredients evenly mixed. It is on the label of 10 products in our library. Checked against our library November 6, 2026.

What Gellan Gum does

Thickens water-based formulas
Gels at low amounts
Keeps particles evenly suspended
Gives a light, smooth texture

Gellan Gum is made by fermenting a bacterium, Sphingomonas elodea, in a sugar-based broth. The bacteria release a long, chain-like sugar molecule, which is then purified and dried into a white powder.

Formulators use it because a small amount can build a gel or a thick, stable base. In body lotions and serums, it helps keep oils or other particles from separating. Its texture is usually described as light and slippery rather than sticky, so products spread smoothly.

Good for

Good for lotions and serums that need a smooth, stable body without a heavy, greasy feel.

Frequently asked questions

Is Gellan Gum safe for sensitive skin?

Gellan Gum is generally well tolerated and is not a common cause of irritation. It appears in many leave-on lotions and serums. As with any ingredient, a patch test on a small area is a sensible first step if your skin reacts easily.

Is Gellan Gum vegan?

It is made by bacterial fermentation, not from animals or plants, so it is often used in vegan formulas. Check the full label and any claims on the pack, since other ingredients decide the final status of the product.