Sclerotium Gum

Good

Texture enhancer

No known benefits

Sclerotium Gum at a glance

  • A naturally derived, sugar-based ingredient
  • Produced by the fermentation of the Sclerotium rolfsii fungus
  • Functions as a thickener and stabilizer in cosmetics
  • Is similar to xanthan gum and pullulan

Sclerotium Gum description

Sclerotium gum is a naturally derived, gel-like polysaccharide (sugar-based) ingredient. It is produced from the fermentation of _Sclerotium rolfsii_, a type of fungus that gives it its name. Sclerotium gum is used in cosmetics to thicken and stabilise formulas. It also functions as a skin conditioning agent. Sclerotium gum is also used as a natural alternative to synthetic gelling agents such as carbomer. It also works as a suspending agent, literally keeping heavier ingredients in a formula from sinking to the bottom and requiring a product to be shaken vigorously before each use. The Cosmetics Ingredient Review board has deemed multiple times that sclerotium gum is considered safe as used in cosmetics, where it’s typical concentration ranges from 0.25–2%, depending on the desired product aesthetics and needs of ingredients it’s blended with. It is similar to other polysaccharide ingredients, including xanthan gum and pullulan.

Sclerotium Gum references

  • ACS Omega, June 2020, pages 15,280–15,289
  • International Journal of Toxicology, July 2016, pages 5S-49S
  • Cosmetics and Personal Care Products, Springer, 2015, pages 219-261

Peer-reviewed, substantiated scientific research is used to assess ingredients in this dictionary. Regulations regarding constraints, permitted concentration levels and availability vary by country and region.

Ingredient ratings

Best

Proven and supported by independent studies. Outstanding active ingredient for most skin types or concerns.

Good

Necessary to improve a formula's texture, stability, or penetration.

Average

Generally non-irritating but may have aesthetic, stability, or other issues that limit its usefulness.

Bad

There is a likelihood of irritation. Risk increases when combined with other problematic ingredients.

Worst

May cause irritation, inflammation, dryness, etc. May offer benefit in some capability but overall, proven to do more harm than good.

unknown

We couldn't find this in our ingredient dictionary. We log all missing ingredients and make continuous updates.

Not rated

We have not yet rated this ingredient because we have not had a chance to review the research on it.