What Is Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum?
Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum comes from Sclerotium gum, a natural polysaccharide produced by the soil fungus Sclerotium rolfsii. Through controlled acid or enzyme treatment the long sugar chains in the original gum are broken down into smaller fragments. This process, called hydrolysis, creates a lighter ingredient that dissolves easily in water and forms a flexible film on skin or hair.
The parent gum first gained attention in the late 1970s as a thickener for food and personal care items. Chemists later discovered that a hydrolyzed version could give the same smoothing effect without the heavy feel of the full-length polymer. Today manufacturers ferment the fungus in large tanks, harvest the gum, purify it, then run it through hydrolysis, filtration and drying steps to yield a fine powder ready for cosmetic labs.
Because it improves texture and moisture retention the ingredient appears in many leave-on products such as facial serums, light moisturizers, sheet masks, anti-aging creams, after-sun gels, makeup primers and even some hair styling formulas.
Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Companies choose this versatile gum to boost both performance and sensory appeal.
- Film forming: Creates an invisible breathable layer that smooths the skin surface, locks in active ingredients and can give makeup better wear
- Humectant: Attracts and holds water from the surrounding air so skin feels hydrated, plump and comfortable
- Skin protecting: By combining its film and moisture-binding actions it helps shield skin from daily aggressors like pollution or wind while reducing transepidermal water loss
Who Can Use Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum
This ingredient is generally well tolerated by every major skin type. Dry or dehydrated skin enjoys its water-binding ability while normal and combination skin benefit from the light flexible film that does not feel greasy. Oily or acne-prone users tend to fare well because the hydrolyzed gum is lightweight and non-occlusive so it does not trap excess sebum. Only those with a known sensitivity to mushroom or fungal extracts might want to check labels carefully, though reactions are rare.
Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum comes from the fermentation of a soil fungus and involves no animal-derived materials, so it fits both vegan and vegetarian lifestyles.
The molecule is considered low risk for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding. That said, this is not medical advice and anyone who is expecting or nursing should get a doctor’s approval before adding new skincare products.
The ingredient does not make skin more prone to sunburn or light sensitivity, and it pairs safely with common actives like vitamin C, retinoids or exfoliating acids.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Individual responses can differ and the following list covers possible side effects, not what most people will experience. When the ingredient is formulated correctly the vast majority of users see only positive results.
- Localized redness or itching in those with an allergy to fungal derivatives
- Mild stinging if applied to freshly exfoliated or broken skin
- Rare clogging or filmy feel when used in very high concentrations on extremely oily skin
If irritation, rash or any unexpected reaction occurs discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1 / 5
Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum is water soluble, lightweight and forms a permeable film that lets skin breathe rather than sealing it under an oily layer. It contains no fatty acids or waxes that typically cause clogged pores, so its tendency to contribute to comedones is very low.
Because of this low score it is generally considered suitable for people prone to acne or breakouts.
As with any water based polymer, overall comedogenicity also depends on the full formula. Heavy oils, silicones or butters paired with the gum can raise a product’s pore clogging potential even if the gum itself is non-problematic.
Summary
Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum acts as a film former, humectant and skin protectant. Its short polysaccharide chains dissolve in water, spread smoothly then link together on the surface to create a flexible veil that reduces moisture loss and shields skin from environmental stress. At the same time the sugar units attract and hold water, giving skin a plump hydrated feel.
While not as famous as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, this ingredient is gaining quiet popularity among formulators who want a light non sticky alternative that also improves product texture.
Current safety data show it is low risk for irritation or sensitization, and its comedogenic rating sits near the bottom of the scale. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so patch testing any new product containing Hydrolyzed Sclerotium Gum is a smart precaution.