What Is Sclerotium Gum?
Sclerotium gum is a natural thickening agent made by fermenting sugars with the soil fungus Sclerotium rolfsii. Chemically it is a branched polysaccharide called scleroglucan that forms a clear flexible film when mixed with water. First investigated in the 1970s for food use, it soon caught the attention of cosmetic chemists looking for plant-derived alternatives to synthetic thickeners.
Production starts with a sugar-rich broth that is inoculated with the fungus. As the organism grows it spins the sugar into long glucose chains that thicken the liquid. The gel is then filtered, gently dried and milled into an off-white powder that dissolves easily in water-based formulas.
Because it is mild, stable over a wide pH range and compatible with many other ingredients, sclerotium gum shows up in moisturizers, serums, masks, anti aging creams, eye gels, hair conditioners and rinse-off cleansers. Its ability to create a soft cushiony texture makes it especially popular in premium skin care where a silky feel is important.
Sclerotium Gum’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Sclerotium gum brings several practical advantages to modern beauty formulas.
- Emulsion stabilising: Helps oil and water stay blended so the product looks uniform and does not split on the shelf or on your skin
- Skin conditioning: Forms a light breathable film that holds water on the skin surface leaving it feeling soft and smooth
- Viscosity controlling: Thickens watery formulas into pleasant gels or creamy lotions improving spreadability and giving the product its final texture
Who Can Use Sclerotium Gum
Sclerotium gum is considered gentle enough for all skin types including dry, oily, sensitive and combination skin because it is non-ionic, non-irritating and forms a breathable film that does not clog pores. Those with easily upset skin often appreciate that it is free from common allergens like gluten, soy or animal proteins. There are no specific skin types that should avoid it, though anyone with a known mushroom or fungal allergy may wish to be cautious since the raw material is produced by a fungus.
The ingredient is plant-derived, not animal-derived, and is produced through microbial fermentation so it aligns with vegan and vegetarian preferences.
No data suggest that topical use poses a risk during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Still this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should run new skincare products past a qualified health professional to stay on the safe side.
Sclerotium gum does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. It is also odorless and compatible with most cosmetic actives, making it a low-risk option for nearly everyone.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Responses to any cosmetic ingredient can vary from person to person. The effects listed below are potential reactions to topical sclerotium gum and are highly unlikely to be the typical user experience. When formulated correctly most users will not notice any adverse effects.
- Mild redness or itching in people with a rare sensitivity to polysaccharides or fungal derivatives
- Transient tight feeling if applied in very high concentrations because the film can draw slightly on the skin surface
- Contact dermatitis in the event of an existing allergy to the preservative system used alongside the gum rather than to the gum itself
If you experience any discomfort stop using the product and consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 0 / 5 (non-comedogenic)
Sclerotium gum is a large water-soluble sugar polymer that sits on the surface of skin as a lightweight film then rinses away easily. It does not contain oils or waxes that could block pores so it earns the lowest possible comedogenic score. People who are prone to acne or breakouts can generally use products that contain this gum without added concern. The only caveat is that a formula packed with heavy oils could still feel greasy even if the thickener itself is pore-friendly.
Summary
Sclerotium gum is a plant-derived polysaccharide that thickens water, stabilises oil-water mixtures and leaves a soft conditioning film on skin. It does this by forming a flexible three-dimensional network that traps water and anchors droplets of oil so lotions stay smooth and gels stay crystal clear.
Its ability to deliver a luxurious texture while fitting clean beauty preferences has made it increasingly popular in modern moisturisers, serums and hair conditioners, although it remains less common than classics like xanthan gum.
Safety data show it is mild, non-irritating and non-comedogenic for most users. Side effects are rare but as with any new cosmetic ingredient it is smart to patch test a fresh product first to confirm your skin is happy with the formula.