Gellan gum, a versatile hydrocolloid derived from microbial fermentation, is widely recognized for its unique texturizing and stabilizing properties. While it’s often associated with the food industry, it also has promising applications in personal care products, including shampoos. Let’s explore why and how gellan gum can enhance your shampoo formulations, along with recommended formulations for its effective use.


Why Use Gellan Gum in Shampoo?

Gellan gum offers several benefits for shampoo formulations:

  • Thickening Agent
Gellan gum can be used to adjust the viscosity of shampoos, providing a luxurious texture and ensuring the product spreads easily in the hair.

  • Suspension Stabilizer
It is highly effective at suspending insoluble particles, such as exfoliants, active ingredients, or visual enhancers like glitter, preventing them from settling.

  • Shear-Thinning Behavior
Gellan gum exhibits pseudoplastic behavior, meaning the shampoo becomes less viscous during application but returns to its thicker state afterward, making it easy to dispense and apply.

  • Compatible with Various Ingredients
Gellan gum is stable across a wide pH range (3–10) and works well in formulations containing surfactants, salts, and oils, making it suitable for diverse shampoo types.

  • Natural and Biodegradable
As a biodegradable and eco-friendly ingredient, gellan gum aligns with the growing demand for sustainable personal care products.

How to Use Gellan Gum in Shampoo

1.Hydration and Dispersion

  • Use deionized water to hydrate the gellan gum completely before incorporating it into the formulation.
  • A heating step (around 70–80°C) may help fully dissolve the gum and achieve optimal viscosity.

2.Recommended Usage Level

  • High Acyl (HA) Gellan Gum: Use at 0.1–0.3% for a soft, elastic gel with a creamy texture.
  • Low Acyl (LA) Gellan Gum: Use at 0.2–0.5% for a firmer gel or when strong particle suspension is required.

3.Synergistic Ingredients

  • Gellan gum works well with xanthan gum or guar gum for enhanced thickening and stabilization.
  • Pair with humectants like glycerin to improve hydration.

Recommended Gellan Gum Shampoo Formulations

1. Basic Hydrating Shampoo with High Acyl Gellan Gum

Ingredients:

  • Deionized Water: 87.9%
  • High Acyl Gellan Gum/Icon/button: 0.2%
  • Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate (SLES, 28% active): 10%
  • Cocamidopropyl Betaine: 2%
  • Glycerin: 0.5%
  • Fragrance & Preservatives: As needed

Procedure:

  1. Heat deionized water to 70°C and disperse gellan gum under high shear.
  2. Cool to room temperature while mixing.
  3. Add surfactants, glycerin, fragrance, and preservatives.

2. Exfoliating Shampoo with Low Acyl Gellan Gum

Ingredients:

  • Deionized Water: 84.5%
  • Low Acyl Gellan Gum/Icon/button: 0.3%
  • Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate: 10%
  • Apricot Kernel Powder: 3%
  • Essential Oils: 0.2%
  • Preservatives: As needed

Procedure:

  1. Heat deionized water to 80°C and dissolve low acyl gellan gum with constant stirring.
  2. Cool to 40°C, then add surfactants and exfoliating particles.
  3. Adjust pH as needed and add preservatives and essential oils.

Conclusion

Gellan gum is a powerful and natural ingredient for shampoo formulations, offering thickening, stabilization, and suspension capabilities while meeting the demand for eco-friendly products. Whether you're looking to create a hydrating shampoo or an exfoliating formulation, gellan gum provides the functionality and flexibility needed for innovative personal care products.