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What is "Sclerotium Gum" and what is its purpose?

What is "Sclerotium Gum" and what is its purpose?

Derived from a fungus of the sclerotium genus, Sclerotium Gum is a natural gum. Presenting in powder form, it swells upon contact with water, then forms a stringy and viscous gel. It is a stable polysaccharide. Of plant origin, sclerotium gum is used in numerous skin care and hair care treatments. Let's focus on its utility.

Summary
Published November 5, 2021, updated on February 2, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 4 min read

All you need to know about Sclerotium Gum

Natural gums are texturing agents used to control the viscosity of skincare products. They ensure the mixture of oil and water is maintained.

Sclerotium Gum is a water-soluble polysaccharide obtained through the fermentation process of a filamentous fungus known as Sclerotium rolfsii. This versatile ingredient enhances the sensory characteristics of skincare products. Unlike the majority of synthetic and natural gums, Sclerotium Gum:

  • Exhibits high thermal stability;

  • Is authorised for hydrolysis;

  • Maintains the skin's moisture.

This refers to an emulsifying, stabilising, and thickening agent.

Due to its versatile properties, sclerotium gum is commonly used in beauty care. Obtained through a fermentation process, this polysaccharide helps to reduce the level of oil in skincare products. It has soothing virtues for the skin. It is also present in some hair care products where it acts as a conditioning agent. Being a viscosity regulator and an emulsion stabiliser, sclerotium gum prevents the separation of pigments.

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Sclerotium Gum: What is its purpose?

Sclerotium Gum serves several functions. It acts as an agent:

  • On skin care: it helps to maintain its condition;

  • Control of rigour: its role is to decrease or increase the viscosity of skincare treatments.

Furthermore, this ingredient is an emulsion stabiliser. In addition to promoting the formation of the emulsion, it stabilises it and extends its lifespan. Sclerotium gum acts against skin ageing and prevents cellular lipid peroxidation caused by UV rays. Moreover, it helps to combat inflammation.

The benefits of sclerotium gum are as follows:

  • It repairs damaged skin;

  • It hydrates the skin by promoting water retention;

  • It provides it with elasticity and enhances its quality.

Sclerotium Gum: In which skincare products can it be found?

Sclerotium Gum is present in:

  • Sun protection care;

  • Moisturising treatments (serums and creams);

  • Skincare treatments to combat skin ageing;

  • Treatments for Trauma;

  • Eye care;

  • Shampoos and conditioners;

  • Hair gels.

Similar to xanthan gum, sclerotium gum is used in skincare to thicken and stabilise the formulas.

Sclerotium gum enhances the quality of skincare due to its properties:

  • Moisturisers: they hold and retain water, which promotes skin hydration;

  • Thickening: it imparts a thick texture to the treatments;

  • Stabilisers: sclerotium gum contributes to the stability of the emulsion and the homogeneous appearance of the mixture.

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