Ingredient review

Natto Gum

INCI: Natto Gum

Natto Gum is a gentle, natural thickener from fermented soy that can add a silky feel and light hydration to products, but research on its skin benefits is still limited.

beautyskincarethickener

In plain English

Natto Gum is a natural ingredient made from fermented soybeans (the same stuff used to make the sticky Japanese food natto). In skincare, it acts like a gentle glue that helps thicken lotions and serums, giving them a smooth, silky texture. It can also form a very thin, invisible film on your skin that helps lock in moisture and may make your skin feel softer. Think of it as a plant-based alternative to synthetic thickeners like carbomer.

Review score

Safety, usefulness, and evidence

3.8Good
3.8/ 5

Potentially useful with some tradeoffs

The evidence base is still emerging, so marketing claims deserve extra caution.

Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.

Source
natural
Evidence
emerging
Irritation
low
Clogging risk
low
How reviews are scored

Quick decision guide

Useful, but context matters

Natto Gum is generally a lower-concern ingredient when the full formula suits your skin.

Plain-English read

Treat this as a practical screening step before you compare products that contain this ingredient.

  1. Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Natto Gum.
  2. Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
  3. Step 3If a product stings, breaks you out, or worsens irritation, judge the finished formula and stop using it even if the ingredient scores well.

Score terms in plain English

Irritation risk

low

Less likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.

Clogging risk

low

Less likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.

Evidence level

emerging

The ingredient may be promising, but claims should be treated more cautiously.

What it is

Natto Gum is a polysaccharide (a type of complex sugar) extracted from the fermentation of soybeans by Bacillus subtilis bacteria. It is the same sticky substance that gives natto its characteristic texture. In cosmetics, it is used as a natural thickener, stabilizer, and film-forming agent.

How it works

When added to a water-based formula, Natto Gum swells and creates a gel-like network that increases the product's viscosity (thickness). This helps suspend other ingredients and gives the product a pleasant, spreadable feel. On the skin, it dries down to form a flexible, breathable film that can reduce water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and provide a temporary smoothing effect.

Pros

Natural and gentle

Derived from fermented soybeans, Natto Gum is a biodegradable, plant-based alternative to synthetic thickeners, making it appealing for natural and sensitive-skin formulations.

Lightweight hydration support

Its film-forming ability helps reduce water loss from the skin's surface, providing a subtle, non-occlusive hydration boost without feeling heavy or greasy.

Cons and cautions

Limited research

Compared to well-studied ingredients like hyaluronic acid, there is little peer-reviewed research on Natto Gum's specific benefits for skin health, so its efficacy is less certain.

Potential tackiness

At higher concentrations, Natto Gum can leave a slightly sticky or tacky feel on the skin, which may not be ideal for those who prefer a completely dry finish.

Best for

  • People who prefer natural or plant-derived ingredients in their skincare
  • Those with normal to dry skin looking for a gentle, hydrating thickener

Use caution if

  • Individuals with a known soy allergy should check with their dermatologist, as it is derived from soy

Usage tips

Look for Natto Gum in serums or lightweight gels where a silky, non-greasy texture is desired.
If you have soy allergies, patch test a product containing Natto Gum on a small area of skin before full use.

Safety summary

Natto Gum is considered safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation or clogging pores. However, because it is derived from soy, individuals with soy allergies should exercise caution and perform a patch test. There are no known serious safety concerns.

Research notes

Research on Natto Gum in skincare is emerging. Most evidence comes from its use as a food ingredient and from cosmetic formulator reports. A few in vitro studies suggest it may have antioxidant and moisturizing properties, but human clinical trials are lacking.

Common label clues

Typical concentration
0.1% to 2%
Regulatory status
Generally recognized as safe for use in cosmetics in the US and EU, with no specific restrictions beyond standard cosmetic ingredient regulations.
Common uses
Serums, Moisturizers, Masks
Environmental note
As a natural, biodegradable polysaccharide from a renewable source (soybeans), Natto Gum has a lower environmental footprint compared to many synthetic thickeners.

Good to know

  • Natto Gum is the same substance that gives the Japanese food natto its sticky, stringy texture.
  • It is often used in combination with other humectants like glycerin to enhance overall hydration.

Common questions

What is Natto Gum in beauty products?

Natto Gum is a natural ingredient made from fermented soybeans (the same stuff used to make the sticky Japanese food natto). In skincare, it acts like a gentle glue that helps thicken lotions and serums, giving them a smooth, silky texture. It can also form a very thin, invisible film on your skin that helps lock in moisture and may make your skin feel softer. Think of it as a plant-based alternative to synthetic thickeners like carbomer.

What does Natto Gum do in a beauty product?

When added to a water-based formula, Natto Gum swells and creates a gel-like network that increases the product's viscosity (thickness). This helps suspend other ingredients and gives the product a pleasant, spreadable feel. On the skin, it dries down to form a flexible, breathable film that can reduce water loss (transepidermal water loss, or TEWL) and provide a temporary smoothing effect.

Is Natto Gum safe for most people?

Natto Gum is considered safe for topical use with a low risk of irritation or clogging pores. However, because it is derived from soy, individuals with soy allergies should exercise caution and perform a patch test. There are no known serious safety concerns.

Who should be careful with Natto Gum?

Individuals with a known soy allergy should check with their dermatologist, as it is derived from soy

Research sources

Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) - Safety Assessment of Polysaccharide GumsOpenPubMed - Polysaccharides from fermented soybeans and their bioactivityOpenINCI Decoder - Natto Gum overviewOpen

Ingredient reviews are educational and are not medical advice. Patch test new products and ask a licensed clinician about persistent irritation, allergies, pregnancy-specific questions, or diagnosed skin conditions.