Ingredient review
Sclerotium Gum
INCI: SCLEROTIUM GUM
A gentle, natural thickener that gives products a silky feel and helps stabilize formulas without clogging pores.
In plain English
Sclerotium gum is a natural ingredient made by fermenting a fungus (Sclerotium rolfsii). It acts like a sponge, absorbing water to create a smooth, gel-like texture in creams and serums. This helps the product spread easily on your skin and keeps the formula stable so the oil and water parts don't separate. It's very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation or breakouts.
Review score
Safety, usefulness, and evidence
Strong fit for many routines
The evidence base is useful, but some claims depend heavily on the formula.
Risk flags are low for most users, though the finished product can still irritate.
- Source
- natural
- Evidence
- moderate
- Irritation
- low
- Clogging risk
- low
Quick decision guide
Easy yes for most routines
Sclerotium 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.
- Step 1Start with the score, then check the irritation and clogging risk before judging Sclerotium Gum.
- Step 2Use the "Best for" and "Use caution if" sections to match the ingredient to your skin, not just to a marketing claim.
- 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
lowLess likely to sting, burn, or bother most users, though sensitive skin can still react.
Clogging risk
lowLess likely to feel heavy or contribute to clogged pores for most skin types.
Evidence level
moderateThere is useful support, but formula details and claim strength still matter.
What it is
A high-molecular-weight polysaccharide (a type of sugar polymer) produced through fermentation of the fungus Sclerotium rolfsii. It is purified and dried into a powder that can be added to water-based formulas.
How it works
When mixed with water, sclerotium gum swells and forms a viscous gel network. This increases the thickness of the product, improves its spreadability, and helps suspend other ingredients like oils or powders. It also stabilizes emulsions by preventing oil and water from separating.
Pros
Very gentle on skin
Sclerotium gum has a very low irritation and comedogenic risk, making it safe for sensitive and acne-prone skin types.
Improves product feel
It creates a smooth, silky, non-greasy texture that helps creams and serums glide on easily and absorb well.
Cons and cautions
Can feel tacky at high levels
If used in high concentrations, the product may feel slightly sticky or tacky on the skin, which some people dislike.
Not for ultra-light formulas
Because it thickens water, it may not be ideal for very thin, watery serums or toners where a runny texture is desired.
Best for
- Anyone looking for a gentle, non-irritating thickener
- People with sensitive or acne-prone skin
- Formulators wanting a natural alternative to synthetic thickeners
Use caution if
- Those who prefer extremely lightweight, watery textures (though this is rare)
Usage tips
Safety summary
Sclerotium gum is considered very safe for topical use. It is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-comedogenic. No significant safety concerns have been reported in cosmetic applications.
Research notes
Research on sclerotium gum focuses on its rheological properties (how it flows and thickens) and its use as a stabilizer. It is well-documented in cosmetic science literature as a safe and effective thickener. No clinical studies on skin benefits beyond formulation are prominent.
Common label clues
- Typical concentration
- 0.1% to 2%
- Regulatory status
- Approved for use in cosmetics globally, including by the FDA (as a food additive) and under EU cosmetic regulations. No concentration restrictions are typical.
- Common uses
- Moisturizers, Serums, Sunscreens, Masks, Cleansers
- Environmental note
- Produced via fermentation, which is generally considered a low-impact, sustainable process. The raw material is plant-based and biodegradable.
Good to know
- Sclerotium gum is often labeled as 'scleroglucan' on some ingredient lists.
- It is vegan and considered a natural alternative to synthetic thickeners like carbomer.
Common questions
What is Sclerotium Gum in beauty products?
Sclerotium gum is a natural ingredient made by fermenting a fungus (Sclerotium rolfsii). It acts like a sponge, absorbing water to create a smooth, gel-like texture in creams and serums. This helps the product spread easily on your skin and keeps the formula stable so the oil and water parts don't separate. It's very gentle and unlikely to cause irritation or breakouts.
What does Sclerotium Gum do in a beauty product?
When mixed with water, sclerotium gum swells and forms a viscous gel network. This increases the thickness of the product, improves its spreadability, and helps suspend other ingredients like oils or powders. It also stabilizes emulsions by preventing oil and water from separating.
Is Sclerotium Gum safe for most people?
Sclerotium gum is considered very safe for topical use. It is non-irritating, non-sensitizing, and non-comedogenic. No significant safety concerns have been reported in cosmetic applications.
Who should be careful with Sclerotium Gum?
Those who prefer extremely lightweight, watery textures (though this is rare)
Research sources
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.