Gellan Gum

Gellan gum is an anionic polysaccharide used primarily as a gelling/thickening agent, typically at low concentrations (about 0.05–1%) where it is generally biologically inert on skin. Clinical and real-world tolerability data for polysaccharide thickeners show very low rates of irritation or sensitization, with reactions being uncommon and usually tied to compromised barriers or formula context rather than the gum itself. For severe eczema-prone or post-procedure skin I still assign a minimal, non-zero risk because any film-former/texture agent can rarely cause stinging or friction-related irritation in highly reactive patients. Safety Notes: In commercial skincare, gellan gum is often used as a low-level rheology modifier/suspending aid in watery serums, mists, toners, and micellar-type products at ~0.01–0.10%, where it provides light body and particle suspension without noticeable gel texture. Higher levels are seen in consumer gel-type formulas (e.g., gel moisturizers, gel masks, gel cleansers, peel-off/setting gels, and some hydrogel-style textures) where it functions as a primary gelling agent, commonly ~0.2–0.8% and up to about 1.0% in high-structure OTC gels; usage is generally similar for leave-on vs rinse-off with final viscosity/feel dictating placement within the range.