Sclerotium Gum

Sclerotium Gum is a fermentation-derived polysaccharide used in cosmetic formulation as a rheology modifier, thickener, stabiliser and suspending agent. It hydrates in water to build viscosity and smooth gel structure, helping formulators control the texture, flow and physical stability of aqueous and emulsified systems.

Unlike a rheology modifier selected solely for viscosity building, Sclerotium Gum can provide gelling, emulsion-stabilising and particle-suspending functionality while also contributing to the sensory character of the finished formulation. It is valued for creating smooth textures, improving spreadability and contributing a silky, non-sticky skin feel. These functions are supported by the manufacturer TDS.

Its water solubility, broad pH stability and versatility make it useful across serums, gels, lotions, creams, masks, sunscreens, shampoos, conditioners and makeup formulations. Final rheology will depend on concentration and the complete formulation system, allowing Sclerotium Gum to be used both as a primary rheology modifier and as part of a broader texture and stability strategy

What is Sclerotium Gum & why is it used?

Sclerotium Gum is a high-molecular-weight polysaccharide produced through microbial fermentation. In cosmetic formulation, it is primarily used to modify the rheology of water-containing systems, allowing formulators to influence viscosity, flow, gel structure and suspension behaviour.

Its value extends beyond simple thickening. By increasing structure within the continuous phase, Sclerotium Gum can help stabilise oil-in-water emulsions and suspend insoluble particles, while its smooth gel character can also contribute positively to spreadability and finished-product sensory performance.

This combination of rheology control, stabilisation, suspension and sensory contribution makes Sclerotium Gum useful across both lightweight and more structured formulations, including serums, gels, creams, lotions, masks and haircare systems.

QUALITY MATTERS

Why specification quality matters

When selecting Sclerotium Gum for formulation, consider the material's grade, consistency and available technical documentation, as materials sold under the same ingredient name may have different specifications and performance characteristics.

For repeat formulation work, consistency of the raw material is important when evaluating changes in viscosity, gel structure, suspension behaviour, sensory characteristics and finished-product stability.

For commercial formulation, review the applicable specification and batch documentation when qualifying a new grade or changing raw-material source.

Appearance Fine white powder

Solubility Water dispersible

Primary function Additive

Use level 0.1–2.0%

Key benefits

Rheology Control

Helps build viscosity and create structured, smooth gel textures across a range of cosmetic formulation systems.

Emulsion Stability

Provides structural support within oil-in-water emulsions, helping improve the stability and consistency of the finished formulation.

Suspending

Helps suspend suitable insoluble particles and dispersed materials within the continuous phase of a formulation.

Sensory Enhancement

Supports smooth spreadability and can contribute a silky, non-sticky feel to the finished formulation.

Behaviour in formulations

Sclerotium Gum hydrates within the aqueous phase to increase viscosity and help create smooth, structured gel systems. Depending on concentration and the complete formulation, the resulting rheological structure can also support the suspension of insoluble materials and improve the physical stability of oil-in-water emulsions.

Its broad pH 3–12 stability provides flexibility across formulations with different finished-product pH requirements. Final viscosity, flow behaviour and suspension performance will depend on concentration and the complete formulation system.

Sensory notes

Sclerotium Gum can contribute a smooth, silky and non-sticky sensory profile while improving spreadability. This makes it useful where formulators want to build viscosity or gel structure without unnecessarily compromising the elegance of the finished product.

The final sensory effect will depend on concentration and the wider formulation system.

Formulation considerations

PROCESSING

Disperse Sclerotium Gum thoroughly into the aqueous phase with adequate mixing to promote uniform hydration and minimise lump formation. Allow sufficient hydration before assessing the final viscosity and rheological characteristics of the formulation.

Sclerotium Gum is water soluble and has documented good thermal stability.

COMPATIBILITY

Sclerotium Gum has good compatibility with a broad range of cosmetic raw materials and can be used across aqueous and oil-in-water emulsion systems.

Final rheology can be influenced by other formulation components, including surfactants, electrolytes, other polymers and suspended materials. Compatibility, viscosity and finished-product performance should therefore be assessed within the complete formulation.

Sclerotium Gum is documented as stable across a broad pH 3–12 range, providing flexibility across formulations with different finished-product pH requirements. A 0.2% aqueous solution has a specified pH of 5.5–8.0. Sclerotium Gum is not itself a pH-adjusting ingredient, so finished-product pH should be determined by the requirements of the complete formulation.

FORMULATION EXAMPLES

Water-Based Serum or Gel - Use to build viscosity and smooth gel structure while maintaining good spreadability and an elegant sensory profile.

Cream or Lotion - Provides rheology modification and additional structural support within an oil-in-water emulsion.

Suspension System - Increases continuous-phase structure to help maintain suitable insoluble or dispersed materials in suspension.

Shampoo or Conditioner - Provides rheology and structural support where viscosity and finished-product texture need to be controlled.

Use level considerations

Recommended range 0.1–2.0%

Suggested starting level 0.2%%

The amount of Sclerotium Gum required will depend on the desired viscosity, gel structure, suspension requirements and composition of the complete formulation. Small changes in rheology-modifier concentration can produce noticeable changes in finished-product texture and flow behaviour.

Allow the material to hydrate adequately before determining whether additional Sclerotium Gum is required. Increasing the level solely to correct a formulation problem may produce excessive viscosity or an undesirable texture without addressing the underlying cause.

Where Sclerotium Gum is being used for suspension or emulsion support, evaluate the complete formulation rather than viscosity alone, as dispersed materials and the surrounding formulation system can influence long-term stability.

Formulation summary

Sclerotium Gum is a water-soluble, fermentation-derived polysaccharide rheology modifier used to build viscosity, gel structure and physical stability in cosmetic formulations.

Its combination of thickening, gelling, emulsion-stabilising and suspending functionality allows it to contribute to both the structure and stability of aqueous and oil-in-water systems.

Its smooth gel character, improved spreadability and silky, non-sticky sensory contribution make it particularly useful where formulators need to balance rheological performance with finished-product aesthetics.