Advice on using Xanthan Gum in Shampoo

You're experiencing common issues when using xanthan gum in shampoo: air bubbles, cloudiness/color change, and difficulty getting a clear gel texture. Here's some advice based on your situation and the reply you received:

• Air Bubbles: Vigorous mixing or shaking, especially in formulations containing surfactants (like shampoo), will inevitably create a lot of foam and trap air bubbles. To avoid this, mix gently and slowly. The bubbles will dissipate over time if left to rest, but gentle mixing is key during preparation.

• Color/Clarity: The clarity and color of your final product depend heavily on the type and quality of xanthan gum used. Some standard grades can result in a slightly cloudy or yellowish appearance. As suggested in the reply, there are 'clear grade' xanthan gums specifically designed for transparent formulations. Poor quality xanthan gum can also contribute to off-colors or odors.

• Gel Texture/Dispersion: To achieve a smooth, clear gel texture without clumps and to help with dispersion without vigorous mixing, it's often recommended to first disperse the xanthan gum powder in a small amount of water, glycerin, or propylene glycol before adding it to the main shampoo base. This helps the gum hydrate properly. Add this pre-dispersion slowly to your shampoo base while stirring gently.

In summary, use a clear grade xanthan gum if possible (like product ID 216), disperse it properly before adding to the main batch (e.g., in water), and mix gently to avoid incorporating air bubbles and excessive foam.