Is Sclerotium Gum safe?
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free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 7:38 am

I was reading someone basically making fun of Sclerotium Gum and saying it could cause yeast to grow or something. Is this ingredient really safe to use or can it cause yeast to grow?! Is it safe for people with rosacea? Is there any proof or studies saying it is safe? I'm really confused and hoping someone can clarify.

Obviously if it causes yeast to grow, that really concerns me. Confused

TIA if anyone can help.

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 7:53 am

egyptiangoddess wrote:

I was reading someone basically making fun of Sclerotium Gum and saying it could cause yeast to grow or something. Is this ingredient really safe to use or can it cause yeast to grow?! Is it safe for people with rosacea? Is there any proof or studies saying it is safe? I'm really confused and hoping someone can clarify.

Obviously if it causes yeast to grow, that really concerns me. Confused

TIA if anyone can help.

I would say don't worry it is safe I can dig up abstracts if that is what you are after: Smile

Sclerotium Gum is a natural gum that produces an instant gel base when combined with water. It is a polysaccharide produced through a fermentation process of Sclerotium rolfsii on a glucose-based medium.

To make a gel base use Sclerotium Gum at 2% (0.2% – 2% will produce different consistencies in your end gel), meaning the 20gm jar will make a minimum of 1kg of gel.

Sclerotium Gum can also be used as a thickening and emulsifying agent when making creams. Add to the water phase at 0.2-0.5%. Adding Sclerotium Gum reduces the amount of oil required in your oil phase, and the result will be a lighter, lotion-type cream.

It has natural skin smoothing and skin soothing properties, and is an excellent base for Aromatherapy treatments when a gel is preferred to a lotion, cream or oil. Sclerotium Gum is also suitable to use in hair care products as a conditioning agent.

http://www.auroma.com/Everyday-Aromatherapy-Blog/sclerotium-gum-instant-gelling-agent/

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 8:12 am

Which yeast species are you concerned about Egyptiangoddess? And can you link to your source please? We all have micro-organisms living on our skin - some are beneficial, some potentially pathogenic, some neutral. Malassezia - the yeast implicated in seborrhoeic dermatitis - feeds on saturated fats, but that is not universal to fungi nor does it overgrowth occur in every potential human host.

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 8:13 am

Thank you DM. I read that. I'm still really concerned about the yeast thing though. Confused

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 8:18 am

Firefox7275 wrote:

Which yeast species are you concerned about Egyptiangoddess? And can you link to your source please? We all have micro-organisms living on our skin - some are beneficial, some potentially pathogenic, some neutral. Malassezia - the yeast implicated in seborrhoeic dermatitis - feeds on saturated fats, but that is not universal to fungi nor does it overgrowth occur in every potential host.

Hi Firefox. I can't link right now, sorry. But I read this from DrJ in the fantastic actives thread. Sort of making fun of "scooter gum" and saying something like that it was good for yeast to grow or something?! If I read it correctly. I read it a while ago but it stuck with me as a concern. I've tried to research and can't find anything about that. Confused

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 8:27 am

egyptiangoddess wrote:

Hi Firefox. I can't link right now, sorry. But I read this from DrJ in the fantastic actives thread. Sort of making fun of "scooter gum" and saying something like that it was good for yeast to grow or something?! If I read it correctly. I read it a while ago but it stuck with me as a concern. I've tried to research and can't find anything about that. Confused

Best thing to do would be to PM DrJ and ask for clarification and perhaps some references. It may be he was joking around with DragoN not raising a concern. There is no ingredient that is safe for use in every person and every situation. Anything that is a macronutrients (protein, carbs, fat) can feed one microorganism or another - you'd never use a single product if you avoided all these.

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 8:34 am

egyptiangoddess wrote:

Firefox7275 wrote:

Which yeast species are you concerned about Egyptiangoddess? And can you link to your source please? We all have micro-organisms living on our skin - some are beneficial, some potentially pathogenic, some neutral. Malassezia - the yeast implicated in seborrhoeic dermatitis - feeds on saturated fats, but that is not universal to fungi nor does it overgrowth occur in every potential host.

Hi Firefox. I can't link right now, sorry. But I read this from DrJ in the fantastic actives thread. Sort of making fun of "scooter gum" and saying something like that it was good for yeast to grow or something?! If I read it correctly. I read it a while ago but it stuck with me as a concern. I've tried to research and can't find anything about that. Confused

As I recall he said "Scooter Gum....isn't that what your dog leaves when rubbing his bottom on the rug" Scooter Gum is someone's pet name for Sclerotium Gum.

The yeast discussion came on after that, and he said a very useful yeast.

Of course you would not use a gelling agent alone, what would be the point?

It is used to thicken and give slip in products!

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 8:51 am

Ok thanks FF. I don't plan on messaging him but thanks anyhow. And yes I understand macronutrients feeding microorganisms, but with rosacea you have to be very careful and it's very tricky with these sorts of things. Confused

Rosacea is a scary condition to deal with. I suppose I'd just have to test it and see what happens? I wouldn't want to cause an irreversible problem or something. Sad

Btw, you don't have to embolden peoples names. I can see them fine in normal script lol.

Thanks DM. Same reply regarding rosacea above. It's an unfamiliar ingredient and I wouldn't want to cause something irreversible, you know?

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 9:01 am

Int J Biol Macromol. 2007 Aug 1;41(3):314-23. Epub 2007 Apr 7.
Sclerotium rolfsii scleroglucan: the promising behavior of a natural polysaccharide as a drug delivery vehicle, suspension stabilizer and emulsifier.
Viñarta SC, François NJ, Daraio ME, Figueroa LI, Fariña JI.
Source

PROIMI-CONICET, Av. Belgrano y Caseros, T4001MVB Tucumán, Argentina.
Abstract

Gel matrices of scleroglucans from Sclerotium rolfsii ATCC 201126 (EPS I and EPS II, from 48-h and 72-h fermentations, respectively) were evaluated on their release kinetics of theophylline (Th). Equivalent polymer (2%, w/w) and Th (0.2%, w/w) concentrations showed almost coincident drug release patterns, independently of polymer molecular weight or the microstructural properties of gel matrices. Dynamic rheological studies of scleroglucan hydrogel structures (storage, G', and loss, G'', moduli) indicated a solid-like behavior. Differences on pore size dimensions (EPS I=20 microm and EPS II=7 microm) were in accordance to the differences in G' (EPS I=113 Pa and EPS II=161 Pa), a fact likely related to variations in the cross-linking density of polymer networks. Compared to already known biopolymers, EPS I and EPS II at 0.5 g/L showed a good dispersing ability against particulate suspensions of activated charcoal, bentonite, CaCO(3), celite and quartz powder. Emulsifying ability of both EPSs at 2g/L was high (E=56-60%) when tested with kerosene, moderate ( approximately 30%) with hexadecane, and negligible in the presence of olive oil-in-water emulsions.

Also used in wound dressings. But if you feel 'funny' about it....don't use it. More for me. Very Happy

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 9:01 am

egyptiangoddess wrote:

Ok thanks FF. I don't plan on messaging him but thanks anyhow. And yes I understand macronutrients feeding microorganisms, but with rosacea you have to be very careful and it's very tricky with these sorts of things. Confused

Rosacea is a scary condition to deal with. I suppose I'd just have to test it and see what happens? I wouldn't want to cause an irreversible problem or something. Sad

Btw, you don't have to embolden peoples names. I can see them fine in normal script lol.

Thanks DM. Same reply regarding rosacea above. It's an unfamiliar ingredient and I wouldn't want to cause something irreversible, you know?

I totally understand your concern, you never know what will trigger a reaction especially with a preexisting skin condition!

free skin care · Tue May 29, 2012 1:39 pm

EG, Ive been using sclerotium gum for several months now and never had yeast growing in my serums nor any reactions to it. The amount used (2%) is small but its enough to firm up emulsions.

SG is certainly more benign than using commercial chemical emulsifiers and thickeners. At least SG provides some nourishment to the skin.

No one, not even the ones with sensitive skin (by their own reports) has had any skin reactions to it that they have reported to me. But do a patch test, as with anything you have not used before, and wait 24 h before applying all over.

HTH

free skin care · Wed May 30, 2012 4:51 am

Thank you DragoN, DM and fawnie. Smile

I still wonder about that yeast thing as it sounded odd. Maybe one day it will be clarified lol. It does seem like a nice ingredient though. (Especially with it's soothing properties.) Thanks again everyone. Smile

free skin care · Wed May 30, 2012 11:55 am

Hyaluronic acid (non animal form) is derived from yeast extract, is that what someone was referring to?

free skin care · Wed May 30, 2012 12:20 pm

Egyptiangoddess, is it possible you have misremembered the conversation?

DrJ wrote:

Interesting recipe. Do you drink it or smoke it?

Scooter gum? Isn't that what your dog leaves on the carpet when he scoots his bottom to scratch an itch?

DarkMoon wrote:

I would say a bit more like fungus crud than anything to do with dogs

Sclerotium rolfsii

http://www.auroma.com/catalog/rawmaterials/SclerotiumGum/

http://www.extento.hawaii.edu/kbase/crop/Type/s_rolfs.htm

Function/use(s): Emulsion Stabilizer; Skin-Conditioning Agent - Miscellaneous; Viscosity Increasing Agent -Aqueous; EMULSION STABILISING; SKIN CONDITIONING; VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

About SCLEROTIUM GUM: Sclerotium Gum is a polysaccharide gum produced by the bacterium Sclerotium rolfssii. It iscomposed of glucose monomers.

Synonym(s): GUM, SCLEROTIUM; SCLEROGLUCAN; SCLEROGUM; BETASIZOFIRAN

S. rolfsii has an extensive host range; at least 500 species in 100 families are susceptible. The most common hosts are the legumes, crucifers, and cucurbits.

[snip]
The fungus persists in many weed hosts as well.

DrJ wrote:

Fungus crud makes many wonderful products. Its what makes beer beer. Wine, bread, cheese. Imagine mushroom & cheese pizza with a hearty stout. Fungus delight!!

http://www.essentialdayspa.com/forum/viewthread.php?p=6453211

There really isn't anything else of note said by DrJ on the subject in that thread.

free skin care · Wed May 30, 2012 5:06 pm

And that bit of silly comment was the start of the Yeast-in-Scooter Gum rumor? Rolling Eyes

free skin care · Thu May 31, 2012 3:10 am

Hi Firefox, yes it's possible I misremembered. I haven't gone back to the thread to reread to find it as it's so long. I just remember reading something odd that concerned me due to having rosacea and that stuck with me. Not sure if what you quoted is what I was talking about as I can't remember exactly. But thank you anyhow Firefox. I appreciate your trying to help. Smile

fawnie wrote:

And that bit of silly comment was the start of the Yeast-in-Scooter Gum rumor? Rolling Eyes

Um.. fawnie, I don't think this comment was very kind of you. What do you mean rumour?! There was no rumour. I was the only person asking due to having rosacea.

You did see that I said I have rosacea right? It was a legitimate concern considering I have rosacea and it is an unfamiliar ingredient, as I stated above. And the reason I was concerned and curious about it is because sclerotium gum was used in place of oil in a serum. So there was more of this ingredient in there, hence the question and concern, again, due to the fact that I have rosacea and have never used this particular ingredient before. So I simply was trying to get some feedback/advice about it as I was confused and worried. (Again, rosacea being a very risky and awful skin condition...)

Wow, I really appreciate your kindness about this fawnie, thanks.. Sad

free skin care · Thu May 31, 2012 6:45 am

egyptiangoddess wrote:

Hi Firefox, yes it's possible I misremembered. I haven't gone back to the thread to reread to find it as it's so long. I just remember reading something odd that concerned me due to having rosacea and that stuck with me. Not sure if what you quoted is what I was talking about as I can't remember exactly. But thank you anyhow Firefox. I appreciate your trying to help. Smile

fawnie wrote:

And that bit of silly comment was the start of the Yeast-in-Scooter Gum rumor? Rolling Eyes

Um.. fawnie, I don't think this comment was very kind of you. What do you mean rumour?! There was no rumour. I was the only person asking due to having rosacea.

You did see that I said I have rosacea right? It was a legitimate concern considering I have rosacea and it is an unfamiliar ingredient, as I stated above. And the reason I was concerned and curious about it is because sclerotium gum was used in place of oil in a serum. So there was more of this ingredient in there, hence the question and concern, again, due to the fact that I have rosacea and have never used this particular ingredient before. So I simply was trying to get some feedback/advice about it as I was confused and worried. (Again, rosacea being a very risky and awful skin condition...)

Wow, I really appreciate your kindness about this fawnie, thanks.. Sad

EG,

I pmed you the link for the Fungal Defense and the Probiotic, I think those will be great in protecting you from any issues with yeast type infections on the skin or anywhere else!

I completely understand your concern as my one son has a condition that makes him very susceptible to yeast overgrowth if not exceedingly cautious!

free skin care · Fri Jun 01, 2012 4:37 am

Thank you DM, I really appreciate it. Smile

free skin care · Fri Jun 01, 2012 6:48 am

egyptiangoddess wrote:

Thank you DM, I really appreciate it. Smile

My pleasure EG we are all here to support and help one another, at least that is what we are supposed to do!

free skin care · Fri Jun 01, 2012 4:50 pm

egyptiangoddess wrote:

fawnie wrote:

And that bit of silly comment was the start of the Yeast-in-Scooter Gum rumor? Rolling Eyes

Um.. fawnie, I don't think this comment was very kind of you. What do you mean rumour?! There was no rumour. I was the only person asking due to having rosacea.

You did see that I said I have rosacea right? It was a legitimate concern considering I have rosacea and it is an unfamiliar ingredient, as I stated above. And the reason I was concerned and curious about it is because sclerotium gum was used in place of oil in a serum. So there was more of this ingredient in there, hence the question and concern, again, due to the fact that I have rosacea and have never used this particular ingredient before. So I simply was trying to get some feedback/advice about it as I was confused and worried. (Again, rosacea being a very risky and awful skin condition...)

Wow, I really appreciate your kindness about this fawnie, thanks.. Sad

Nono I think you mistook my post. The silly exchange b/t the other members about "fungus crud" might have led ppl to think sclerotium gum was not safe. It is quite safe and is not pond scum nor yeast.

Sorry if this was misunderstood EG!

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