Functions
Gelling agent
Stabilizer
Moisturizer
Smoothing
Soothing
CAS Number(s)
9000-07-1
EINECS number(s)
232-524-2 (I)
FDA UNII
5C69YCD2YJ
INCI name
Carrageenan
Carrageenans are anhydrogalactose sulfate polymers (both gelling and non-gelling types) obtained from red seaweeds, including Eucheuma and Chondrus species.
Carrageenan is a protein-reactive gum that stabilizes protein-containing cosmetic formulations.
The gelling carrageenans, the kappa and iota types, require hydration at 180°F (82°C) and the cations potassium and calcium, respectively, for optimum gelling properties. Given the required conditions for gelling, these form heat-reversible gels.
Because of its demulcent and emollient qualities, Carrageenan is an excellent ingredient for irritated, dry, or aging skin. It moisturizes skin and smooths fine lines and wrinkles. It is also suitable for dry hair and scalp treatment applications.See also
Related ingredients
Topically, it has been used in lotions as a soothing agent, oil-in-water emulsifier, and as astringent. Acacia Senegal gum is used externally to cover inflamed surfaces like bums or nodular leprosy.
Berry wax smoothens and softens the skin, moisturizes the lips and lends the hair a silky shine. It can guard the skin against harmful environmental factors by leaving an invisible protective layer.
Cellulose is the primary component of green plants. It is an organic polysaccharide (complex carbohydrate) derived from beta-glucose and is used in conjunction with a marine focus as a natural exfoliating agent.
Traditionally Horsetail (Equisetum arvense) extract has been used for the treatment of inflammatory conditions in Europe. Novel experimental findings showed that Equisetum arvense has a modulatory effect on T-leucocytes that producing mediators of inflammation. It provides an anti-inflammatory effect, soothing, smoothing edema, and eliminating irritation of the skin.
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (MAS) is a white, highly purified mineral derived from smectite clays. It serves as stabilizing, suspending, and emulsifying agent for cosmetic formulations.
Marshmallow root extract is rich in asparagine, pectin, starch, sugars, tannins, and volatile oil, with excellent antioxidant, moisturizing and soothing properties.
Niacinamide is a derivative of Vitamin B3. It's an active ingredient with proven anti-aging, and moisturizing properties—an active form of Vitamin B3, or niacin. Niacinamide works to prevent melanin from reaching the surface of the skin.
Squalane prevents loss of moisture and makes your skin soft and supple. In addition, it has an anti-oxidant effect (fights free radicals) and prevents premature skin aging.
Almond oil moisturises, alleviates irritations and re-hydrates (particularly in the case of dry and sensitive skin), contains an exceptionally high amount of simple and complex unsaturated fatty acids as well as numerous vitamins.
Zinc has a critical role in the metabolism of one of the most important proteins in the epidermis called Filaggrin (filament aggregating protein). Metabolites of Filaggrin are NMFs (natural moisturizing factors) attracting water molecules and improving skin hydration.
Pentavitin® is a complex of vegetable carbohydrates capable of binding and retaining moisture in the skin for a long time. Vegetable carbohydrates are very similar in composition to carbohydrates in the upper layer of the epidermis.
Shea butter is a constituent of the choice of numerous leave-on skin, scalp, and hair care formulations. It is semi-solid, buttery oil derived from Shea tree kernels.