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Carrageenan (red seaweed extract)
Commonly known as:
Beta-carrageenan, Red seaweed extract, Carrageenan.
I.N.C.I. list name:
Sodium Carrageenan, Maris Sal (Sea Salt).
Extraction process:
The algae is cleaned and sun-dried to remove sand and all non-algal material, the plant tissues are then extracted by vigorously mixing them in an alkaline solution of hot sodium hydroxide, followed by pressure filtration, precipitation of the extract in alcohol (most often isopropanol), and pressing of the coagulum obtained to eliminate as much liquid as possible, before drying and grinding of the material to form a powder.
Source:
Plant (red algae).
Botanical name:
Furcellaria lumbricalis.
Family:
Furcellariaceae.
Part of the plant extracted:
Thallus.
Provenance, origin:
Baltic Sea.
Chemical characteristics:
Sulfated polysaccharide (sulfated linear galactan) formed from a dimer of alternating units of α-D-1,3 and β-D-1,4-galacto-pyranose; Soluble in water or an aqueous phase; Insoluble in oils and organic solvents; Molecular weight between 10^5 and 10^6 Da (approximately).
Characteristics:
Ionic solution, colloidal solution, emulsion, suspension with dispersing phase.
Dosage required in cosmetic products:
From 0.1 to 3%.
Function:
Gelling agent.
Properties:
Moisturising, gelling, antioxidant, antibacterial, coating.
Benefits:
All skin typologies and hair types.
Details
Uses
Facial skincare(creams, gels, lotions, serums, cream masks);
Body skincare(soaps, milks, shower gels);
Hygiene(toothpastes);
Hair care(shampoos, conditioners, masks);
Tinted care(BB creams).
How to store
Store the product in a cool place, away from humidity and heat. Store it in an airtight container. Do not freeze.
Contraindications and precautions for use
There are nocontraindicationsfor the cosmetic use of red algae extract. Pregnant women and young children can use it. Avoid contact with eyes.
Find out more
The name "carrageenan" comes from the Celtic "lichen carrageen" meaning "Irish moss". Sailors used to make jelly desserts by adding handfuls of blanched seaweed (Chondrus crispus) to their milk. There are a variety of carrageenan-producing algae, of which Chondrus crispus, Mastocarpus stellatus and Furcellaria fastigiata were the first to be used by industry. In cosmetics, red seaweed extract is an ingredient generally used to thicken formulas and give them a gel-like consistency. However, it also has benefits for the skin. It is a moisturizer, which means it has the ability to retain water, improving the overall appearance of the skin. It is also able to stimulate the natural production of hyaluronic acid.
