Also known as "Irish moss" or "Carrageen moss", the Chondrus crispus can be found along the Mediterranean coast, the Atlantic coast, and North America. "Chondrus Crispus Powder" is a fine powder brimming with trace elements, polysaccharides, and micronutrients. This ingredient has numerous benefits and is used in many skin and hair care products. Let's focus on the utility of "Chondrus Crispus Powder".
What is "Chondrus Crispus Powder" and what is its utility?
Summary
Published on February 3, 2024, by Stéphanie, PhD, Doctorate in Life and Health Sciences — 4 min of reading
Chondrus Crispus Powder: What is it?
Chondrus crispus is a red algae from which carrageenan is extracted. This is a natural polysaccharide with binding and gelling properties. The Chondrus crispus belongs to the Gigartinaceae family. It is harvested along the coasts of the North Atlantic. This gelling algae is renowned for its high content of alginates, polysaccharides obtained from brown algae.
The white seaweed helps to maintain healthy skin. In skincare, this ingredient is used:
Of natural thickening agent;
Of emulsifier;
On stabilisers.
This algae contains mineral salts (calcium, iodine, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, and manganese), amino acids, and vitamins.
The natural amino acids, peptides, and polysaccharides found in red algae help to maintain skin hydration. Rapidly absorbed and assimilated by the skin, these active ingredients visibly improve its appearance. Bladderwrack is used to delay skin ageing and protect against external aggressions. Indeed, the components it contains fight free radicals. This ingredient is film-forming, meaning it creates a non-occlusive protective surface that guards the skin against dehydration. Thus, it is a valuable ally for rough, dry, mature, sensitive, and oily skin.
Chondrus Crispus Powder: What is its purpose?
The "Chondrus Crispus Powder" is an abrasive agent. It performs numerous functions: it aids in cleaning the teeth and removes substances present on the body's surface. The "Chondrus Crispus Powder" has an action similar to that of hyaluronic acid:
It strengthens the skin's protective barrier;
It stimulates the synthesis of ceramides and hyaluronic acid;
It preserves the skin's hydration.
The fibres of this algae allow for the production of hydrating and remineralising gels. They are also used to generate aqueous extracts containing amino acids similar to the collagen found in skin.
Furthermore, the white seaweed is utilised for its gelling, stabilising, and thickening properties in dairy products and ice creams. It is a food additive (E407).
In the realm of hair care, the foam of carrageenan has the property of hydrating, softening, and adding shine. On curly or frizzy hair, it reinvigorates the waves. Thanks to its active ingredients, it also has the unique ability to nourish the hair from the root. Moreover, it serves as a means to accelerate the regrowth of hair that tends to fall out.
White seaweed is also suitable for soothing scalp irritations, including dandruff, eczema, etc... Although it is often used on curly and frizzy hair, it is respectful to all hair types.
Chondrus Crispus Powder: In which skincare products can it be found?
The "Chondrus Crispus Powder" is found in toothpastes, face creams, body creams and lotions, conditioners, soaps, deodorants, and so on...
Without any risk or contraindication, the extract of Chondrus crispus is rapidly absorbed by the hair and skin. Therefore, this ingredient is incorporated into moisturising treatments, facial serums, and body lotions.
