Carrageenan

Carrageenan is a naturally occurring polysaccharide obtained from red edible seaweeds, which belong mainly to the Gigartinaceae and Solieriaceae families. Traditionally, it has been used for hundreds of years in various culinary applications, namely traditional dishes, and lately, it gained certain recognition in the skincare industry for its versatile properties. Carrageenan plays an important role in skin care product formulation, predominantly acting as a gelling, thickening, and stabilizing agent, enhancing the product's texture and consistency to a great extent. This is particularly so in creams, lotions, and gels, since in these systems, a stable formulation concerning aesthetic appeal and efficacy is required.
Unique molecular features of carrageenan are the base for its gelling properties, enabling it to form gels upon addition of water, especially at specific temperatures. This gelation enhances not only the sensory feel of such a product but also supports the suspension of other ingredients, thus assuring an equal distribution in the formulation. Furthermore, one of the well-acknowledged properties of carrageenan is the retention of moisture, which in turn may also relate to the overall skin hydration.
Besides textural benefits, carrageenan has been investigated for antioxidant effects that would protect the skin from environmental oxidative stress. In addition, extracts obtained from a natural origin are generally well tolerated in various skin types, thus being compatible with products intended for sensitive skin. Finally, and most importantly, it is biodegradable, fitting within the growing demand for sustainable ingredients in the cosmetics industry. With increasing consumer demand for natural and functional cosmetics that answer all needs and expectations, carrageenan's potential added value concerns not only the stabilization of various cosmetic formulae but also skin health.