The Basics On Carrageenan
What is Carrageenan?
Seaweed gum used in cosmetics as a thickening agent with water-binding properties.
What are other names for Carrageenan?
CARRAGEENAN, CARRAGEENIN, CHONDRUS, CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN), IRISH MOSS, and IRISH MOSS EXTRACT
What is Carrageenan used for?
With its unique polymer structure, carrageenan possesses good solubility and water-binding properties that function as a good emulsifier for skincare formulas. This enables skincare products with different ingredient solubility to obtain a desirable consistency and spreadability.
How Carrageenan is classified
Plant Extracts, Texture Enhancer
Recommendations for using Carrageenan during pregnancy and breastfeeding
Limited data suggests no known risk
Carrageenan During Pregnancy
What we know about using Carrageenan while pregnant or breastfeeding
Limited information available.
Except for a dose-dependent increase (40-600 mg/kg) in the incidence of missing skeletal sternebrae in rabbits dosed orally with kappa/lambda- carrageenan, the results for polysaccharide gums in reproductive and developmental toxicity studies were essentially negative.
General safety info about Carrageenan from CIR
The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel reviewed the safety of 106 ingredients, which function as viscosity increasing agents in cosmetic products. The Panel reviewed relevant animal and human data on these ingredients. The Panel concluded that most of the polysaccharide gums are safe in the present practices of use and concentration in cosmetics, as described in this safety assessment, but that the available data are insufficient to make a determination that hydrolyzed carrageenan is safe under the intended conditions of use in cosmetics. The Panel was concerned about the presence of alkylating and other agents that are used to modify polysaccharide gums in cosmetics. Industry should use good manufacturing practices to limit impurities.
Use this, not that!
Products where you might find Carrageenan
Algenist Irish Moss Algae – Vitamin C + E Supplement
List of References
General sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/
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Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
