Potassium Alginate
AKA: Potassium salt of alginic acid, Kelp extract potassium salt
Synthetic
Emulsifier
Marine
Clean
Alginic acid, potassium salt
CAS #
9005-36-1
Form
Powder
Functions
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Viscosity Controlling
Holds Formula Together
Stabilizes Emulsion
Controls Viscosity
Holds ingredients together
Keeps product blended
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
A modern ingredient derived from brown seaweed, developed in the 20th century as a thickening and gelling agent. No significant traditional use; seaweed itself has been used in Asian skincare for centuries, but potassium alginate is a refined, synthetic derivative.
EWG
1
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 2%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 680).
Regulatory Agencies
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewed1 paper →
⚖️Regulatory1 listing →
🛡️Safety-assessed2 reviews →
Counts, not a verdict. A listing isn't a study. The trail, you decide.
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR