Sodium Carrageenan

Sodium Carrageenan molecular structure
molecular structure · PubChem
AKA: Irish Moss Extract
Synthetic
Occlusive
Emulsifier
Marine
Clean
Carrageenan, sodium salt
CAS #
9061-82-9, 60616-95-7
Functions
Antistatic
Binding
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Film Forming
Creates a physical seal on skin to lock moisture in and keep irritants out. The "slugging" ingredient — barrier protection.
Viscosity Controlling
Anti-Inflammatory
Antimicrobial
Fights Acne
Traditional Use
Extracted from red seaweed (Chondrus crispus and related species) harvested off the Irish coast since the 16th century for food and textile uses. Adopted in modern cosmetics in the 20th century as a thickener and gelling agent.
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 Status
USA✔ permitted
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
General
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
The paper trail
🔬Peer-reviewednone on file
⚖️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