Carrageenan in Skin Care: What It Is & How It Works
Carrageenan is a processed ingredient derived from a type of red seaweed called Chondrus crispus, or “Irish moss.” It is found in a number of skin care and food products, though there is an important distinction between cosmetic-grade and food-grade carrageenan. Cosmetic-grade carrageenan is primarily used in skin care products for its ability to give formulations a smooth texture and stability, as well as hydrating the skin.
You will find this ingredient in everything from moisturizers and cleansers to shampoos and toothpastes. Learn more about what carrageenan is and its benefits and drawbacks when used in skin care.
This ingredient is commonly used to enhance the texture and stabilization of skin care formulations.
It also helps to add moisture to the skin.
It can clog pores and may cause redness or rashes in those with an allergy or sensitivity to this ingredient.
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What is carrageenan
What Is Carrageenan?
Carrageenan is a polysaccharide extracted from a type of red seaweed commonly known as Irish moss. This seaweed is harvested and then processed to extract carrageenan, which is used widely in both the food and skincare industries.
In skin care, carrageenan is widely-used as a thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer in products that need a smooth texture, such as moisturizers, gels, and serums, or to keep ingredients from separating. Additionally, carrageenan is hydrophilic, meaning it attracts water, so it can also help to hydrate the skin.
Active Compounds
Some of the key compounds that give this ingredient the ability to smooth skin care formulations and hydrate the skin include:
Sulfated polysaccharides. These sugar-based molecules have sulfate groups attached, which help carrageenan to bind water and form gels. This compound also contributes to the hydrating properties and textural stability of this ingredient.
Galactose residues. Galactose is a monosaccharide, or a simple sugar, and contributes to this ingredient’s hydrophilic nature by attracting and retaining moisture.
3,6-anhydro-D-galactose. This is also a sugar derivative that enhances the gel-forming ability and flexibility of carrageenan that helps to stabilize and thicken formulations.
Benefits of Carrageenan
Benefits
Carrageenan is often used in skin care products for these purposes:
Moisturization. Its water-binding properties help to improve skin hydration.
Improved texture and spreadability. This ingredient improves the viscosity and spreadability of skin care formulations, creating smooth formulations.
Stabilization. It also acts as an emulsifier, preventing the separation of ingredients in creams and lotions and enhancing product stability.
Drawbacks
Some people are allergic to carrageenan, which can result in redness, rashes, hives, and other signs of skin allergies. Carrageenan in skin care products may also contribute to breakouts, since it is considered a comedogenic ingredient.
Related: Carrageenan in Food Products
There has been a lot of hype lately about avoiding carrageenan in food products. Food-grade carrageenan is added to many different food products as a thickening and stabilizing agent. However, some studies have linked this ingredient to digestive issues, including inflammation, bloating, and irritable bowel syndrome. Concerns have also been raised about its potential to degrade into poligeenan, a substance associated with gastrointestinal problems and an increased risk of colon cancer (3).
While the FDA still maintains that carrageenan is generally recognized as safe (GRAS), people at a greater risk for GI issues or colon cancer may choose to avoid or limit this ingredient in food products.
When used in topical products, however, carrageenan does not come with these same risks.
Skin Care Products with Carrageenan
Carrageenan can be found in a wide variety of skin care and personal care products, but it is most commonly found in products aimed at adding hydration, like those shown below.
Bottom Line
Carrageenan is a multifunctional ingredient in skin care, offering benefits like improved texture and spreadability, stabilization, and moisturization. While concerns exist regarding its use in food products, this ingredient is generally considered safe and effective when used topically. If you have a carrageenan allergy or are prone to breakouts, however, this ingredient may not be right for you.
Be sure to find out your skin type before investing in skin care products so you can be sure they are a good match for your skin.
DQH Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
It’s easy to create a skincare routine, but knowing how to use it is another thing entirely. In most cases, if you’re not getting the desired skin results, it could be due to the layering of conflicting ingredients. So, is it possible that salicylic acid and vitamin C are such ingredients? Or are these active ingredients the duo that’s been missing from your skincare routine? If you want answers, stick around because today we are going to explain the benefits of salicylic acid and vitamin C and how they can be used in your daily life.
What are the benefits of salicylic acid for skin?
Salicylic acid is one of the most commonly used beta hydroxy acids and is favored by many people with oily, acne-prone skin. This acid is derived from willow bark, and unlike its water-soluble relatives (called alpha-hydroxy acids), salicylic acid is oil-soluble, which means it can penetrate deeper into the lower layers of the skin. Once it reaches the lower layers, it can help unclog pores of excess sebum, dirt, bacteria, debris, and impurities. This results in clearer skin tones and greater definition.
Not only does salicylic acid benefit the underlying layers, but the outer surface of the skin benefits as well. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid removes the buildup of dead skin cells. This is accomplished by breaking the bonds that hold dead cells to the surface. Over time, this can cause the complexion to look dull and prone to acne, blackheads, and other blemishes.
If you’d like to learn more about salicylic acid and how it can improve your skin, check out this dedicated blog post from a beauty insider.
What are the benefits of vitamin C for skin?
Vitamin C is considered one of the most powerful antioxidants, which means it is very effective at fighting free radicals and preventing them from causing further skin damage. Examples of free radicals include pollution, central heating, UV rays and harsh climate. They attack proteins, fats and cell membranes as soon as they come into contact with the skin, causing signs of premature aging such as fine lines and wrinkles as well as hyperpigmentation, flaky patches of skin and loss of elasticity.
Many people usually prefer to use vitamin C in their morning routine as this ingredient gives the complexion a radiant glow. You’ll also find that vitamin C can target areas of hyperpigmentation, plumping the skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The thing about vitamin C is that there are a lot of outdated studies going back to the 1950s that describe vitamin C as an unstable skin component. Thanks to improvements in modern technology, this is no longer the case as all products now contain a stable form of vitamin C.
Visit The Beauty Insider to learn more about vitamin C. So please check out our blog post.
Can I use salicylic acid first and then vitamin C?
Yes, you absolutely can. In fact, it’s thought that using salicylic acid before using vitamin C ensures it penetrates faster and works faster.
This is an efficient way to utilize two power sources, and the reason has to do with pH. For example, the skin’s natural pH is about 4.7, making it slightly acidic. Salicylic acid and vitamin C are also both acidic, and you’ll find that vitamin C is absorbed quickly into the skin. Therefore, using salicylic acid beforehand can increase the acidity of the skin and allow vitamin C to penetrate into the skin faster.
While this is considered an effective way to combine two powerful ingredients, you need to be aware of your skin type and how it reacts to certain active ingredients. Even people with perfect, normal skin can experience skin sensitivity and irritation. Therefore, always consult a doctor or dermatologist before using any new products on your skin.
It’s also important to follow skin application rules. In this case, you need to use the product correctly to ensure you get the best results for your skin. If you’re not sure what I mean, the basic rule for skin is to start with the thinnest consistency and work your way up to the thickest consistency. This prevents a barrier from forming on the surface, preventing other active ingredients from penetrating the skin.
Can I use salicylic acid at night and vitamin C in the morning?
Yes, absolutely, this is considered the most effective way to get returns without any adverse side effects. This is because there is enough time between applications to ensure that the skin’s pH levels return to balance.
You’ll also find that Vitamin C is rich in antioxidants and is perfect for use in the morning to ensure your skin is protected and looking its healthiest. Due to the small size of salicylic acid molecules, it is an acid that is able to reach the deepest parts of the skin. While this is effective at keeping skin clear, it also increases the risk of irritation and photosensitivity. Therefore, many people prefer to use powerful BHAs in their evening routine without exposure to UV rays, pollution, or harsh weather.
Warning: If you avoid using sunscreen every day, none of these ingredients will do what your skin needs. The combination of chemical peels and powerful ingredients increases the risk of further damage to the skin’s surface. Use SPF 50 every day to keep your skin protected and your lipid barrier healthy, even on cloudy days, keeping your skin in top condition.
