Ammonium Alginate is the ammonium salt of alginic acid, a polysaccharide obtained from certain brown seaweeds. It is a polymeric hydrocolloid used in cosmetic formulations for binding, emulsion stabilization, film formation and viscosity control. COSMILE Europe recognizes Ammonium Alginate under these four cosmetic functions.
Alginic acid is a polysaccharide associated with brown algae and consists mainly of mannuronic acid and guluronic acid residues. Ammonium Alginate is produced by converting alginic acid into its ammonium salt.
The polymeric structure means that the exact molecular characteristics can vary according to the source of algin, processing conditions and commercial grade.
Ammonium Alginate can hydrate in water and produce a viscous solution. This makes it useful for controlling the consistency and rheological characteristics of suitable cosmetic formulations.
Its viscosity depends on concentration, molecular-weight distribution, temperature, pH and the presence of other formulation ingredients.
Ammonium Alginate can support emulsion formation and formulation stability by modifying the aqueous phase. It is classified by COSMILE Europe as an emulsion-stabilising cosmetic ingredient.
Ammonium Alginate can form a continuous film on skin, hair or nails. Film-forming functionality can be useful in cosmetic formulations where a polymeric surface film is desired.
Ammonium Alginate is classified as a binding ingredient in cosmetic applications. It can contribute to cohesion in suitable cosmetic systems.
Ammonium Alginate can be evaluated in creams, lotions, gels, masks and other formulations where viscosity control, film formation or stabilization is required.
Its film-forming and viscosity-controlling characteristics make Ammonium Alginate suitable for evaluation in selected shampoos, conditioners and other hair-care formulations.
Both are salts of alginic acid, but their counterions are different. Ammonium Alginate contains ammonium, whereas Sodium Alginate contains sodium. Their ionic form can affect hydration, viscosity and formulation behavior.
Ammonium Alginate and Potassium Alginate are both salts of alginic acid. Potassium Alginate contains potassium as its counterion, while Ammonium Alginate contains ammonium. Both can form viscous aqueous systems, but their exact formulation performance is grade-dependent.
Calcium Alginate is substantially insoluble in water, while Ammonium Alginate dissolves slowly in water to form a viscous solution according to the JECFA specification.
Ammonium Alginate is a polymeric material and does not have one fixed molecular weight. JECFA reports a typical average macromolecular molecular-weight range of 10,000–600,000. The theoretical structural-unit formula weight is 193.16, with an actual average of 217.
JECFA describes Ammonium Alginate as slowly soluble in water, forming a viscous solution, and insoluble in ethanol and ether.
Ammonium Alginate can be evaluated in:
Ammonium Alginate is the ammonium salt of alginic acid, a polysaccharide obtained from certain brown seaweeds.
The CAS number is 9005-34-9.
The INCI name is AMMONIUM ALGINATE.
The polymeric formula is (C₆H₁₁NO₆)ₙ.
Yes. Alginic acid is obtained from certain brown seaweeds, and Ammonium Alginate is its ammonium salt.
It dissolves slowly in water and forms a viscous solution. It is insoluble in ethanol and ether according to JECFA.
Yes. JECFA identifies Ammonium Alginate as a stabilizer, thickener, gelling agent and emulsifier, while COSMILE Europe identifies viscosity controlling as a cosmetic function.
Yes. COSMILE Europe identifies film forming as one of its cosmetic functions.
Yes. It is listed as an emulsion-stabilising cosmetic ingredient.
Ammonium Alginate is polymeric. JECFA reports a typical average macromolecular molecular-weight range of 10,000–600,000.
Important parameters include assay, moisture, ash, molecular-weight characteristics, solubility, pH, viscosity and microbiological quality.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |