Hydrolyzed Algin is a hydrolysate of algin produced by acid, enzymatic or other hydrolysis processes. Algin is a marine-derived polysaccharide associated with brown seaweed. Hydrolysis breaks the larger polymer into smaller molecular fractions, creating a material with different solubility and formulation characteristics from native algin. The Korean Cosmetic Association defines Hydrolyzed Algin as the hydrolysate of algin obtained through acid, enzyme or other hydrolysis methods.
Hydrolyzed Algin is primarily recognized as a hair-conditioning ingredient. COSMILE Europe states that it helps leave hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and can impart volume.
The hydrolyzed form can be incorporated into cosmetic formulations where a lower-molecular-size algin-derived material is desired. The exact molecular-weight distribution depends on the hydrolysis process and raw material.
Hydrolyzed Algin is particularly relevant to shampoos, conditioners, hair masks, treatments and other hair-care products. Its recognized cosmetic function is hair conditioning, supporting the sensory properties and manageability of treated hair.
Hydrolyzed Algin may also be incorporated into selected skin-care formulations. Commercial materials based on Hydrolyzed Algin are marketed for conditioning, moisturizing and sensory applications, although these additional properties are formulation- and grade-dependent rather than universal characteristics of every Hydrolyzed Algin raw material.
Native Algin is a high-molecular-weight algin material, while Hydrolyzed Algin is produced by breaking down algin through hydrolysis. This process can change molecular-weight distribution, viscosity, solubility and handling characteristics.
Therefore, Hydrolyzed Algin should be treated as a separate cosmetic ingredient identity rather than simply using the specifications of conventional Algin.
Sodium Alginate is a salt of alginic acid and has the INCI name Algin in cosmetic nomenclature. Hydrolyzed Algin is the hydrolysate of algin and has its own INCI identity. The two materials should not be assigned the same specification profile.
Hydrolyzed Algin is a polymer hydrolysate rather than a single defined small molecule. Consequently, properties such as molecular-weight distribution, viscosity, moisture, ash and solubility can vary according to the manufacturing process and commercial grade.
A universal molecular formula, molecular weight or viscosity value should therefore not be assigned without the specific manufacturer's technical specification.
Hydrolyzed Algin can be evaluated in:
Hydrolyzed Algin is the hydrolysate of algin obtained through acid, enzymatic or other hydrolysis methods.
The CAS number is 73049-73-7.
The INCI name is HYDROLYZED ALGIN.
Its officially listed cosmetic function is hair conditioning.
Algin is a marine polysaccharide associated with brown seaweed, and Hydrolyzed Algin is produced from algin through hydrolysis.
Hydrolyzed Algin is produced by breaking down algin through hydrolysis, resulting in a different molecular-weight distribution and different formulation characteristics.
Yes. COSMILE Europe lists hair conditioning as its cosmetic function.
No. As a hydrolysate of a polymeric material, its molecular-weight distribution depends on the starting material and hydrolysis process.
No. A single fixed molecular formula is not appropriate for the polymeric hydrolysate.
Important grade-specific parameters can include appearance, pH, moisture, ash, viscosity, solubility, molecular-weight distribution and microbiological quality.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |