Iota Carrageenan is a plant-derived sulfated polysaccharide obtained from selected red seaweed species belonging to the Rhodophyceae group. It is one of the three principal commercial carrageenan types, together with kappa and lambda carrageenan. Iota Carrageenan is particularly recognized for its thickening, viscosity-modifying and elastic gel-forming properties in suitable aqueous systems.
The characteristic structure of Iota Carrageenan contains repeating galactose-based units, including D-galactose-4-sulfate and 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose-2-sulfate. Its higher sulfate substitution compared with kappa carrageenan contributes to differences in hydration and gel behavior.
Iota Carrageenan is a seaweed-derived hydrocolloid that interacts with water and can increase viscosity in aqueous formulations. Its polymeric structure makes it useful for controlling formulation texture and consistency.
Iota Carrageenan can increase viscosity in suitable water-based systems. Its performance depends on concentration, temperature, ionic strength, pH, molecular characteristics and the specific commercial grade.
A major characteristic of Iota Carrageenan is its ability to form a soft, elastic and flexible gel under suitable conditions. Calcium ions can promote the characteristic gel structure of iota carrageenan.
Compared with kappa carrageenan, which generally produces a firmer and more brittle gel, Iota Carrageenan produces a softer and more elastic gel structure.
Iota Carrageenan can be evaluated in creams, lotions, gels, masks, shampoos, conditioners and other personal-care formulations where viscosity control, texture modification or elastic gel formation is required.
Its performance depends on the complete formulation, including surfactants, electrolytes, pH, temperature and other polymers.
Iota Carrageenan can be incorporated into selected skin-care products such as creams, lotions, masks and gel formulations where a seaweed-derived hydrocolloid is desired.
It can contribute to formulation consistency and rheological control.
Iota Carrageenan can be evaluated in shampoos, conditioners and other hair-care products where viscosity modification and aqueous-phase structure are important.
Iota Carrageenan is particularly useful when a formulation requires a soft and elastic gel structure. Calcium ions can influence gel formation and final texture.
The three principal carrageenan types have different structural and functional characteristics.
Iota Carrageenan generally forms soft, elastic gels, particularly under calcium-containing conditions.
Kappa Carrageenan generally forms stronger and more brittle gels, particularly in the presence of potassium ions.
Lambda Carrageenan primarily provides thickening and generally does not form a firm gel.
JECFA differentiates predominantly iota carrageenan from kappa and lambda carrageenan through its characteristic elastic gel response in the potassium chloride identification procedure.
Iota Carrageenan is a heterogeneous natural polysaccharide, so viscosity, sulfate content, molecular weight and gel strength can vary according to seaweed source, extraction process and commercial grade.
JECFA provides general Carrageenan specifications including loss on drying not more than 12%, pH 8–11 for a 1-in-100 suspension, viscosity not less than 5 cP at 75°C using a 1.5% solution, sulfate 15–40% on a dry-weight basis, total ash 15–40%, acid-insoluble ash not more than 1%, and acid-insoluble matter not more than 2%.
These are specifications for the broader Carrageenan category and should not automatically be treated as fixed release specifications for every cosmetic-grade Iota Carrageenan. Grade-specific TDS and COA should be used for commercial specifications.
Iota Carrageenan can be evaluated in:
Iota Carrageenan is a sulfated polysaccharide obtained from red seaweed and is one of the three major commercial carrageenan types.
The commonly listed specific CAS number for Iota Carrageenan is 9062-07-1.
The cosmetic ingredient name is generally Carrageenan.
It is obtained from red seaweed and is therefore plant-derived.
Yes. Iota Carrageenan can increase viscosity in suitable aqueous systems.
Yes. Iota Carrageenan can form a soft and elastic gel, particularly in the presence of calcium ions.
Iota Carrageenan generally produces a softer and more elastic gel, whereas Kappa Carrageenan generally produces a firmer and more brittle gel.
Iota Carrageenan can form elastic gels under suitable conditions, whereas Lambda Carrageenan primarily provides thickening and generally does not form a firm gel.
Iota Carrageenan is obtained from selected red seaweed species.
No. It is a heterogeneous sulfated polysaccharide, so its molecular characteristics vary according to grade and source.
Important parameters include viscosity, moisture, pH, sulfate content, ash, acid-insoluble matter, gel strength, molecular characteristics and microbiological quality.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |