Kappa 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 iota and lambda carrageenan. Kappa Carrageenan is particularly recognized for its ability to provide thickening, viscosity modification and gel formation in suitable aqueous systems.
Kappa Carrageenan is primarily composed of repeating galactose-based units, with the characteristic kappa structure containing D-galactose-4-sulfate and 3,6-anhydro-D-galactose. JECFA describes predominantly kappa carrageenan by its formation of a short-textured or brittle gel in the potassium chloride identification test.
Kappa Carrageenan is a seaweed-derived hydrocolloid that interacts strongly with water and can increase viscosity in aqueous formulations. Its polymeric structure allows it to contribute to formulation consistency and texture.
Kappa Carrageenan can provide significant viscosity in water-containing systems. Its thickening performance depends on concentration, temperature, ionic environment, molecular characteristics and the specific commercial grade.
A key characteristic of Kappa Carrageenan is its ability to form a firm, relatively brittle gel under suitable conditions. Potassium ions can promote the characteristic gel structure of kappa carrageenan. JECFA uses the formation of a short-textured brittle gel after potassium chloride treatment as an identification characteristic for predominantly kappa carrageenan.
Kappa Carrageenan can be evaluated in creams, lotions, gels, masks, hair-care products and other personal-care formulations where viscosity control, thickening or gel formation is required.
Its performance can vary substantially with surfactants, salts, pH, temperature and other polymers present in the formulation.
Kappa Carrageenan can be incorporated into selected skin-care formulations such as creams, lotions, masks and gel systems where a seaweed-derived hydrocolloid is desired.
Kappa Carrageenan can be evaluated in shampoos, conditioners and other hair-care formulations where viscosity and aqueous-phase structure are important.
Kappa Carrageenan is particularly useful when a formulation requires a structured gel rather than only viscosity enhancement. The final gel characteristics depend on polymer concentration and the presence of suitable ions, particularly potassium.
The three principal carrageenan types have different structural and functional characteristics.
Kappa Carrageenan generally produces stronger and more brittle gels under suitable potassium-containing conditions.
Iota Carrageenan generally forms softer and more elastic gels, particularly in the presence of calcium ions.
Lambda Carrageenan primarily provides thickening and generally does not form a firm gel.
JECFA's identification procedure distinguishes the three types by their gel behavior after potassium chloride treatment: predominantly kappa gives a brittle gel, predominantly iota gives an elastic gel, and predominantly lambda does not gel.
Kappa 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 specifies general Carrageenan characteristics including loss on drying of 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 general Carrageenan specification values, not necessarily universal release specifications for every cosmetic-grade Kappa Carrageenan. The exact cosmetic grade should be controlled through its own TDS and COA.
Kappa Carrageenan can be evaluated in:
Kappa Carrageenan is a sulfated polysaccharide derived from red seaweed and is one of the three major commercial carrageenan types.
The broader Carrageenan material is identified by CAS 9000-07-1 in the JECFA specification. Specific kappa-rich commercial materials may have additional supplier-specific identification, so the exact SDS should be checked for a particular grade.
The cosmetic ingredient name is generally Carrageenan.
It is obtained from red seaweed and is therefore plant-derived. JECFA defines carrageenan as a hydrocolloid obtained from Rhodophyceae red seaweeds.
Yes. Carrageenan is used as a thickening material, and Kappa Carrageenan can increase viscosity in suitable aqueous systems.
Yes. Predominantly kappa carrageenan can form a short-textured, relatively brittle gel under suitable conditions, particularly in the presence of potassium ions.
Kappa Carrageenan is associated with gel formation, particularly with potassium ions, while Lambda Carrageenan primarily provides thickening and generally does not form a firm gel.
Kappa Carrageenan generally forms firmer and more brittle gels, while Iota Carrageenan generally forms softer and more elastic gels under suitable calcium-containing conditions.
It is obtained from selected red seaweed species. JECFA notes that processed Eucheuma cottonii provides kappa-carrageenan as its functional carrageenan component.
No. Carrageenan is a heterogeneous sulfated polysaccharide, so a single universal molecular formula and molecular weight cannot be assigned to every commercial grade.
Important parameters include viscosity, loss on drying, pH, sulfate content, total ash, acid-insoluble ash, acid-insoluble matter, gel strength, molecular characteristics and microbiological quality.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |