Potassium Alginate is the potassium salt of alginic acid, a naturally derived polysaccharide obtained from certain brown seaweeds. It is a water-compatible hydrocolloid used in cosmetic formulations for binding, emulsion stabilization and viscosity control. The cosmetic ingredient name is POTASSIUM ALGINATE.
Potassium Alginate is produced by converting purified alginic acid into its potassium salt. Alginate is a linear copolymer consisting mainly of mannuronic acid and guluronic acid units. The ratio and sequence of these units can vary according to the seaweed source and manufacturing process.
Potassium Alginate hydrates in water and produces a viscous colloidal solution. This makes it useful for controlling the thickness and consistency of suitable aqueous cosmetic formulations. Its viscosity depends on concentration, molecular weight, temperature, pH and ionic conditions.
Potassium Alginate can support emulsion stability by modifying the aqueous phase and increasing formulation consistency. It is recognized in cosmetic ingredient references for emulsion-stabilising functionality.
Potassium Alginate can contribute binding and cohesion in suitable cosmetic preparations. Cosmetic ingredient references classify it as a binding ingredient.
Potassium Alginate can be evaluated in creams, lotions, masks, gels and other skin-care formulations where viscosity modification, binding or emulsion stabilization is required.
Potassium Alginate can also be evaluated in shampoos, conditioners and other hair-care products where controlled viscosity and aqueous-phase stability are important.
Alginate polymers can interact with formulation conditions to influence viscosity and gel structure. The final performance depends on molecular characteristics, concentration and the presence of other ions or polymers.
Both are salts of alginic acid. Potassium Alginate contains potassium as the counterion, whereas Sodium Alginate contains sodium. Their ionic form can influence hydration and formulation behavior.
Potassium Alginate is derived from brown seaweed alginic acid, while Carrageenan is a sulfated polysaccharide derived from selected red seaweeds. They are different polysaccharide families and should not be treated as interchangeable ingredients.
Potassium Alginate is a polymeric material and therefore does not have one fixed molecular weight. JECFA reports a typical average macromolecular molecular-weight range of 10,000–600,000, while the structural-unit theoretical formula weight is 214.22 and the actual average is reported as 238.
Potassium Alginate dissolves slowly in water to form a viscous solution and is insoluble in ethanol and ether according to the JECFA specification.
Potassium Alginate can be evaluated in:
Potassium Alginate is the potassium salt of alginic acid, a polysaccharide obtained from certain brown seaweeds.
The CAS number is 9005-36-1.
The INCI name is POTASSIUM ALGINATE.
The polymeric formula is (C₆H₇KO₆)ₙ.
Yes. It is obtained from alginic acid associated with certain brown algae.
Yes. It can control viscosity and forms a viscous colloidal solution when dissolved in water.
Yes. It is recognized for emulsion-stabilising functionality in cosmetic applications.
Yes. Cosmetic ingredient references identify binding as one of its functions.
Potassium Alginate is a polymer, so it does not have one fixed molecular weight. JECFA reports a typical average macromolecular range of 10,000–600,000.
Potassium Alginate is the potassium salt of alginic acid, while Sodium Alginate is the sodium salt. Their counterions are different.
Important parameters include assay, viscosity, moisture, ash, pH, molecular-weight characteristics, solubility and microbiological quality.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |