Potassium Carrageenan is the potassium salt of carrageenan, a sulfated polysaccharide derived from selected red seaweed species. It is used in cosmetic formulations as a binding, emulsion-stabilizing, film-forming and viscosity-controlling ingredient. COSMILE Europe identifies Potassium Carrageenan as a carrageenan-based ingredient and lists these cosmetic functions.
Carrageenan is a polysaccharide obtained from red algae. In Potassium Carrageenan, potassium is present as the associated cation of the carrageenan salt. This gives the material different ionic characteristics from other carrageenan salt forms.
Potassium Carrageenan can increase or modify the viscosity of suitable aqueous cosmetic formulations. Its rheological performance depends on concentration, molecular weight, ionic environment, temperature, pH and the specific grade.
Potassium Carrageenan can support emulsion stability by modifying the aqueous phase and increasing formulation consistency. It is recognized as an emulsion-stabilising cosmetic ingredient.
Potassium Carrageenan can form a continuous film on skin, hair and nails, making it useful in formulations where film-forming properties are desired.
Potassium Carrageenan can contribute to the cohesion of powdered cosmetic systems and is classified as a binding ingredient in cosmetic databases.
Potassium Carrageenan can be evaluated in creams, lotions, masks, gels and other skin-care formulations where viscosity control, film formation or stabilization is required.
Potassium Carrageenan can be used in selected shampoos, conditioners and other hair-care formulations. Its viscosity-controlling and film-forming characteristics can contribute to product texture and formulation stability.
Depending on the grade and formulation conditions, Potassium Carrageenan can contribute to viscosity and gel structure. The final rheological properties depend on the carrageenan composition and ionic environment.
Potassium Carrageenan is the potassium salt of carrageenan, whereas Sodium Carrageenan is the sodium salt. Both are carrageenan-derived ingredients, but their ionic form can influence hydration, viscosity and formulation behavior.
Kappa Carrageenan describes a particular structural type of carrageenan, while Potassium Carrageenan describes the potassium salt form. These terms should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.
A potassium salt can be associated with different carrageenan compositions, and the exact functional properties depend on the commercial material.
Potassium Carrageenan is a polymeric sulfated polysaccharide and does not have one fixed molecular weight or universal viscosity specification applicable to every commercial grade.
Important quality parameters can include viscosity, moisture, sulfate content, ash, pH, molecular-weight characteristics, solubility and microbiological quality.
For commercial cosmetic use, the exact numerical limits should be taken from the relevant product TDS and COA.
Potassium Carrageenan can be evaluated in:
Potassium Carrageenan is the potassium salt of carrageenan, a sulfated polysaccharide derived from red seaweed.
The CAS number is 64366-24-1. FDA identifies this substance as “Carrageenan, Potassium Salt Of,” with Potassium Carrageenan and Carrageenan, Potassium Salt as synonyms.
The INCI name is POTASSIUM CARRAGEENAN.
Its carrageenan component is derived from red algae, while Potassium Carrageenan specifically represents the potassium salt form.
It is used for binding, emulsion stabilization, film formation and viscosity control.
Yes. It can modify and increase viscosity in suitable cosmetic formulations.
Yes. Cosmetic ingredient references identify film forming as one of its functions.
Yes. It is recognized as an emulsion-stabilizing ingredient in cosmetic applications.
Potassium Carrageenan is the potassium salt of carrageenan, while Sodium Carrageenan is the sodium salt. Their different counterions can influence formulation behavior.
Potassium Carrageenan identifies the salt form, whereas Kappa Carrageenan identifies a structural type of carrageenan.
No. It is a polymeric polysaccharide and its molecular characteristics vary according to source, composition and commercial grade.
Important parameters include viscosity, moisture, sulfate content, ash, pH, solubility, molecular-weight characteristics and microbiological quality.
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |