Get a Free 5ml Mini Now Free 5ml Mini With Every Order of The Mantle
Moumoujus

POTASSIUM UNDECYLENOYL CARRAGEENAN.

Insufficient Data CAS 224580-89-6 / EMULSION STABILISING, HAIR CONDITIONING, SKIN CONDITIONING

Potassium Undecylenoyl Carrageenan is a sophisticated polysaccharide derived from red seaweed, acting as a multifunctional ingredient in cosmetic formulations. It excels as a gelling and thickening agent, while simultaneously stabilizing emulsions and promoting skin hydration through film formation.

Summary

Emulsion Stabilising Film Forming Viscosity Controlling Binding

Science

Mechanism of Action

This ingredient functions by forming large, flexible polysaccharide molecules that spontaneously adopt helical structures, facilitating the creation of stable gels at ambient temperatures. In application, it forms a lightweight film on the skin, contributing to enhanced moisture retention and improving the spreadability of products. Within formulations, it plays a critical role in emulsification, ensuring the homogenous blending of oil and water phases, thereby preventing ingredient separation and refining overall product texture.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Low confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 3.5 – 6
0 7 14

Stability

Carrageenan solutions demonstrate general stability at pH levels above 6.0. Gels formed with this ingredient maintain their integrity within a pH range of 3.5 to 6.0. Exposure to highly acidic environments below pH 3.5 will lead to hydrolysis, compromising its structural stability and functionality.

Conflicts

  • Highly acidic environments (below pH 3.5) due to hydrolysis.
  • May require co-formulation with phosphates (e.g., tetra-sodium pyrophosphate) to thicken/gel effectively in cold milk solutions.

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Insufficient data
Sensitization risk Unknown

The Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel concluded that available data were insufficient to determine its safety under intended conditions of use, requesting further information to differentiate it from degraded carrageenan (poligeenan), which has demonstrated safety concerns in dietary studies. While food-grade carrageenan is listed as 'Generally Recognized as Safe' (GRAS) by the FDA and basic carrageenan salts are permitted in European cosmetics, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies native carrageenan as unclassifiable regarding human carcinogenicity, in contrast to degraded carrageenan, which is classified as possibly carcinogenic.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

Yes Normal
Yes Dry
No Oily
No Sensitive
Irritancy Unknown
Comedogenicity Unknown

Our Assessment

Verdict

Insufficient Data

While a valuable texturizer and emulsion stabilizer with film-forming properties suitable for normal and dry skin, its safety profile requires further data by the CIR to differentiate it from potentially concerning degraded forms.

Related

Similar Ingredients

Finding similar ingredients…