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Moumoujus

TEA-ALGINATE.

Optional / BINDING, EMULSION STABILISING, VISCOSITY CONTROLLING

TEA-ALGINATE is a salt of alginic acid, a natural polymer derived from brown algae. It is primarily utilized in cosmetic formulations as a versatile agent to control viscosity, stabilize emulsions, and enhance product texture, with indirect benefits to skin hydration.

Summary

binding emulsion stabilizing viscosity controlling gelling film-forming

Science

Mechanism of Action

As an alginate, TEA-ALGINATE forms a three-dimensional gel network upon coordination with divalent cations like calcium ions. This network provides binding, emulsion stabilizing, and viscosity controlling properties, allowing for precise adjustment of product consistency. Its film-forming capabilities can establish a protective barrier on the skin, indirectly contributing to moisture retention and improved hydration.

Research

Clinical Evidence

Insufficient-data confidence
Effective range N/A
Optimal

N/A

Transparency

Dusting Analysis

Not commonly dusted

The Formula

Formulation

Solubility
Water
Optimal pH 6 – 8.5
0 7 14

Stability

Optimal solubility and viscosity stability for alginates are generally observed within a pH range of 6.0 to 8.5 for a 1% solution. Very low pH levels can lead to the precipitation of alginate chains, compromising product stability. Both ionic strength and temperature also influence alginate solubility, viscosity, and its ability to form gels.

Synergies

  • Divalent cations (e.g., calcium ions) for gel formation

Conflicts

  • Low pH (causes precipitation below 6.0)
  • Nitrosating agents (potential for nitrosamine formation with TEA component)
  • Sodium chloride (does not promote gel formation, requires divalent cations)

Safety

Safety Profile

CIR Status
Not reviewed
Sensitization risk Unknown

TEA-ALGINATE has been assessed by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and is subject to specific restrictions under Annex III of the EC Cosmetics Regulation. These restrictions ensure safe use by addressing purity criteria and setting maximum concentration limits, particularly to minimize the potential for nitrosamine formation when the triethanolamine (TEA) component reacts with nitrosating agents. While a specific FDA approval for TEA-ALGINATE is not cited, sodium alginate, a fundamental component, is recognized as Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS) for use in food and cosmetics.

Your Skin

Skin Compatibility

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

Our Assessment

Verdict

Optional

TEA-ALGINATE is a functional ingredient valuable for enhancing product stability and texture, offering indirect hydration benefits, but its use requires meticulous formulation to mitigate the risk of nitrosamine formation associated with its TEA component.

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