Name

Carrageenan

Generally safe as used

Description

Carrageenan is typically extracted from species of sea moss in the Rhodophyceae family. It is used as a thickener in foods, cosmetics, and other consumables.

Benefits

Thickening and emulsifying properties.

Considerations

• Degraded carrageenan or poligeenan has been found to cause lesions in laboratory animals. This type of carrageenan is not commonly used in food or cosmetics, nor is it a common contaminant in carrageenan.

Synonyms

Irish Moss Extract Irish Moss Chondrus crispus Carrageenin Carageenan Gum Marine Colloid Chondrus Extract

Research Sources

https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/substance/476038364 https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/plpogu092014slr.pdf

Summary

Safe when used topically. Incidental ingestion from a toothpaste is likely safe as well.