Polysaccharides released by the freshwater microorganism Aphanothece sacrum, used as a film former and thickener.
What it is
Aphanothece sacrum exopolysaccharides are, according to CosIng, the exopolysaccharides isolated from Aphanothece sacrum, which CosIng describes as an alga; it is a freshwater cyanobacterium. Exopolysaccharides are polysaccharides that microorganisms release into their surroundings. CosIng lists them as an absorbent, emulsion-stabilising, film-forming and viscosity-controlling ingredient.
Where it is used
Appears on the ingredient lists of a small number of products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
Functions
- Absorbent
- Taking up water- and/or oil-soluble (dissolved or finely dispersed) substances.
- Emulsion stabilising
- Helping the process of emulsification and improving emulsion stability and shelf-life.
- Film forming
- Producing (upon application) a continuous film on the skin, hair or nails.
- Viscosity controlling
- Increasing or decreasing the viscosity (thickness) of cosmetics.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.