The calcium salt of alginic acid, used to control viscosity.
What it is
Calcium alginate is the calcium salt of alginic acid, a polysaccharide obtained from brown seaweeds. Unlike sodium alginate, it forms a gel in the presence of calcium. CosIng lists it as a fragrance and viscosity-controlling ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in peel-off and alginate face masks, gels and other products where a gel texture is wanted.
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.
The INCI name does not reveal which seaweed species the alginic acid came from.
Functions
- Fragrance
- Imparting an odour or taste. Creating a perceivable pleasant smell and/or masking a bad smell.
- 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.