Jedwards now offers bulk Carrageenan – Iota, sku# P4700-C1!
Many subscribers may be wondering what purpose this unique raw material provides and how can it serve YOU? Continue to find out!
Carrageenan – Iota (INCI Name: Carrageenan) is a natural gel-forming additive that is derived from the seaweed known as Eucheuma denticulatum (prev. known as Eucheuma spinosum).
An edible member of the red algae family, it is related to Irish Moss and can be found in a variety of shades including brown, green & red.
The Carrageenan – Iota is a highly soluble powder, ranging in color from cream to pure white. Compared to other Carrageenan extracts on the market, Carrageenan – Iota forms particularly elastic gels, and is superior in stability than other varieties such as Carrageenan – Kappa.
Carrageenan serves as a vegan suspending agent, commonly used in dairy-free milk alternatives such as coconut, almond, and soy. Unlike cow’s milk, which contains natural fats that contribute to its thickness, dairy-free milk lacks this component. Carrageenan helps compensate for this by improving texture without impacting the overall organoleptic profile, attributable to its generally indistinguishable taste & aroma. Carrageenan is a common material procured for the dairy product industry, impacting viscosity and consistency in everyday items such as ice-cream and cream cheese. It is often found on labels of ready-to-mix powders & beverages, such as protein shakes and grab & go replacement meals.
The red seaweeds Carrageenan is derived from have been used for centuries in Europe & Asia in food, personal-care and cosmetic, & farming applications. Irish moss (Carrageenan – Chondrus crispus) was once used to make a pudding served as a traditional Irish remedy!
Carrageenan – Iota is advantageous in the cosmetic industry for its rare privilege of serving a necessary function while also carrying a positive reputation. As a derivative of seaweed, it’s been marketed in the cosmetic industry for quite some time as a vital element in products intended for daily skincare regimens.
Due to its composition, carrageenan promotes stabilization of oil-in-water emulsions – topical creams, lotions, & serums to name a few. It is beloved as a hydrating agent and has the unique ability to yield a thin, uniform layer when applied to the skin or hair.
Carrageen helps create a flexible film while preventing solutions from cracking, such as in facial masks, mascara, and foundation. For the same functionality, it is beneficial in hair-gel & leave-in conditioners which might otherwise leave unpleasant “dandruff” appearance once dried. In sunscreen formulations, it improves its ease of gliding onto the skin and is valued for its role in adhesion. This is positive news for parents chasing their kids around the beach to reapply!
With much respect to its unique ability to create elastic gels, improve texture and stabilize emulsions, Carrageenan – Iota is loved by R&D teams, skin-care enthusiasts, & those who embrace a natural, holistic lifestyle. As a vegan, plant-based ingredient, it offers a sustainable alternative in both food and beauty products, yet adds great value to non-vegan products as well. Seaweed, the source of Carrageenan – Iota, requires no land, fresh water, or fertilizers to grow, making it a highly sustainable crop with minimal environmental impact. Its cultivation helps preserve marine ecosystems, reduce ocean acidification, and can even contribute to carbon sequestration. Whether for food or beauty, Carrageenan – Iota delivers reliable performance, while meeting the increasingly urgent demand for environmentally sustainable materials. Carrageenan – Iota is well-positioned to be a key player in the future of both the food and cosmetic industries.
