Carrageenan
Also known as: Irish Moss Extract, Chondrus Extract
What is Carrageenan?
A family of sulfated polysaccharides extracted from red seaweeds, widely used as a gelling and thickening agent.
Why is it used in products?
It gives products a smooth, gel-like consistency and helps stabilize emulsions — it's the reason some creams feel so luxuriously thick.
Why does it clog pores?
Carrageenan forms a heavy, pore-sealing gel film on the skin surface that prevents sebum from flowing out of follicles. As a sulfated polysaccharide from seaweed, it also carries iodides that irritate pore walls. It's a sneaky pore-clogger because it's often listed as just a "thickener."
Commonly found in
- moisturizers
- toothpaste
- body lotions
- hair gels