Carrageenan is a sulfated polysaccharide derived from red seaweed used in skincare as a thickening, gelling, and stabilizing agent. It forms a hydrating film on the skin and helps stabilize emulsions and suspensions.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Skin irritation | Rare | Mild irritation possible in sensitive individuals, generally low risk topically. |
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Very rare | Isolated case reports of sensitization. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.