Categories: Marine Plant Extracts, Emulsifiers
Agar Skincare Benefits:
Moisturizing
Agar is a polysaccharide ingredient obtained from seaweed or algae, particularly red algae (Gelidium). This biologically active ingredient, found mostly in Asia and Africa, is a complex carbohydrate that consists of mainly galactose residues. Agar’s jellified texture is highly beneficial in cosmeceutical product development. 1
Similar to carrageenan, agar’s high concentration of galactose residues works as a good emulsifier for formulas that contain ingredients with different solubility. This helps to stabilize moisturizing products, such as lotions and creams, as well as add thickness in order to provide a smoother, creamier texture. Furthermore, as a derivative of marine algae, agar is speculated to provide improved moisture-retention, which may help to reduce skin dryness. For this reason, agar is the ideal skincare ingredient to add to moisturizing products. 1 2 3
- Berardesca, E. et al. An effective night slimming topical treatment. International Journal of Cosmetic Science 34, 263–272 (2012)
- Salvador, A. et al. Analysis of cosmetic products. Elsevier (2011)
- Kim, H. et al. Preventive effect of fermented Gelidium amansii and Cirsium japonicum extract mixture against UVB-induced skin photoaging in hairless mice." Food Science and Biotechnology 23.2, 623-631 (2014)