Potassium Undecylenoyl Carrageenan
AKA “Carrageenan Surfactant
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Potassium undecylenoyl carrageenan
AKA: Carrageenan Surfactant
Synthetic · Emulsion Stabilising · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Emulsifier
Skin Conditioner
Hair Care
Marine
Synthetic
Clean
A natural conditioner derived from seaweed that smooths hair, softens skin, and helps keep product textures stable and creamy.
CAS #
224580-89-6
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Emulsion Stabilising
Forces oil and water to stay mixed instead of separating into layers. The unsung hero holding your lotion together.
Hair Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks in moisture
Traditional Use
A modern cosmetic ingredient combining undecylenic acid with carrageenan (a red seaweed extract used historically as a thickener). This synthetic hybrid was developed to provide both antimicrobial and texture-enhancing properties in contemporary formulations.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
General
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 2%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 680).
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR