Propylene Glycol Alginate
A thickener from seaweed. It stabilizes the formula and gives a smooth gel texture. Well tolerated.
Supporting ingredient
It gives a product its texture, stability or shelf life. It has no claimed effect on the skin, so an efficacy tier does not apply. What is known about its safety is below
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Propylene Glycol Alginate is a thickener derived from brown-algae alginate, modified with propylene glycol. It raises viscosity, stabilises the formula and gives a smooth, pleasant gel texture. This is a functional texture ingredient, not a skincare active. It does not fix wrinkles or pigment; its role is to add body, suspend ingredients and improve how the product feels. A reliable thickener, useful in masks and gels too, with no claims beyond texture. Applied topically there is no meaningful systemic absorption, so it can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Tolerance is good: low irritation and allergy potential, compatible with sensitive skin. It is a marine-derived polymer, inert on the skin and without typical reactive groups, so reactions are uncommon.
Frequently asked questions
Is Propylene Glycol Alginate safe during pregnancy?
Propylene Glycol Alginate is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Propylene Glycol Alginate for?
Propylene Glycol Alginate suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Propylene Glycol Alginate and what does it do in cosmetics?
A thickener from seaweed.
What's the INCI name for Propylene Glycol Alginate?
The INCI name is Propylene Glycol Alginate.
See Propylene Glycol Alginate in a product composition right on the store page
The Evigrade extension adds an evidence panel to iHerb, Sephora, Druni and 12 more stores. This ingredient and every other one in the product show evidence-tier, allergen risk and pregnancy/lactation flags at a glance.
Similar role in the formula
Other functional ingredients
Propylene Glycol Laurate, Prunus Armeniaca Seed Powder, Pumice, PVM/MA Copolymer, Toluene, Cedrus Atlantica (Cedarwood) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate SE, PEG-120 Methyl Glucose Trioleate
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