Carrageenan
What Carrageenan is & what it does
A seaweed-derived gelling agent that thickens and stabilizes formulas and adds a smooth, cushiony body. It also offers light hydrating, film-forming benefits.
Is Carrageenan safe in skincare?
Carrageenan is a widely used seaweed-derived thickener and is generally regarded as safe for use in topical cosmetics at typical levels. Most of the concerns raised about carrageenan relate to ingested forms, not skin application. As with any ingredient, those with sensitive skin can patch test first.
What does Carrageenan do in skincare?
Carrageenan is used as a thickener, gelling agent, and stabilizer. It helps give creams and gels their texture and keeps the formula from separating. It can also provide a smooth, cushiony feel on application.
Is Carrageenan natural or synthetic?
Carrageenan is natural in origin, extracted from certain species of red seaweed. It is purified for cosmetic and food use but starts from a marine plant source. This also makes it plant-based rather than animal-derived.
Sunscreens with Carrageenan
We rate 34 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:
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Eucerin Sensitive Protect Face Sun Cream SPF50+
94/100
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Eucerin Sun Protection Sensitive Protect Crème SPF 50+
94/100
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Eucerin Sensitive Protect Face Sun Creme SPF 50+
94/100
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Eucerin Photoaging Control Face Sun Fluid SPF 50+ (2023)
91/100
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Eucerin Dermopure Post-acne Marks Protective Fluid SPF 30
90/100
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Eucerin Sun Oil Control Sun Cream SPF50+ (EU Version)
90/100
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Eucerin Oil Control Face Sun Gel-creme SPF30
90/100
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Eucerin Dermopure Protective Fluid SPF 30
90/100
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Eucerin Oil Control Sun Gel-cream Dry Touch SPF 50+ (2022)
90/100
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Eucerin Sun Gel-creme Oil Control Dry Touch SPF 50+
90/100