What is red seaweed?
Chondrus crispus, often called Irish moss, is a red seaweed from North Atlantic shores. It is a classic source of carrageenans, the gelling polysaccharides also used in foods.
What it does for skin
Carrageenans thicken and gel water-based formulas and form thin, water-soluble films on the skin that help reduce moisture loss. Some carrageenans also show antioxidant activity in the laboratory.
What the research shows
The same 2018 seaweed review describes red-algae carrageenans as gelling agents and thickeners that form water-soluble films, and seaweed polysaccharides generally as humectants. In its comparison of seaweed polysaccharides, lambda-carrageenan was among the strongest antioxidants.
These findings come mostly from laboratory work rather than human trials.
In DermaGlass®
Chondrus crispus is listed 9th of 21 ingredients and is one of the two marine extracts in DermaGlass®.
See the full DermaGlass® ingredient list or how to use the mask.
Safety
Red-seaweed extracts are generally well tolerated in cosmetics.
Questions
What is Chondrus crispus?
A red seaweed, commonly called Irish moss, and a natural source of carrageenan.
Why is seaweed in a face mask?
Seaweed polysaccharides help skin hold moisture and give the serum a cushioned, film-forming texture.
Sources
General information, not medical advice. Read our terms.