Cargill Beauty has added Satiagel VPC614 to its range. This is a naturally derived, fully biodegradable kappa carrageenan from red seaweed
Cargill Beauty has added Satiagel VPC614 to its range. This is a naturally derived, fully biodegradable kappa carrageenan from red seaweed. It is specifically suited for high gelling applications and solid formulations and can be blended with existing iota and lambda grades.
Kappa carrageenan is a gelling agent with one sulfate unit for two sugar units. It forms an ecliptic, three-dimensional network when dispersed in water at 60-70°C. When the sulfate groups are partly neutralised by adding salt, its double helixes cluster and form aggregates that create strong, brittle gels with a short texture. These gels are thermo-reversible and do not exhibit thixotropic behaviour.
Although carrageenans are all linear sulfated polysaccharides and share the same INCI name, the three main types “bring unique texturising qualities, determined by their distinct molecular structure”, Cargill said. They can be formulated into serums, emulsions, creams, lotions, bodywashes, shampoos and hair-styling gels, as well as toothpaste and mouthwash.
The company’s formulation team has crafted a series of prototypes using blends of all three types to showcase what they offer. These comprise “creams that feel like a cushion to the finger but melt when spread on the skin; solid, transparent shower jellies that melt on the skin when exposed to hot water; and smooth, pumpable serums with easily breakable structures for a fresh, watery application”.
