Agar

Agar at a Glance

• Natural ingredient that serves as a thickener in skin care
• Composed of polysaccharides taken from the cell walls of some algae
• Also used in food as a vegan substitute for gelatin
• Ruled safe as used in cosmetics

Agar Description

Agar is a natural ingredient that serves as a thickening agent and emulsion stabilizer in cosmetics. It has a jelly-like texture and is composed of polysaccharides (agarose and agaropectin) taken from the cell walls of some types of red algae. It can work synergistically in combination with glycerin as a moisturizing agent.

In cooking, agar is used as a gelling agent, most often as a vegan substitute for gelatin. In scientific settings it is used as a base to grow bacteria and mold cultures for research.

The United States Food and Drug Administration has ruled agar safe in its use as a food additive, and the independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review board also deems agar safe as used in cosmetics applications.

Agar References