Marine Products
Carrageenan
Carrageenan is used for its emulsifying and suspending properties in cosmetics especially for skin-care products. Use of Carrageenan in skin-care products makes it organic without compromising on the overall effectiveness of the product.
Chitin and Chitosan
Chitin, Chitosan and their derivatives have multiple uses in three areas of cosmetics: haircare, skin care and oral care.
♦ Hair Care
Chitosan and hair carry opposite electrical charges – Chitosan positive and hair negative. Therefore, they are extensively used to produce hair care products such as shampoos, rinses, permanent wave agents, hair colourants, styling lotions, hair sprays and hair tonics.
• Chitosan forms a clear, elastic film on hair, increasing its softness and mechanical strength.
• Chitosan forms a gel when added to mixtures of alcohol and water.
• Chitosan as an antistatic protects hair from waxing and bleaching agents.
• Chitosan helps in retaining moisture irrespective of the humidity levels.
• Chitosan derivatives aid in creating foaming and emulsifying action.
• Chitin powder finds direct application in shampoo.
♦ Skin Care
Chitosan’s positive electrical charge, and high molecular weights of most chitosan products do not permit skin penetration. Thus, making Chitosan a good ingredient in skin moisturizer.
Owing to its low costs, it can be an alternative to hyaluronic acid. Chitosan and chitin can be found in creams, pack material, lotions, nail enamel, foundation, eye shadow, lipstick, cleansing materials and bath agents.