Encyclopedia

Gelling Agents

6 gelling agent ingredients explained in plain English.

Agar Agar Gelidium Cartilagineum Extract Seaweed-derived vegan gelatin. Forms firm, brittle gels in masks, jellies, and novelty cosmetics. 0.5-3% Carrageenan Carrageenan/Chondrus Crispus Extract Red-seaweed polysaccharide available in three types (iota, kappa, lambda) for soft gels, firm gels, or smooth thickening. 0.5-2% Gellan Gum Gellan Gum Fermented polysaccharide gelling agent in two forms: high-acyl (soft, elastic) and low-acyl (firm, brittle, crystal-clear). 0.2-1% Konjac Glucomannan Amorphophallus Konjac Root Extract/Glucomannan Plant-derived polysaccharide from konjac root. Forms soft, springy gels for face masks, cleansing sponges, and hydrating formulas. 1-3% Pectin Pectin Fruit-derived polysaccharide gel. Sets with calcium or sugar. Soft natural gels for masks and balms. 0.5-3% Sodium Alginate Sodium Alginate Seaweed-derived gelling agent that forms cold-process gels, stabilizes bath bombs, and thickens water-based formulas. 1-3%