Agar

Agar is a polysaccharide gum obtained from red seaweeds, valued as a natural gelling and film-forming agent. In cosmetics it stabilizes textures, builds viscosity, and adds slip for gels, masks, and emulsions without introducing oil.
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Ingredient Snapshot

Overview
A seaweed-derived gum that gives gels a smooth, cushiony glide.
Category
Skin Conditioning
Type
Thickener

Ingredient Ratings

Overall Rating

Good

Comedogenic Risk

None

Skin Benefits

Creates a soft, cushiony glide and forms a light film that can help reduce immediate moisture loss. Improves product feel without adding greasiness.

Uses In Skincare & Cosmetics

Used in gel masks, jellies, and moisturizers to build structure and in cleansers and shampoos to stabilize formulas and improve spreadability.

Comedogenic Rating

This ingredient is not typically evaluated for comedogenicity, and no standardized rating is available.

Safety

Considered low risk for irritation or sensitization; rare reactions are possible. No widely established cosmetic-use restrictions.

Is Agar a Good Ingredient?

Good: a stable, inert gelling/film-forming polysaccharide that improves texture and reduces immediate moisture loss with a low likelihood of irritation, though it offers minimal active treatment.

Products with Agar

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