Is Sodium Alginate safe in cosmetics?
Sodium Alginate has a safety rating of "EXCELLENT" in our database. EU status: permitted. US status: permitted. 1 toxicological study endpoint(s) are available in our database.
Sodium Alginate
Also known as: Algiline, L'-Algiline, Algin (Laminaria spp. and other kelps), Algipon L-1168, Cohasal-IH (+8 more)
INCI: ALGIN
Sodium Alginate (CAS 9005-38-3) is a cosmetic cosmetic ingredient functioning as gelling agent, thickener, film-forming agent, emulsion stabilizer. Reported NOAEL =1.8 mg/kg bw/day in Rat (EFSA_OpenFoodTox_EFSA_ReferencePoints.xlsx); EU Regulation 1223/2009 status: permitted. Industrial safety data is also available in the chemical safety database.
View industrial chemical safety profile for CAS 9005-38-3 →
Auto-generated CPSR Part A draft with source citations
Function
gelling agent, thickener, film-forming agent, emulsion stabilizer
Safety Rating
EXCELLENT
Regulatory Status
EU EU Status
permitted
US US Status
permitted
US Notes
GRAS status affirmed under 21 CFR 184.1724 for direct food use (FEMA No. 2015). Permitted for cosmetic use under general FDA cosmetic ingredient provisions without pre-approval requirement. CIR Expert Panel safe as used conclusion (Final Report, October 22, 2015) serves as primary industry safety guidance.
For full compliance data across multiple jurisdictions, use the Substance Compliance tool.
Safety Data
Margin of Safety, dermal absorption, and sensitization profile summaries for Sodium Alginate.
Calculate MoS for your specific formulation with the MoS Calculator.
Toxicological Studies
1 study endpoint found for Sodium Alginate. NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) values are used to calculate the Margin of Safety per SCCS methodology.
| Endpoint | Value | Route | Species | Study Type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NOAEL | =1.8 mg/kg bw/day | oral: feed | Rat | subchronic | EFSA_OpenFoodTox_EFSA_ReferencePoints.xlsx |
EPA ToxValDB — Toxicity Values
1 toxicity value from EPA ToxValDB (aggregated from CCTE, HPV, ToxRefDB, IRIS, and other regulatory dossiers).
| Endpoint | Value | Species | Route | Duration | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LD50 | >5000 mg/kg | Rat | oral | - | ChemIDplus |
Additional Ingredient Properties
4 property records from structured ingredient metadata.
anti_pollution
{"cas_number": "9005-38-3", "ingredient_class": "anti_pollution", "primary_mechanism": "film_forming_barrier", "pollution_types_targeted": "PM2_5", "IR_A_protection": "no", "visible_light_protection": "no", "digital_screen_protection_claim": "no", "PAH_neutralization": "no", "ozone_protection": "no", "mitochondrial_protection": "no", "Nrf2_activation": "no", "AhR_pathway_modulation": "no", "NF_kB_…
biopolymer
{"cas_number": "9005-32-7", "polymer_class": "seaweed_polysaccharide", "botanical_source": "Laminaria/Macrocystis/Ascophyllum", "molecular_weight_range_kDa": "32-400", "monosaccharide_composition": "mannuronic acid/guluronic acid", "degree_of_branching": "linear", "charge_type": "anionic", "viscosity_1pct_solution_mPas": "20-400", "pseudoplastic_behavior": "moderate", "thixotropy": "weak", "yield_…
polymer
{"cas_number": "9005-32-7", "ingredient_class": "thickener/gelling_agent", "polymer_type": "natural_polysaccharide", "chemical_backbone": "other", "molecular_weight_Da_range": "32000-400000", "ionic_character": "nonionic", "gel_strength_Pa": "moderate", "pH_viscosity_sensitivity": "moderate", "salt_tolerance": "moderate", "electrolyte_effect_on_viscosity": "moderate", "temperature_viscosity_sensit…
solubility_hlb
{"water_soluble": "yes", "oil_soluble": "no", "soluble_in": "water, glycerin", "insoluble_in": "oils, ethanol, silicones, propylene glycol", "log_p": "-6.3", "melting_point_c": "200", "appearance": "cream to tan powder", "source": "FMC"}
Function Categories & List Membership
Cosmetic/Chemical Function Categories
Binder
Emulsifier
Flavouring and nutrient
Fragrance
Processing aids not otherwise specified
Stabilizing agent
Surfactant (surface active agent)
Thickening agent
Viscosity modifier
Regulatory List Membership (4)
EU Regulated in Personal Care
EU Restricted for Children (Cosmetics)
IFRA Fragrance Transparency List
FDA Substances Added to Food (EAFUS)
Expert Verdict
Expert safety assessment and concern-level summary for Sodium Alginate.
Regulatory Flags
eu-unrestricted
cir-approved
gras-fda
no-sccs-opinion
non-sensitizing
humectant
eu_children_restricted
ifra_fragrance
fda_food_additive
jecfa_safe
NOAEL Studies Summary
View details ->Public NOAEL study rows linked to Sodium Alginate by CAS number or substance name.
Studies
1
Lowest NOAEL
1.8 mg/kg bw/day
Highest NOAEL
1.8 mg/kg bw/day
EFSA_OpenFoodTox_EFSA_ReferencePoints.xlsx
Known Synonyms
Algiline
L'-Algiline
Algin (Laminaria spp. and other kelps)
Algipon L-1168
Cohasal-IH
Duckalgin
FEMA No. 2014
Manucol SS/LD2
Manutex
Manutex RS-5
Manutex rS1
Sodium polymannuronate
UNII-C269C4G2ZQ
Chemical Function
Viscosity modifier
Binder
Fragrance
Flavouring and nutrient
Thickening agent
Processing aids not otherwise specified
Emulsifier
Regulatory Lists
children; Europe; Personal care
children; Europe; Personal care - dental care - toothpaste
Europe; Personal care
Europe; Personal care
IFRA Transparency
food_additive; Substances Added to Food (formerly EAFUS) (2/2019)
Canada; consumer_product; Substances in Products - Canada (4/2014)
inert_ingredient; Pesticides
inert_ingredient; non_food_use; Pesticides
Australian Status
AICIS status: listed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Sodium Alginate allowed in the EU?
Sodium Alginate EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Sodium Alginate do in cosmetics?
Sodium Alginate functions as: gelling agent, thickener, film-forming agent, emulsion stabilizer. It is classified as a cosmetic ingredient in our database. CAS number: 9005-38-3.
What is the NOAEL for Sodium Alginate?
The NOAEL (No Observed Adverse Effect Level) for Sodium Alginate is =1.8 mg/kg bw/day based on a subchronic study via oral: feed route in Rat. Source: EFSA_OpenFoodTox_EFSA_ReferencePoints.xlsx.
Compliance Tools
Check Sodium Alginate compliance across multiple jurisdictions:
Ingredient Decoder
Paste a full ingredient list for instant analysis
82 Allergen Checker
Check for EU declarable fragrance allergens
Substance Compliance
Check compliance across multiple jurisdictions
MoS Calculator
Calculate Margin of Safety using SCCS methodology
Heavy Metal Limits
Compare limits across jurisdictions
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