Chondrus Crispus Extract
Also known as Irish moss extract, Red algae extract, Carragheen extract
“CIR Expert Panel says: safe as used in cosmetics.”
CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT is a whole-extract preparation of the red marine algae Chondrus crispus (Irish moss), containing sulfated polysaccharides (the precursor matrix from which carrageenan is isolated), proteins, mineral content, and water-soluble bioactives. The CIR Expert Panel concluded the extract is Safe (S, no qualifying conditions) in the September 2021 marine red algae group assessment — distinct from the broader marine algae cohort in that same assessment, which received Insufficient (I) findings (Asparagopsis Armata Extract, Calliblepharis Ciliata Extract, Ceramium Kondoi/Rubrum Extract, Chondracanthus Teedei Powder all rated I). Chondrus Crispus, Chondrus Crispus Extract, and Chondrus Crispus Powder all received the Safe finding, likely reflecting the species's centuries-long food and cosmetic use history. López-Hortas et al. (2022, PMID 36355018) characterized hydrothermal, microwave, and ultrasound extracts in body milks, oils, shampoos, and scrubs, finding viscosity and skin-applicability properties comparable to or better than synthetic-antioxidant controls. This packet covers the WHOLE extract — distinct from CARRAGEENAN (the isolated sulfated polysaccharide; separate INCI, CAS 9000-07-1, separate CIR 09/2015 assessment).
Sulfated polysaccharide-rich whole extract — provides film-forming, mild thickening, and humectant properties in cosmetic formulations
CIR Expert Panel concluded Safe (S) in the September 2021 marine red algae group assessment, with no qualifying conditions — among the strongest possible CIR verdicts for a botanical extract
Chondrus crispus has a long history of food and cosmetic use (Irish moss, carrageen) supporting biocompatibility at topical exposures
Ecofriendly hydrothermal/microwave/ultrasound-extracted fractions perform comparably to synthetic antioxidant additives (BHT, alpha-tocopherol) in body care formulations
Marketed for moisturization, soothing, and skin-conditioning — consistent with the polysaccharide and mineral content profile
Distinct INCI from CARRAGEENAN (the isolated sulfated polysaccharide derived from Chondrus crispus and other red algae). Carrageenan has its own CIR 09/2015 assessment, separate poligeenan controversy, and food-safety debate not directly applicable to whole-extract topical cosmetic use
Iodine content — red marine algae naturally accumulate iodine; PMID 32803579 documents oral-intake risk assessment for dietary Chondrus crispus consumption (Environ Sci Pollut Res 2020). Topical cosmetic exposure is orders of magnitude lower than dietary intake and is not a documented dermal concern in the CIR S finding
Whole-leaf macroalgae may also contain trace heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium) per the LactMed 'Sea Moss' entry — relevant to oral 'sea moss' supplements, not directly to processed cosmetic-grade extract
The CIR 09/2021 marine red algae group assessment rated MOST other red algae species as Insufficient data (I) — the Safe finding is specific to Chondrus crispus and does not generalize to other red algae INCIs
CIR Quick Reference Table (September 2022) — Chondrus Crispus Extract row: Finding=S, Citation=Final Report Available from CIR 09/2021
“Chondrus Crispus Extract | S | | Final Report Available from CIR 09/2021”— QuickReferenceTable_AllConclusionTypes.pdf, p. 121