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What is Sodium Alginate & PGA

Sodium alginate, the neutral salt form of alginic acid, is created when sodium ions bind to the carboxyl groups of the alginate polymer.It is soluble in water but it becomes insoluble at low pH or at high concentrations of calcium as alginic acid or calcium alginate are formed.
Propylene Glycol Alginate (PGA), it is made by esterification of the carboxyl groups in alginic acid. It does not gel with polyvalent cations and can be dissolved even in acidic foods, remains stable within a pH range of 3–5, resulting in thickening and stabilizing effects.

Cosmetics

Cosmetics

COSMETICS
Due to its smooth fluidity and unique gelling capabilities, sodium alginate serves as a valuable functional ingredient in cosmetic formulations. It is used as raw materials and substrates for cosmetics, such as lipsticks, toothpastes and face masks.

Toothpaste
Sodium alginate serves as a binder in toothpaste. Various thickening polysaccharides are used as binders to prevent the separation of toothpaste ingredients and to preserve product quality during storage. Among these, alginate stands out due to its smooth solution flow, non-sticky texture in the mouth, and its reputation for delivering a refreshing sensation.

Lipstick
When a lipstick containing alginate and calcium is applied to the lips, the alginate dissolves upon contact with moisture from breath or saliva. It then reacts with calcium to form a gel, creating a smooth alginate gel layer over the lipstick.
Since this alginate film coats the lips, the lipstick resists transferring onto cups or glasses when drinking. As a result, the makeup stays vibrant and lasts longer.

Peel-off Face Mask
Sodium alginate is also used in peel-off face masks. These masks are applied as a paste and then removed, lifting away dirt and impurities. Traditional peel-off masks require drying to form a film, but alginate-based masks gel into sheets upon application—eliminating the need for drying.
To use, the powdered mask is mixed with water, allowing the sodium alginate to dissolve. When applied to the face, it reacts with calcium salts to form a gel. Thanks to alginate’s excellent fluidity, the mask spreads evenly, hydrating the skin before gelling. Once set, it can be peeled off, taking trapped dirt and impurities with it.

Sheet Face Mask
The gel-forming reaction between alginate and calcium enables the production of ultra-fine fibers. These fibers are subsequently manufactured into nonwoven fabrics specifically designed for facial sheet masks. When infused with skincare actives, the alginate fibers become exceptionally soft upon hydration. This characteristic makes the resulting face masks gentle on skin while delivering a comfortable, soothing user experience.

Note: Specific spec can be customized according to your detailed requirements.