E402 (Potassium alginate) is a chemical compound, potassium salt of alginic acid that is derived from Algin, a natural biodegradable component, a biological polysaccharide and colloidal carbohydrate.

It appears in the form of a white powder.

What it is used for and where

Algin is a natural, gelling, soluble polymer found in marine algae and extracted from brown algae such as Turbinaria, Cystoseira, Sargassum, Hormophysa. It is available as propylene glycol alginate, ester, precipitate or paste.

Food

Algin is added in dairy products, candies, sweets, jellies. It has the number E402 in the list of European food additives thickeners.

Cosmetics

Binder agent. Ingredient that is used in cosmetic, food and pharmaceutical products as an anti-caking agent with the function of making the product in which it is incorporated silky, compact and homogenous. The binder, either natural such as mucilage, gums and starches or chemical, may be in the form of a powder or liquid.

Emulsion stabilizer. Emulsions are thermodynamically unstable. Emulsion stabilisers improve the formation and stability of single and double emulsions. It should be noted that in the structure-function relationship, molar mass plays an important role.

Surfactant - Suspending agent. Cosmetic or pharmaceutical suspensions are known to be thermodynamically unstable and it is therefore essential to include in the formulation a suspending agent capable of dispersing any sedimented particulates and reducing the rate of sedimentation. The presence of this agent increases the consistency of the suspension medium and exerts a protective colloidal action with a surfactant action.

Other uses

Used as a thickener in textile paints, paper and textiles.

CAS: 9005-36-1