Introduction
Unilong is a professional manufacturer and supplier of high-purity specialty ingredients, introducing Agarose (CAS 9012-36-6) – a marine-derived polysaccharide extracted from red seaweed that is redefining texture, stability, and skin compatibility in cosmetic formulations. Unlike its laboratory-grade counterpart, this cosmetic-grade agarose is engineered for the beauty industry: it delivers exceptional gelling strength, efficient suspending capability, and a clean, non-tacky skin feel at remarkably low use levels. With a certified gel strength of 1,400 g/cm² and verified absence of DNase, RNase, and protease activity, Unilong's agarose provides formulators with a natural, biodegradable alternative to synthetic thickeners and microplastics – without compromising on performance or sensory elegance.
Product Overview: Why Agarose for Cosmetics?
Agarose is a linear polysaccharide composed of repeating agarobiose units, extracted and purified from red algae. In the cosmetics industry, it is valued not merely as a gelling agent, but as a multifunctional texture architect – capable of thickening, suspending, film-forming, and moisture-retention, all from a single natural input. Its gelation is thermoreversible: agarose solutions form gels upon cooling and melt upon heating, giving formulators precise control over processing and final product rheology.
What distinguishes cosmetic-grade agarose from commodity hydrocolloids is its purity profile. Unilong's agarose is manufactured to stringent specifications, with low electroendosmosis (EEO≤0.13), minimal sulfate content, and no detectable nuclease or protease activity. This level of purity translates directly into formulation reliability – no unwanted enzymatic degradation of active ingredients, no batch-to-batch inconsistency, and no interference with sensitive actives.
Key Performance & Advantages
Exceptional Gelling Efficiency & Thermoreversible Behavior
Agarose forms a clear, firm gel at concentrations as low as 0.10%, with gel strength increasing proportionally with concentration. The certified gel strength of 1,400 g/cm² (1% gel) – well above the≥1,200 g/cm² specification – ensures that formulators can achieve robust gel structures with minimal material usage. The defined gelling temperature of 37.0℃and melting temperature of 89.0℃ (1.5% gel) provide a comfortable processing window: products remain fluid long enough for filling and shaping, then set into a stable gel at skin temperature.
This thermoreversible behavior is particularly valuable in gel masks, jelly textures, and molded formats, where the product must hold its shape at room temperature yet melt smoothly upon application.
High Suspending Capacity Without Rheology Modification
One of agarose's most distinctive cosmetic capabilities is its ability to suspend insoluble particles – bubbles, petals, pigments, and decorative elements – without significantly altering the bulk viscosity or flow behavior of the base formulation. This enables visually striking products such as suspended-flower gels, shimmering jelly cleansers, and two-phase textures that remain homogeneous throughout shelf life. Unlike many synthetic suspending agents that impart a heavy or stringy feel, agarose-based suspensions retain a light, clean, and refreshing sensory profile.
Lightweight Hydration & Breathable Film Formation
Agarose forms a thin, breathable film on the skin surface that helps reduce transepidermal water loss without occluding pores. Studies indicate that even at concentrations as low as 0.1%, agarose can measurably improve skin hydration and texture. This film is non-greasy and non-tacky, making agarose particularly suited to hydrogel masks, cooling gels, and lightweight moisturizers where a fresh, aqueous sensation is desired.
Soothing & Barrier-Supportive Properties
Because agarose is non-irritating, hypoallergenic, and non-comedogenic, it is well tolerated by sensitive and reactive skin types. It forms a protective barrier against environmental stressors while still allowing the skin to “breathe”, and is compatible with post-procedure recovery formulations, calming toners, and barrier-repair creams. The absence of detectable DNase, RNase, and protease activity further ensures that agarose will not compromise the integrity of co-formulated peptides, proteins, or nucleic-acid-derived actives.
A Natural Alternative to Microplastics & Synthetic Thickeners
As regulatory pressure on microplastics intensifies and consumer demand for clean, reef-safe beauty grows, agarose has emerged as a credible natural alternative for both thickening and exfoliation. It is biodegradable, derived from renewable marine biomass, and can be engineered into soft, swellable exfoliating particles that provide a gentle scrub sensation without the environmental persistence of polyethylene beads. Leading texture houses are already positioning agarose-based ingredients as natural texturizers that help brands meet clean-label and microplastic-free claims.
Core Application Areas
Gel Masks, Jelly Textures & Hydrogels
Agarose is the structural backbone of crystal-clear gel masks, jelly sleeping masks, and cooling hydrogels. Its thermoreversible gelation allows for easy molding and stable shape retention, while its breathable film and hydrating properties deliver a fresh, soothing experience. It is equally suitable for post-sun and post-treatment soothing gels, where a non-occlusive, water-rich texture is essential.
Suspended-Particle & Visual Formats
From suspended petals and gold flakes to encapsulated beads and air bubbles, agarose provides the yield stress necessary to keep decorative and functional particles uniformly dispersed. This enables the creation of aesthetically distinctive products – a growing segment in premium skincare and color cosmetics – without sacrificing formulation stability or sensory lightness.
Jelly & Water-Gel Color Cosmetics
The “jelly blush” and “water-gel” makeup trend has adopted agarose gel networks as a core structuring technology. These formats deliver refreshing, bouncy textures that blend effortlessly and impart a natural, second-skin finish. Agarose’s ability to trap water within a 3D network provides a cooling sensation on application and helps maintain product integrity in warm climates – a key advantage for summer color cosmetics.
Gentle Exfoliation & Microplastic-Free Scrubs
Agarose-based microparticles offer a skin-friendly, biodegradable alternative to plastic microbeads. Unlike angular or abrasive natural alternatives (such as ground shells), agarose particles are soft and swellable – they provide exfoliation that gradually diminishes with continued rubbing, minimizing the risk of microtears or irritation while remaining effective. This makes agarose an attractive option for facial scrubs, body polishes, and cleansing products seeking both exfoliation performance and clean-beauty credentials.
Sensitive Skin & Barrier-Repair Formulations
Agarose’s hypoallergenic and non-irritating profile, combined with its film-forming and moisture-retention properties, makes it well suited to calming serums, redness-reducing toners, and post-procedure recovery creams. Its compatibility with peptides and other sensitive actives – ensured by the absence of protease and nuclease activity – further extends its utility in high-performance, skin-barrier-focused formulations.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Appearance | White to off-white powder |
| Solubility | 1 g in 100 mL water → clear, transparent solution |
| Gel Strength (1% Gel) | ≥ 1,200 g/cm² |
| Electroendosmosis (EEO, –Mr) | ≤ 0.13 |
| Gelling Temperature (1.5% Gel) | 36°C ± 1.5°C |
| Melting Temperature (1.5% Gel) | 88°C ± 1.5°C |
| Sulfate (SO₄²⁻) | ≤ 0.15% |
| Moisture | ≤ 10% |
| Ash | ≤ 0.5% |
| DNase / RNase / Protease | Not detected |
Recommended Use Level: 0.1–5.0%, depending on desired gel strength, texture, and suspending requirements.
Packaging & Storage: Available in 100 g / 500 g bottles, 10 kg bags, and 25 kg drums. Store sealed at≤30℃ and ≤75% relative humidity.
Why Choose Unilong?
- Certified Purity & Performance: Every batch is tested for gel strength, EEO, sulfate, and enzymatic activity – with a Certificate of Analysis accompanying each shipment.
- Consistent Gel Strength: Our≥1,200 g/cm² specification is routinely exceeded (certified at 1,400 g/cm²), ensuring predictable texture and stability.
- Nuclease-Free Assurance: No detectable DNase, RNase, or protease – safeguarding sensitive actives and formulation integrity.
- Marine-Derived & Biodegradable: Supports clean-beauty, vegan, and microplastic-free product claims.
- Flexible Supply: From R&D samples to commercial-scale orders, with multiple packaging options.
- Technical Support: Formulation guidance on gel preparation, compatibility, and texture optimization.
Contact Information
Whether you are developing a suspended-petal hydrogel mask, a bouncy jelly blush, a microplastic-free facial scrub, or a soothing post-treatment gel, Unilong's cosmetic-grade Agarose (CAS 9012-36-6) delivers the gelling precision, suspending power, and skin compatibility your formulation demands – backed by certified batch data and reliable supply.
Request a sample, Technical Data Sheet (TDS), or Certificate of Analysis (COA) today.
Post time: Nov-02-2026