Agar-agar 1300 1 kg

Agar-Agar 1300: The Superior Natural Gelling Agent for Culinary and Cosmetic Creations

Discover the exceptional gelling power of Agar-Agar 1300, a premium-grade, fine powder derived from Gelidiaceae red algae, brought to you by SHISHI XIELI OCEAN BIOCHEMISTRY CO.,LTD. of China. This versatile, white to off-white colored ingredient is renowned for its remarkable gel strength of 1300 g/cm², making it a superior natural alternative to traditional gelatin. It dissolves readily in hot water (from 95°C), allowing you to create stable and diverse textures for a wide range of applications.

Description and Key Features

Agar-Agar (INCI: Agar) is a natural hydrocolloid extracted from certain species of red algae. It is highly valued for its strong gelling, thickening, and stabilizing properties, making it an indispensable ingredient in both the food industry and cosmetic formulations. Unlike animal-derived gelatin, Agar-Agar is plant-based, making it suitable for vegan and vegetarian products.

Key features:

• Exceptional Gel Strength (1300 g/cm²): This high gel strength ensures robust, firm, and stable gels, even at low concentrations, offering superior performance compared to lower-grade agars.
• Natural Origin: Sourced from red algae, it's a 100% natural and plant-based gelling agent, ideal for clean beauty and vegan formulations.
• Thermo-Reversible: Agar-Agar gels are thermo-reversible, meaning they can be melted by heating and re-solidified upon cooling, offering flexibility in formulation and reprocessing.
• High Melting Point: Gels formed with Agar-Agar are stable at room temperature and even at higher temperatures, providing excellent heat stability for various applications.
• Fine Powder Form: The fine powder ensures easy dispersion and quick dissolution in hot water, simplifying the formulation process.
• Color and Odor: Its white to off-white color and neutral odor ensure it won't alter the appearance or scent of your final product.

Versatile Applications and Usage Areas

Agar-Agar 1300 is a highly versatile ingredient, celebrated for its ability to create stable gels and improve texture across various industries. While it's not used for candles, its applications are vast in culinary and cosmetic fields.

• Culinary Applications (Food Industry):

  • Desserts: Ideal for creating firm, clear, and stable jellies, puddings, fruit tarts, and vegan panna cotta. Its high gelling strength means a little goes a long way.
  • Vegan Alternatives: Serves as an excellent plant-based substitute for gelatin in mousses, cheesecakes, and gummy candies, catering to dietary restrictions.
  • Thickener for Sauces and Soups: Can be used to thicken sauces, gravies, and soups without altering their flavor, providing a smooth consistency.
  • Confectionery: Essential for making various candies, fruit gels, and glazes that require a stable, firm texture.
  • Dairy-Free Products: Used in the production of vegan yogurts, cheeses, and other dairy-free alternatives to achieve desired textures.

• Cosmetic Applications (Skincare and Haircare):

  • Gel Masks: Creates unique, refreshing, and stable gel masks for the face and body. The gel texture allows for excellent adherence to the skin, delivering active ingredients effectively.
  • Cream and Lotion Stabilizer: Acts as a natural stabilizer in emulsions, preventing separation of oil and water phases and enhancing product consistency and shelf life.
  • Exfoliating Gels: Can be used to create gentle exfoliating gels, providing a unique texture that glides smoothly over the skin.
  • Hair Gels: Forms clear, non-sticky hair gels that offer hold without flaking, providing a natural alternative to synthetic polymers.
  • Solid Cleansers and Bars (Gel-based): Can contribute to the structure of novel solid cleansing products, creating a fun, jiggly texture.
  • Bath Jellies/Gels: Ideal for making playful bath jellies that dissolve slowly in water, releasing beneficial ingredients and aromas.
  • Facial Cleansers: Can be used to thicken liquid facial cleansers, providing a more luxurious feel and easier application.
  • Eye Gels: Forms light, non-greasy gels for the delicate under-eye area, helping to deliver soothing or depuffing ingredients.

Important Note: Agar-Agar must be fully dissolved in hot water (at least 95°C / 203°F) and then cooled to form a gel. It typically sets at temperatures between 35-40°C (95-104°F). It is not used in candles.

Cosmetic Recipe: "Cool Cucumber & Aloe" Hydrating Gel Mask

Create a refreshing and soothing gel mask perfect for hydrating and calming the skin, utilizing the excellent gelling properties of Agar-Agar 1300.

Instructions for Preparation:

1. Sanitize: Thoroughly sanitize all your equipment (beakers, stirring rods, containers for the mask) using isopropyl alcohol and allow them to air dry completely.
2. Prepare Phase A (Heating): In a heat-proof beaker, combine distilled water, Agar-Agar 1300, and glycerin.
3. Dissolve Agar-Agar: Heat the mixture to at least 95°C (203°F) while continuously stirring. It's crucial to ensure the Agar-Agar is completely dissolved. Continue heating and stirring for 2-3 minutes after reaching temperature to ensure full dissolution. The mixture will look like a clear, slightly viscous liquid.
4. Cooling and Gelling: Remove from heat and let the mixture cool. It will start to thicken as it cools. Stir occasionally to prevent a skin from forming on top.
5. Add Phase B (Cool Down Phase): Once the gel has cooled to below 40°C (104°F) and is still pourable but starting to thicken, add the Aloe Vera Juice, Cucumber Extract, Panthenol, Preservative, and Essential Oil (if using). Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined and the mixture is homogeneous.
6. Pour into Container: Quickly pour the gel mask into your clean, sterile container(s) before it fully sets.
7. Final Set: Allow the gel mask to set completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator for a firmer texture.

Recommendations for Use:

• Agar-Agar Concentration: The 1.5% concentration of Agar-Agar 1300 provides a firm yet supple gel mask. You can adjust this slightly (e.g., 1.0-2.0%) to achieve your desired gel consistency. Remember that Agar-Agar creates a firmer gel than typical cosmetic gelling agents.
• Full Dissolution is Key: Ensure the Agar-Agar is fully dissolved in the hot water. Undissolved particles will result in a grainy texture.
• Temperature for Actives: Always add heat-sensitive ingredients (like most extracts, vitamins, and preservatives) after the Agar-Agar solution has cooled to below 40°C to preserve their efficacy.
• Storage: Store the finished gel mask in a sealed container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and extend shelf life, especially due to the high water content.
• Application: Apply a generous layer of the gel mask to clean, dry skin on your face and neck. Leave on for 10-15 minutes, then rinse off with lukewarm water.
• Patch Test: As with any new cosmetic product, perform a patch test on a small area of skin before full application to check for any sensitivities.