Irish Moss Extract is a water soluble extract produced from the algae Chondrus crispus (Carrageen, Fucus crispus, Lichen irlandicus). The extract has the properties of a thixotropic gel and is used for example as a gelling, emulsifying and thickening agent, as an additive for salves and as an emulsifier for skin creams. Irish Moss does not belong to the moss family but is an algae and contains mainly mucilages and proteins. It has also been found that it has an antibacterial effect.