Irish moss is a type of red algae that is harvested from the Atlantic
coastlines of Ireland, Britain, Scotland and Canada. In Scotland and
Ireland, where it is boiled in sweetened milk flavored with
cinnamon and
brandy to make a kind of pudding, the seaweed is known as carraigín.
Elsewhere, Irish moss is commonly referred to as carrageenan.
Boiling powdered Irish moss in water results in a gelatinous
substance that can be used in moisturizing treatments for the skin and
hair. This jelly-like material can also be incorporated into facial
masks, soaps and other bath products.
Irish Moss is a common name recognized and associated with red seaweeds (Rhodophyceae) that include Chondracanthus chamissoi (formerly known as Gigartina chamissoi).
Chondracanthus chamissoi, a Rhodophyta from the same Gigartineacea family as Chondrus crispus and other Gigartina species, contains the same carrageenan types as other Gigartina species.
