STABLIZATION OF CARRAGEENAN-CONTAINING TOOTHPASTE

A method for stabilizing a cosmetic composition containing carrageenan, specifically, a toothpaste, wherein microwave radiation, preferably in the 0.8 to 3 gigahertz frequency range, is directed onto the toothpaste so as to raise its temperature to at least the gel-sol transition temperature of the carrageenan, after which the toothpaste is quiescently cooled to room temperature. The use of microwave radiation facilitates an even heating of the toothpaste, so that temperature sensitive components thereof are not adversely affected, and promotes excellent control of temperature regulation. Heating of the dentifrice, with improved thickening and stabilization thereof, is obtainable by passing it through a conduit while directing microwave radiation onto it and then filling it into suitable dispensing containers, or by filling the dentifrice into such containers and then subjecting them to microwave radiation.