Algae are highly valued in the cosmetics industry for their richness in nutrients and vitamins. Proteins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, which promote hydration and elasticity, can improve the skin and protect it from free radical damage.
Algae – Cosmetic All-Rounder.

Brown algae, green algae and red algae are commonly used in cosmetic products. Brown algae are rich in iodine, potassium, zinc and other minerals and are often used in moisturizers as well as lotions. Green algae are a good source of antioxidants. They can help brighten the complexion and reduce dark spots. Red algae, on the other hand, are often used in products to treat cellulite, as they can improve the appearance of what is known as “orange peel skin.”

It is important to note that not all algae are suitable for use in cosmetic products. It is also important to note the differences in the effectiveness of different types of algae. So which algae are suitable for any cosmetic areas? This question will be answered in the following blog, accompanied by some recommendations and product ideas based on algae.

Algae offer valuable antioxidant properties due to their versatile ingredients and their action as antioxidants. So a valuable ingredient for the production of conventional cosmetics and natural cosmetics. An ideal substance in creams, anti-aging and skin protection segments. Algae – cosmetic all-rounder.

Algae - cosmetic allrounder

Moisturizer

Algae – true natural moisturizers!

Algae are characterized by their essential nutrients, such as the high content of nutrients and vitamins, including proteins, minerals, antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids. These significant ingredients can help improve skin hydration and extensibility while protecting it from free radical damage.

Already available in many drugstores are moisturizing cosmetic products with algae ingredients that meet specific skin needs and preferences.

So some algae, like the red algae Chondrus crispus, can help retain and release moisture. They help the skin retain moisture and move it from the lower layer of the dermis to the outer layer of the epidermis.

To the blog: “Algae Skin Care – Algae in Skin Moisturizing Products”

Thanks to polysaccharides and glycoproteins, some algae with their concentration of humectants are true hydration wonders. In addition, the anti-inflammatory protection and the associated positive effect on the skin.
Many antioxidants, nutrients, minerals and vitamins help to give the skin a healthy glow.

As a result, your formulation will leave the skin richly hydrated and less dry.

Depending on the type of algae used and the desired properties of the moisturizer, additional ingredients such as essential oils, vitamins or herbal extracts can be added.

Algae – true natural moisturizers!

algae - cosmetic allrounder - moisturizer

Anti-Aging / Wrinkles

Lasting helpers for young skin.

Algae can be an effective ingredient in anti-aging and anti-wrinkle cosmetics. The variety of nutrients, antioxidants and other compounds that algae contain can help improve the health and appearance of the skin.

For example, some algae, such as the red microalgae Porphyridium purpureum, contain high levels of vitamins A and C, which have been shown to stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity. Other types of algae, such as Fucus vesiculosus, are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help hydrate the skin and improve its overall texture.

Strong antioxidant properties come into play through compounds such as fucoxanthin and phlorotannins. This protects the skin from environmental stresses that can lead to premature aging. As with any skin care product, it is important to choose one that is suitable for your skin type.

Algae – cosmetic all-rounders – offer an ideal symbiosis between active and sustainable ingredients for the anti-aging products and cosmetics of the future. With their aesthetic effect, they not only promote the health process of the skin, but also prevent the aging process.

To the blog “Algae Anti-Aging – Algae as a sustainable helper for young skin”

algae - cosmetic allrounder - anti-aging

Skin Protection / Antioxidant

Protect the skin from external influences?

Algae are true helpers for the skin. They not only provide abundant nutrients, but also protect the skin from external influences and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can damage the skin, which can be prevented by radical scavengers – antioxidants.

Algae are a rich source of antioxidants and have been used in various skin care products for centuries due to their numerous benefits to the skin. Antioxidants protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by free radicals, which can lead to premature aging and other skin problems. The astaxanthin content in some algae, such as the microalgae Haematoccocus pulvialis, is the richest form of antioxidants and is usually recommended or already used and applied in the form of oil.

Antioxidants are also known to hydrate the skin, improve its texture and overall appearance, soothe and relax irritated skin. Algae species, such as Asparagopsis armata, with antioxidant content have unique properties and benefits for the skin.

To the blog: “Astaxanthin – The most powerful natural antioxidant

algae - cosmetic allrounder - skin protection / antioxidant

Sunscreen

Protect from the sun with algae?

Even the smallest ray of sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer and can accelerate the aging process of the skin.

Algae can provide additional protection from the sun and also provide ample moisture for skin that stays young. They can be photoprotective through their ingredients, including fucoidan and MAAs (“mycosporins like amino acids”). One example of this is the brown alga Undaria pinnatifida (Wakame), which plays a major role not only in the food sector but also in the cosmetics industry. Algae – cosmetic all-rounder.

Algae can be used in sunscreens as a complementary natural source of UV-absorbing compounds such as mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs). MAAs can help protect the skin from harmful UV radiation by absorbing the energy and dissipating it in the form of heat. This reduces damage to DNA and other cellular structures.

Natural organic substances contained in the formulation of mineral sunscreens complement these and other protective factors, and at the same time the natural substances from the algae protect the environment.

To the blog: “Algae Sunscreen – Natural Protection From The Sun”

algae - cosmetic allrounder - sunscreen

Nourishment / Remineralisation

The supply of essential health resources.

Algae not only provide a rich supply of nutrient-rich minerals, but can also improve cell metabolism and promote blood circulation in the skin – pure skin appearance. The antibacterial and cleansing effects brought to bear by the algae Laminaria digitata, for example, are optimal for sensitive and easily irritated skin.

As an ingredient in peelings & oils, the natural skin barrier and connective tissue are strengthened. Algae – cosmetic all-rounders – such as the green alga Chlorella vulgaris, can be used for nutrition and remineralization due to their high nutrient content, especially of minerals such as calcium, magnesium and iodine.

algae - cosmetic allrounder - nourishment / remineralisation

Anti-Inflammatory

How can algae promote the recovery process and also provide anti-aging properties?

Schizochytrium sp. and some other algae can protect cells from oxidative stress, which inhibits inflammation, reduces cell damage and can contribute to a healthy skin appearance.

Algae may have anti-inflammatory properties due to their high content of bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), phycobili proteins and polysaccharides. These compounds have been shown to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and enzymes that may contribute to the development of chronic inflammation and related diseases.

Some studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effects of algae extracts or whole algae in vitro and in vivo, suggesting their potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent for human health. Algae – cosmetic all-rounders – such as Haematococcus pluvialis, Schizochytrium sp. and Cystoseira humilis, are rich in bioactive substances and are mostly recommended in liquid oil form for processing in cosmetics.

algae - cosmetic allrounder - anti-inflammatory

Antibacterial

Fighting harmful bacteria of the skin flora with algae?

Whether Propionibacterium acnes, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Escherichia coli can be limited with the potential of red algae Pterocladiella capillacea and some other algae. They soothe the skin and hair by fighting harmful bacteria. The antibacterial substances can exert an inhibitory effect on the entire bacterial culture.

Through their bioactive compounds, such as polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), phlorotannins and polysaccharides, they have been shown to have an antibacterial effect against various strains of bacteria. These compounds can destroy the bacterial cell membrane or inhibit the activity of enzymes important for bacterial survival. Some studies have tested the antibacterial effect of algae extracts or whole algae in cosmetic formulations, suggesting their potential as a natural antibacterial agent for body – care products.

cosmetic allrounder - antibacterial

Skin Healing

Algae for wound and skin healing.

Red algae, such as Palmaria palmata or the blue-green algae Spirulina platensis, not only let us benefit from their nutrient- and vitamin-rich profile, but can also be an effective supporter for our skin healing. In addition to providing the appropriate protective factor, they also support and promote the skin’s healing and repair process. They reduce irritation and inhibit the formation of skin blemishes without antibiotic resistance.

Skin healing cosmetics with algae can contain various types of algae extracts, such as Laminaria digitata, Fucus vesiculosus, Chlorella vulgaris, as well as Spirulina platensis and others. These extracts can be included in creams, lotions, serums or masks to promote skin healing, reduce inflammation and improve overall skin health. Algae extracts can also be combined with other ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, vitamins and plant extracts, to enhance their skin-healing properties. When applied to the skin, these products can promote wound healing, reduce scarring, and increase skin hydration and elasticity.

algae - cosmetic allrounder - skin-healing

We at Alganex are of course happy to advise and supply any partners in the cosmetics industry. We want to help companies find the optimal algae for their products, while at the same time steering together towards sustainable resources.

Quellen

Anwendung von Algenverbindungen in Kosmetika, Cosmeceuticals und Nutricosmetics

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8539943/

Skincare Science: Why algae is a powerful superfood whether applied topically or ingested

https://www.voguescandinavia.com/articles/skincare-science-why-algae-is-a-powerful-superfood-whether-applied-topically-or-ingested

Multitalente aus dem Meer

https://www.biomaris.com/biomaris-welt/biomaris-und-das-meer/algen/

Algae as nutritional and functional food sources: revisiting our understanding

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10811-016-0974-5

Potential anti-inflammatory natural products from marine algae

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27716532/

Marine algal natural products with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer properties

https://cancerci.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1475-2867-13-55

Seaweeds’ pigments and phenolic compounds with antimicrobial potential

https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/bmc-2022-0003/html?lang=de

Antibacterial Activity Of Seaweed (Gymnogongrus sp) Extract Against Salmonella
typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis

https://www.ijsrp.org/research-paper-1017/ijsrp-p7050.pdf

Algae Metabolites in Cosmeceutical: An Overview of Current Applications and Challenges

https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/18/6/323