Origin
There are an estimated two million different species of algae on our planet, although only around 50,000 species are known to date. Scientists believe that they originated more than three billion years ago in the so-called primordial soup. The primary trigger is thought to be the simple effect of light. Over thousands of years, rain and wind have led to algae now being found all over the world. They can survive even in the most inhospitable places – impressive proof of the resilience and adaptability of these organisms.
Algae are a true blessing for us humans, as they produce up to 90 percent of the oxygen on Earth. Without algae, living conditions for us humans would also deteriorate dramatically. All other green plants that thrive in our region produce only about ten percent of the oxygen.
A distinction is made between microalgae and macroalgae. As the names suggest, microalgae are rather small varieties, while macroalgae can grow to impressive sizes. Depending on the species, they can grow up to 200 meters long and can be used and processed in a variety of ways. For example, they play an important role in fertilizing cultivated soil and can also be used in the production of food and foodstuffs.
Certified algae extracts from bioreactors
We mainly use algae extracts from bioreactors, also known as microalgae. The advantage lies in consistent quality and the absence of undesirable by-products. Unlike macroalgae, the quality does not depend on the time of harvest, marine pollution, or origin, but rather the products used are clearly defined. This also makes it possible to offer certified natural cosmetics that are produced sustainably.
Algae are healthy
As a health-promoting food supplement, algae extract is now very popular even among scientists, which can be attributed not least to its many valuable ingredients. Even though its effectiveness has not yet been fully proven in all areas, it is widely recognized that algae extract can have a positive influence on health and well-being.
Spirulina algae, for example, can reduce or even prevent the occurrence of various allergic reactions by blocking the release of histamine.
Algae were an indispensable part of traditional Chinese medicine as early as 2000 years ago. Today, however, algae extracts are mainly used in cosmetics. Microalgae, which include the aforementioned spirulina algae, are considered particularly valuable in this context.
Algae extract in cosmetics
Algae extract is considered a protective shield against evaporation and dehydration in cosmetics. This is no surprise, as it is extremely moisture-binding and even resembles some of the skin’s own moisture-retaining components.
Put simply, algae extract in cosmetic products binds the water molecules found in the uppermost cell layer of our skin. This allows other ingredients in the care products to be even more effective. If sufficient moisture is stored in the uppermost layer of skin, the skin feels smoother, more supple, and softer. At the same time, its important barrier function improves, which in turn benefits skin health.
Sea algae are mainly used in cosmetics, while freshwater algae tend to play a role in nutrition. Sea algae are rich in minerals, vitamins, amino acids, trace elements, and proteins. They have a revitalizing and remineralizing effect and can also stimulate blood circulation.
Another positive effect: algae extract can support cell renewal. Many people also use algae extract for external care during a diet. There is a specific reason for this: the active ingredients it contains can stimulate the metabolism, which supports weight loss and at the same time ensures an even and healthy complexion.
Important types of algae in cosmetics
Ahnfeltia Concinna
A very well-known seaweed is Ahnfeltia concinna, which is found in the Pacific Ocean. The algae extract from this red seaweed increases the elasticity of the skin and can prevent the formation of fine lines.
The same applies to the species Chondrus crispus, which is also a red algae, but is native to the North Atlantic coast. Its high content of vitamins B1, B2, C, and niacin ensures improved skin smoothness and pleasant suppleness as an algae extract. Chondrus crispus is also known in this country as Irish moss.
Coral moss, known as Corallina officinalis, is also a valuable component of many algae extracts. It is rich in trace elements and minerals and can protect the skin from harmful environmental influences. It can also counteract light-induced skin aging.
Laminaria saccharina
Laminaria saccharina, often referred to as sugar kelp, is a brown algae from the North Atlantic. With its phenolic components, it is able to gently but sustainably regulate the functions of the human sebaceous glands. Algae extract from this species leaves a light film on the skin and ensures a velvety-soft skin feeling, which can also be noticeable in the hair.
Durvillaea antarctica
The brown seaweed Durvillaea antarctica, which thrives on the coasts of New Zealand and off some sub-Antarctic islands, contains particularly high levels of cell-protecting polysaccharides (complex sugars and mucilage) that provide the skin with intense moisture. It is also frequently used in cosmetic products containing algae extract.
Codium tomentosum
The species Codium tomentosum is a real speciality as an algae extract. The green algae from the Atlantic, which is nicknamed the Maritime Moisturizing Factor, lives exclusively in saltwater pools that are only filled at high tide. At low tide, it becomes a true survivalist, as the high salt content and strong evaporation pose a major challenge.
Over time, the algae has developed substances that limit water loss. The algae extract obtained from it therefore provides a rapid increase in skin moisture that can be felt immediately.
Fucus serratus
Not quite as spectacular, but still very valuable, is Fucus serratus, which grows on rocky coasts in the North Atlantic. As an algae extract, this brown seaweed has anti-inflammatory and skin-friendly properties that can support the skin’s natural defenses when used regularly.
Laminaria digitata
And finally, another species that has proven itself many times over as an algae extract in cosmetics: Laminaria digitata, a brown algae that is exposed to severe environmental stress in nature. The constant change of tides exposes it to constant stress. In the course of evolution, it has therefore developed mechanisms to survive.
It temporarily secretes antibacterial hydrogen peroxide. In combination with active ingredients such as zinc, this can help regulate sebum production. Algae extract can therefore also have a supportive effect on oily skin.
Summary of the effective components of algae
- UV protection through phenols (phlorotannins), carotenoids, photolyase (enzyme), and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAA)
- Skin protection through radical scavengers such as tocopherol, polyphenols, beta-carotene, and astaxanthin
- Moisturization of the skin through sulfated polysaccharides and mucopolysaccharides (glycosaminoglycans)
- Skin smoothing and regeneration through omega fatty acids
- Skin lightening through phlorotannins, phloroglucinol, and its oligomers
- Stimulation of collagen synthesis through fucans
These are the active ingredients from algae that are known to date. However, many species have hardly been researched, although more and more scientists worldwide are looking into the topic of algae extract. It is therefore to be expected that further algae extracts will be developed in the future, which in turn could play an important role in cosmetics.
Whether shower gel, face mask, bath oil, hand cream, or face cream—algae extract covers almost all areas of cosmetics.
It is also very encouraging that the use of algae extract has virtually no disadvantages. Caution is only advised for people who are allergic to individual ingredients. However, the working conditions involved in harvesting marine plants are the subject of critical debate in some regions of the world.
Algae extract is always in vogue
In summary, it can be said that algae extract has very high benefits in the cosmetics sector. Over the course of evolution, plants have learned to adapt to extremely different environmental conditions and in doing so have developed substances that can unfold their effects on the skin and body in a natural way.
Side effects or disadvantages are rare. Therefore, algae extract can generally be used by people with sensitive skin. What was already part of traditional Chinese medicine 2000 years ago still plays an important role today.
In other words, thanks to their adaptability, these plants, which originated billions of years ago, still fit perfectly into our world today. Mother Nature has given us an extraordinary gift in the form of valuable algae extract.
New products with algae extract for your brand
For a quick market entry, Tojo Cosmetics offers immediately available, EU-compliant white label products in which this active ingredient is already formulated.
For individual production orders, Cosactive offers formulation-tested active ingredient mixtures starting from small quantities.
At our partner company Cosmacon, we are happy to assist you with individual product developments using this innovative active ingredient.
Just ask us!
Literature:
Biocosmetics Made with Saccharina latissima Fractions from Sustainable Treatment: Physicochemical and Thermorheological Features. Flórez-Fernández N, Ferreira-Anta T, Queffelec J, Ingrez IB, Buján M, Muiños A, Domínguez H, Torres MD.Mar Drugs. 2023 Nov 29;21(12):618.
Highlighting the Biological Potential of the Brown Seaweed Fucus spiralis for Skin Applications. Freitas R, Martins A, Silva J, Alves C, Pinteus S, Alves J, Teodoro F, Ribeiro HM, Gonçalves L, Petrovski Ž, Branco L, Pedrosa R. Antioxidants (Basel). 2020 Jul 11;9(7):611.