Why are algae used in cosmetics?
Algae in cosmetics is a popular ingredient for its many properties: it is naturally rich in minerals and vitamins that are compatible with the skin, and therefore boasts strengthening, restorative and nourishing properties.
Algae comprise a very diverse set of organisms and represent a renewable and sustainable source for the production of useful compounds in many application areas.
The particular and often extreme environmental conditions in which they live have led them to produce several peculiar metabolites in order to adapt.
These can be exploited in cosmetics as active ingredients or as excipients.
How are algae used?
They are widely used because of their thickening, gelling, emulsifying and stabilising properties, but also as a source of biologically active substances that can be exploited to combat oxidative stress and skin ageing.
Thanks to the richness of their active ingredients, algae are used in cosmetics because they treat the main skin imperfections in an effective and targeted manner. They are rich in vitamins A, C and the B group, which have an antioxidant effect. They also contain mineral salts (such as iron, phosphorus, copper, magnesium, manganese and iodine), which are useful for skin trophism.
In the cosmetics industry, algae were originally used mainly in products intended for cellulite blemishes.
In fact, seaweed draws substances such as iodine and flavonoids from the sea, which are very useful for regulating metabolic functions and reactivating microcirculation, two of the main elements that act on cellulite.
Over time, knowledge of algae has deepened and nowadays there are many activities attributable to them.
What are the main cosmetic activities of algae?
The main cosmetic activities of algae are:
- Antioxidant, thanks to various molecules that protect against oxidative stress such as carotenoids and vitamins;
- Purifying, detoxifying and sebum-regulating;
- Moisturising, due to the presence of polysaccharides capable of retaining large quantities of water;
- Brightening and depigmenting through inhibition or modulation of tyrosinase, an enzyme involved in melanin synthesis;
- Improvement of the skin microbiome;
- Photoprotection
In which Gen-Hyal products do we find algae?
A collaboration between the Gen-Hyal researchers at Prigen and the Biosearch team of scientists who are experts in marine biotechnology has resulted in the development of a series of innovative, high-performance products based on Tetraselmis Suecica extract, with antioxidant action.
Visit our e-shop for a complete overview of products based on Tetraselmis suecica.
