Sustainably Sourced Macro and Micro Algae
What are macro and microalgae? Algae is a nutrient-dense photosynthetic freshwater and marine organism, boasting over 800,000 species1.
Macroalgae are multicellular and include brown, red, and green seaweeds. These incorporate kelp, nori, laver, dulse, wrack, spirulina, sea moss, sea lettuce, and more. In contrast, microalgae are microscopic, unicellular, and prokaryotic—invisible to the naked eye (with no membrane-bound organelle and no nucleus). They are cyanobacteria, known as blue-green algae.
Pigments in these sea vegetables protect against severe environments and oxidation, making this marine algae ideal for skincare applications. Additionally, these plants are excellent sources of bioactive compounds and nutrients, including C-phycocyanin and astaxanthin, which offer antimicrobial and antioxidant properties.
Algae are recognized for their nutrients, including metabolites, essential omega-3 DHA fatty acids, amino acids, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants, which are vital for internal and skin health. The food and cosmetics industries value their innate colorants, texture, and oxidation resistance.
The Benefits of Algae for Skin Health
Macro and microalgae offer significant potential benefits for all skin types. Their rich and diverse nutrient profile, consumed or applied topically, and high bioavailability help supply the skin with nourishment, energy, and protection from damaging and prematurely aging oxidative stress.
The benefits of algae taken as a supplement or applied as a cream, mask, oil, or serum include:
- Efficient hydration: Research suggests algae may offer better hydration than hyaluronic acid. Its humectant properties may help prevent moisture loss, a critical concern for dry skin.
- Reduced hyperpigmentation: Those with hypersensitive skins may battle to diminish discoloration using the various acid options available. Instead, algae contain high vitamin C levels and have proved effective in natural brightening, yielding a more even skin tone with fewer and less noticeable dark spots.
- Less inflammation: Environmental pollution, oxidation, and sun damage can cause inflammation, which causes fine lines and hyperpigmentation. Algae metabolites may be able to manage inflammation to prevent or reduce it, both ingested and topically.
- Sun protection: The bioactives in algae may provide vital natural UV protection. These plants generate mycosporine amino acids, water-soluble molecules working as antioxidants while transforming damaging UV energy into less harmful heat.
- Improved skin surface appearance: Algae may help inhibit the enzymes responsible for collagen breakdown, reducing and preventing the premature development of fine lines and wrinkles. In addition, algal vitamin B, antioxidants, and minerals help detoxify and clear buildup in pores.
Algae protect against inflammation and damage, slow aging, and maintain skin suppleness, with the ingredient increasingly at the forefront of a more natural and sustainable skincare evolution. According to Meticulous Research, the algae products market is expected to achieve an impressive $1.1 billion by 2031 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.6%2.
The Rising Tide of Blue Beauty
The blue beauty phenomenon3 from algae sources is emerging as a significant ingredient in 2024 as consumers and manufacturers recognize the value of cleaner, kinder, plant-based products. This global movement, founded in 2018, adds to the concept of mindful beauty by offering more ethical production, sustainability, and a reduced environmental impact that also benefits the environment.
How does algae contribute to Blue Beauty? These aquatic plants sequester carbon from their surroundings, providing critical advantages beyond limiting manufacturer carbon footprints.
Numerous global brands are embracing algae extracts in their formulations, including The Body Shop, Clarins, Shiseido, Lamelle, Bobbi Brown, L’Oréal Paris, and Estee Lauder. Sustainable producers leading the way in blue biotechnology include Cargill, DIC Corporation, BDI-BioLife Science, Tianjin Norland Biotech Co. Ltd, and Bluetec Naturals Co. Ltd, which offer high-potential hydrocolloids such as agar, alginate, and carrageenan.
Join the Blue Beauty Revolution With Advanced Biotech
With consumers expecting increasingly pure, clean, ethical, and sustainable ingredients, beauty brands are pressured to transform what they include and how they produce their skincare and other beauty products.
For high-quality fragrance profile enhancement and peace of mind, rely on Advanced Biotech’s 100% natural, EU-certified, plant-based, and often organic collection. Choose from essential oils, oleoresins, absolutes, and other responsibly sourced and produced extracts. Contact us today.
1 https://www.mindbodygreen.com/articles/algae-is-glow-inducing-ingredient-you-need-skin-care-benefits
2 https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/revolutionizing-beauty-algae-products-market-cosmetics-poxqf
3 https://www.elle.com/uk/beauty/a32311740/blue-beauty/