Why algae extracts are the skin care trend to watch

Algae extract is the proof and the consequence of the skin care industry’s recent turn to natural and green ingredients.

This extract has expanded the environmentally friendly choices that brands can make in order to meet the increasing demand for sustainable ingredients in skin care.  As conscious consumers expect greater corporate responsibility and ingredient transparency, algae extracts offer a great alternative for brands without compromising on efficacy. 

Here’s an incredible statistic: half the oxygen in Earth’s atmosphere is generated by algae, and what’s more, they can do a whole lot else.For instance, algae can be a sustainable alternative or, better yet, a replacement for undesirable and potentially harmful chemicals or non-vegan ingredients that are used in traditional skin care products. 

In light of the increasing demand for sustainable, natural ingredients in beauty, the algae extract skin benefits is a compelling proposition for the industry.

What is an algae extract?

An algae extract is a substance derived from algae and obtained through a variety of methods (which may include different extraction techniques or hydrolysis) and then processed to obtain the specific compounds or molecules that are of interest. 

It’s estimated that there are between 30,000 to 1 million species of different algae around the world, many of them being a source of potential health benefits and natural properties. A while back, seaweeds and algae were discovered by the beauty and personal care industry, providing effective natural treatments from taming frizzy hair to sustainable skin moisturizers.

But why is algae good for skin? The main reason lies behind some of the compounds found in algae, such as polysaccharides, polyphenols, pigments, and essential fatty acids. These have been proven to present various benefits for the skin and hair, such as moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Recently, sSeaweeds and algae have been were discovered by the beauty and personal care industry, providing effective natural treatments from taming frizzy hair to sustainable skin moisturizers.

Because of the many algae extract skin benefits and its alignment with new consumer demands for natural products in beauty and personal care products, it has increased its popularity lately in ingredient claims. 

What is algae extract good for? Some skin benefits 

1. Replenish natural collagen levels

As we age, our natural collagen levels begin to decline. In order to keep our skin looking young and healthy, we need to replenish it.

Collagen is a huge skin care buzzword, so much so that a recent study showed that 44% of American women who use beauty products say they look for collagen in the products they purchase. Such is its appeal that even food and drink brands are attempting to capitalize on the trend by marketing collagen-enhanced juices and snacks.

Responding to this demand, the anti-aging properties provided by algae have been proven, thanks to this ingredient’s capacity to supply the much sought-after collagen.

By using products that contain an algae extract, you introduce more collagen to your skin, as well as repairing the damage caused by oxidation.

2. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

However, collagen is not the only ingredient algae extracts can offer. Kelp Sea Extract, for example, is uniquely rich in various vitamins and minerals. Equally, some algae – red and brown seaweed especially – are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

Most skin damage is caused by free radicals, which are particles created by the exposure of your skin to elements like pollution and sun. They’re also created by some of our not too healthy habits, like smoking or the use of tanning beds. 

These free radicals cause oxidation, which by a simplified definition, is a process in which a cell loses electrons because its level of oxides is increased. This process, among other things, also significantly contributes to the aging process.

Antioxidants neutralize free radicals either by providing the extra electrons needed to stabilize the cell or by breaking down the free radical molecule to render it harmless. Thus, antioxidant ingredients suppress the oxidation process: and as a significant antioxidant source, algae extracts have incredible potential. 

All in all, algae extract in skin care is sort of a one-stop-shop, an anti-aging treasure from the deep, part of a wider trend of using natural ingredients to protect and promote skin health. 

The growth of the algae extract trend in skin care

With all the restorative and nurturing qualities they offer, it’s no wonder that the growth of algae extracts in skin care is set to continue. 

Of all skincare launches containing algae extract over the past ten years, 15% were launched between October 2018 and September 2019. What’s more, over the same time period, 15% of active patents for algal skincare were published. 

Based on this rate of applications we’ve seen in recent years, we expect even more algae extract products launching in the near future. Thus, this green and sustainable algae extract in skin care trend is not the one successful brands should just watch, but also follow and support. 

In light of this, at Provital we’ve pushed our seaweed efforts to the front, offering a wide range of algae extracts for brands looking to join the trend. These include:

• Wakame algae extract, a hydrating and soothing solution
• Ascophyllum an algae extract for photoprotection, conditioning, emollient for sensitive and/or irritated skins and anti-hair loss and breakage
• Nori, which provides moisturizing, filmogenic, soothing, emollient and antioxidant properties
• Lithothamnium, a powerful agent for anti-aging, moisturizing, skin regeneration, soothing and emollient
• Laminaria, which acts as a remodeling, anti-cellulite and antimicrobial agent
• Sea fennel, with outstanding antioxidant, anti-aging and firming properties
• Spirulin, an algae extract that provides moisturizing, soothing, emollient and antioxidant activity
• Fucus, which presents a wide range of properties, such as anti-cellulite, humectant, filmogenic, epithelizing, soothing, anti-irritation, anti-aging, antioxidant and purifying activity
• Kelp sea, an algae extract that promotes skin restoring, moisturizing, antioxidant, anti-aging, anti-cellulite and antiseptic.

Frequently Asked Questions about algae extract

Is algae extract good for skin?

As we’ve seen above, introducing an algae extract as part of a skin care routine can reduce moisture loss and promote collagen production, revitalizing and toning the skin. All in all, the effects of algae extract are significantly positive. 

Why is algae extract good for skin?

The positive effects related to algae extract for skin are related to its strong contents of proteins that induce collagen production, as well as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.

What does algae extract contain?

Algae extract can be made from the four major seaweed classes: red algae, brown algae, blue-green algae, and green algae. Derived from the different types of algae are multiple chemical compounds found in them, including omega 3 fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamins A, B, C, and E. 

Is algae anti-aging?

Because of the proteins found in certain algae extract, which induce the production of collagen, it’s possible to claim that algae can have anti-aging effects in skin care products. Extracts derived from certain algae, such as Lithothamnium or Sea fennel are particularly adequate for anti-aging treatments.