The Blue Economy: Algae and Seaweeds are Transforming Skincare (2025)

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The Blue Economy: Algae and Seaweeds are Transforming Skincare

Author Dr. Theresa Callaghan Feb 17, 2025

In 2024, the demand for sustainable skincare soared, pushing brands toward planet-friendly ingredients. Enter algae and seaweeds—powerful marine actives transforming beauty. As part of the "Blue Economy", they offer both skin benefits and a sustainable edge. Skincare scientist Dr. Theresa Callaghan, PhD, explores why these ingredients are more than a trend—and what brands must know to stay ahead.

Introduction

In 2024, the quest for effective, more sustainable skincare became the dominant trend, driving consumers and brands alike to embrace ingredients that are as kind to the planet as they are to the skin. Enter algae and seaweeds—powerful, sustainable marine ingredients that are redefining the cosmetics landscape. These bio-based ingredients are not only a boon for skin health but also offer immense potential for businesses seeking to innovate and meet the growing demand for Eco-conscious beauty products.

As part of the larger "blue economy" movement, algae and seaweeds are gaining traction as sustainable alternatives to traditional ingredients. Let's explore why algae is more than just a trendy ingredient for 2024, how it's transforming the cosmetics industry, and what brands need to know to stay ahead in this increasingly Eco-conscious market.

The Rise of Algae and Seaweeds: The Future of Beauty is Blue

Algae, whether micro or macro, are emerging as key players in the beauty industry. These marine plants are an untapped treasure trove of bioactive compounds, ranging from antioxidants to polysaccharides and peptides, that benefit the skin in numerous ways. Not only are algae packed with nutrients like vitamins, amino acids, and minerals, but they are also known for their anti-inflammatory, moisturizing, and anti-ageing properties. For brands, algae represent an exciting opportunity to deliver innovative skincare solutions that appeal to both health-conscious consumers and sustainability-focused markets. The blue economy is driving a new wave of consumer behaviour—one that prioritises natural, Eco-friendly ingredients and supports companies that are committed to reducing their environmental footprint. Over the years algae such as Spirulina, Chlorella, Brown Seaweeds, and various Red Algae have grown in popularity.

Why Algae and Seaweeds are More Than Just a Beauty Trend

Nutrient-Rich and Skin-Friendly: Algae are rich in compounds that have proven skin benefits. Brown seaweeds, for example, contain powerful polysaccharides known for their moisturizing and anti-inflammatory effects. Red algae and micro-algae, such as spirulina, boast antioxidants that protect the skin from oxidative stress and environmental damage—factors that accelerate ageing. For skincare brands, this means offering products that tackle both the visible and invisible signs of ageing by improving skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles, and protecting from UV damage.
Anti-Ageing with a Twist:Seaweeds are often touted for their ability to fight the signs of ageing, with ingredients that support collagen production, promote hydration, and boost skin elasticity. Brands can capitalise on this by developing anti-ageing products that leverage the natural power of algae. Seaweed-based formulations not only promise visible results but also offer a more sustainable alternative to synthetic ingredients like retinoids, which can irritate sensitive skin.
Sustainability Sells:Consumers today are looking for products that align with their values, particularly when it comes to sustainability. Algae and seaweeds are among the most environmentally friendly ingredients available. They don't require land or freshwater to grow, making them ideal for sustainable farming. Algae can even help regenerate ecosystems by absorbing CO2, reducing ocean acidification, and providing habitat for marine life. As consumers demand more Eco-conscious choices, businesses in the beauty sector must embrace these sustainable ingredients to remain competitive and align with shifting market values.

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What Sets Algae-Based Products Apart?

For beauty brands, incorporating algae and seaweed into products isn't just about following trends; it's about tapping into a rich source of innovation that offers both efficacy and sustainability. Here are a few key reasons why algae-based products stand out:

Versatility Across Product Categories:Algae isn't limited to just moisturizers or face creams. Its uses extend across a wide range of personal care products, from cleansers to sunscreens to haircare. Algae's ability to hydrate, protect, and nourish the skin makes it an ideal ingredient for everything from acne treatment to anti-ageing serums and even haircare products that target scalp health.
Consumer Demand for Clean Beauty:The clean beauty movement continues to gain momentum, with consumers increasingly avoiding synthetic chemicals in favour of natural, plant-based alternatives. Algae offers a natural solution that appeals to this audience, positioning brands as leaders in the clean beauty space.
High-Performance, Bioactive Ingredients:Beyond being natural, algae-based ingredients are high-performance. Seaweeds containingFucoidan(from brown algae) have been shown to soothe the skin, reduce redness, and protect against UV damage, while Spirulina is a powerful antioxidant that boosts collagen production. These ingredients are scientifically validated, which helps build consumer trust in their efficacy.

Algae's Impact on Cosmetic Innovation

The growing interest in algae and seaweeds isn't just academic; it's transforming real products on the market. Some recent innovative ingredients that are making waves in the cosmetics industry are:

Xylishine C from Seppic is claimed to be a natural active ingredient combining sugar technology, andPelvetia canaliculata, a bio-inspired natural algae extract for skinification applications. The active claims to have proven benefits of reinforcing the scalp barrier, and important for healthy hair. It also claims proven benefits of protecting hair fibres by improving the health of cuticles. Visible results for beautiful hair on shine, curl definition, and volume and frizz control in all climate conditions are also claimed.
SACRANEX™ from Sun Chemical is claimed to be the firstSuizenji Nori extract (blue-green algae) cultivated indoors on a large scale, ensuring a sustainable supply of this unique ingredient. Derived from blue-green algae, SACRANEX™ claims to offer superior skincare benefits ranging from moisturisation and pollution defence to improvements in the appearance of the skin.
Purysea™SD from Innovacos is an active ingredient extracted from the algaeLaminaria Saccharina and Digitata, seaweeds. These algae are claimed to be natural sources of various minerals like magnesium and zinc. Zinc is known for its anti-inflammatory effect and plays a role in regulating sebum secretion and managing acne symptoms. Innovacos harnessed the power of these algae to create a sebum-regulating ingredient that claims to reduce the number of acne lesions, and at the same time, claims to help relieve dry skin while providing deep hydration.
Opal Alga from Odycea claims to be the first dynamic light-responsive technology developed to awaken the skin. Derived fromCytoseira Tamariscifolia, it claims to have been designed to rejuvenate tired skin afflicted by modern life. Through its multi-targeted approach, Opal Alga claims to harmonise the skin's microenvironment and realign its natural circadian rhythm, fostering a restorative balance. Additional claims include: Reduces signs of fatigue, including the appearance of vascular dark circles; deeply hydrates, for firmer and smoother skin texture; enhances plumpness for greater skin tonicity and youthful bounce.
ALGAKTIV Densidyl from Algaktiv is claimed to be a revolutionary hair care solution, combating stress-induced hair loss through an advanced formula blending xanthophyll and phycocyanin fromChlorellaandSpirulina. It claims that by blocking cortisol receptors and repairing oxidative damage, it fortifies hair follicles and encourages robust growth.

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Sustainability and Regulation: The Growing Need for Ethical Sourcing

Sustainability isn't just a buzzword—it's a business imperative. As algae and seaweeds become more popular, companies need to ensure they are sourcing these ingredients responsibly to avoid depleting marine ecosystems. This is where sustainability certifications like theMarine Stewardship Council (MSC) come into play, providing traceability and ethical sourcing practices.

The European Union's Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 governs the use of cosmetic ingredients, including those derived from seaweeds and algae. These regulations ensure consumer safety while promoting innovation. For brands looking to enter the algae market, compliance with these standards is crucial to ensuring that products meet consumer expectations and legal requirements.

Moreover, businesses must also consider the long-term impact of algae sourcing. Seaweed farming can have a positive environmental impact, but over-harvesting can lead to ecosystem imbalance. This highlights the importance of investing in sustainable harvesting techniques and collaborating with marine conservation initiatives to protect the oceans.

The Bottom Line: Opportunities for Businesses in the Blue Economy

The Blue Economy is a growing force in the beauty industry. As consumers become more Eco-conscious, brands that embrace algae and seaweed-based formulations will gain a competitive edge. Not only will these ingredients offer tangible skincare benefits, but they will also align with the demand for clean, sustainable beauty.

For businesses, this presents an exciting opportunity to innovate, expand their product offerings, and engage with a more environmentally aware consumer base. As we move forward, algae and seaweeds are poised to become an essential part of the cosmetics industry's future, offering both performance and sustainability in one powerful package. Embracing the power of the ocean isn't just good for the planet—it's good for business too.

By tapping into the blue economy, beauty brands can offer consumers products that are effective, sustainable, and aligned with the future of beauty. The potential of algae and seaweeds is vast, and those who embrace it early on will set themselves apart in a rapidly evolving market.