Natural cosmetics are becoming increasingly popular – their market share has grown significantly in recent years. Algae extracts are particularly interesting due to their valuable ingredients such as minerals, polyphenols and fatty acids. They can moisturise the skin, have an antioxidant effect and even prevent premature skin ageing. Some extracts may even have a skin-lightening effect, which makes them particularly attractive for the Asian market.
The challenge: there are hardly any studies on humans that prove the actual effect of algae extracts. In most cases, the positive effects are based only on laboratory tests, which cannot be applied to human skin across the board.
Envivomar is developing a testing platform to examine cosmetic raw materials from algae and other marine sources under real conditions. The aim is to scientifically prove the effects of the extracts on the skin – making them more attractive to the cosmetics industry.
Various skin parameters are tested, e.g.:
✅ Skin moisture & elasticity
✅ Skin oil content (sebum)
✅ Pigmentation & skin lightening
✅ Wrinkles, pores and skin structure
✅ Signs of acne (made visible by UV-A camera)
How do different extraction methods influence the effect of algae? Different methods extract different ingredients from algae – and this could have a direct impact on their skin care properties.
Methods are compared directly with one another. This would allow extracts with specific effects to be developed in a particularly targeted manner, e.g. stronger skin lightening or better moisturising.
The test platform developed in the project will subsequently be offered as a service for research and industry. This will enable other companies to have their new algae extracts tested quickly and reliably. At the same time, the scientific findings will be published – as far as possible – in order to establish new cosmetic claims in the industry.
The goal: more scientifically proven natural cosmetics with algae – for sustainable and effective skin care!
Timo Jensen, oceanBASIS
