Skin anti-ageing properties of a microalga extract

Microalgae are considered to be single-cell factories. When cultivated in bioreactors, they consistently produce a sustainable and safe biomass through an optimal photosynthesis process, where culture media, pH, temperature, nutrients, and levels of dissolved oxygen and CO2 are strictly controlled. The biomass is rich in active ingredients with healthy benefits, including sugars, amino acids, lipids, polyphenols and vitamins.

While the lipidic fraction of microalgae has found applications in biofuels and nutritional supplements,2 the additional presence in the water-fraction of high levels of carbohydrates, amino acids and polyphenols has supported the use of microalgae extracts in cosmetics as well, specifically for their antioxidant, antiinflammatory, moisturising, lightening and antiageing properties.3-5

Moreover, by cultivating microalgae and controlling their growth as well as their content, it is possible to produce functional actives sustainably and reproducibly. This optimised process reduces the need for a wild source, and is therefore more sustainable and also cleaner because there is no risk of pollutants.