Microalgae-based cosmetics? Popularity of new skin care products not yet matched by science

Credit: Estee Lauder
Credit: Estee Lauder

According to Mintelโ€™s GNPD (Global New Product Database), in 2022, 22.2% of new US skincare product launches included chlorella or spirulina in their INCI (International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient). For comparison, in 2018, these two microalgae ingredients featured in 13.2% of new US skincare product launches.

Anna Keller, global senior beauty & personal care analyst at Mintel, said this showed that in the last five years, there had been substantial growth in the number of new beauty products launched in the USA with microalgae ingredients.

Follow the latest news and policy debates on sustainable agriculture, biomedicine, and other ‘disruptive’ innovations. Subscribe to our newsletter.

Keller said that microalgae tapped into the ‘blue beauty’ movement, which focused on improving the relationship between the beauty industry and marine life and was driving demand for natural, vegan ingredients sustainably sourced from a ‘blue’ environment.

Some scientific research has confirmed the benefits of microalgal bioactivities for beauty, such as an increase in skin moisturization, promotion of microcirculation, and anti-inflammatory action. Most recently, a study by Brazilian scientists confirmed the potential of using microalgae derivatives in dermocosmetics with anti-aging claims or soothing properties.

However, microalgae can still be considered an under-explored natural resource of bioactive compounds for cosmetics, with brands relying on positive associations rather than proven efficacy.

This is an excerpt. Read the original post here

{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.singularReviewCountLabel }}
{{ reviewsTotal }}{{ options.labels.pluralReviewCountLabel }}
{{ options.labels.newReviewButton }}
{{ userData.canReview.message }}

Related Articles

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Infographic: Global regulatory and health research agencies on whether glyphosate causes cancer

Does glyphosateโ€”the world's most heavily-used herbicideโ€”pose serious harm to humans? Is it carcinogenic? Those issues are of both legal and ...

Most Popular

Screenshot 2025-07-30 at 10.48
Can gene editing eliminate Down syndrome? Scientists have done it in lab-grown cells
ChatGPT-Image-Mar-10-2026-01_39_01-PM
Viewpointโ€”โ€œMiracle moleculeโ€ debunked: Why acemannan supplements donโ€™t work
Screenshot-2026-06-04-at-12.05.08-PM
Cases of brain inflammation surge as U.S. measles pandemic approaches 2000
Screenshot 2026-05-26 at 10.15
Viewpoint: Double standardโ€”Why does the wellness industry get a free pass while Big Healthcare is treated as morally suspect?

Sorry. No data so far.

glp menu logo outlined

Get news on human & agricultural genetics and biotechnology delivered to your inbox.