What are the Benefits of Marine Algae for your Skin?

Marine algae are living organisms, among the oldest on our planet, playing a vital role in oxygen production on Earth.

Belonging to the large family of marine-derived actives and widely used in the food industry, they are also highly prized in cosmetics for their beneficial properties. Let’s explore the advantages of this essential beauty ally!

Different types of marine algae

Algae are unique organisms packed with nutrients, minerals, and trace elements. These provide valuable active compounds that explain, in part, their resilience to external aggressions in a demanding marine environment (sun, tides, waves…).

Marine algae can be categorized in two ways:

• By size: microalgae (single-celled) and macroalgae (composed of multiple cells).

• By color: green algae (freshwater and marine), red algae (mainly marine, capable of surviving below 130 meters), brown algae (particularly adapted to rocky coasts), and blue algae (thriving in shallow, calm, warm waters).

The benefits of marine algae for your skin

Algae offer numerous properties that make them highly valued in cosmetics for face and body care.

Their deep moisturizing and anti-aging effects on the skin can be explained by three main characteristics:

• Skin absorption: Like algae, our skin contains minerals and trace elements. This natural affinity allows for efficient and strong assimilation of marine actives into the epidermis.
• Richness in bioactive molecules: The trace elements, vitamins, amino acids (proteins), and essential fatty acids in marine algae enable deep skin regeneration.
• Osmotic diffusion: This process transfers nutrient concentrations from one medium (here, the skin) to a deficient medium to restore balance.

Depending on the species and environment, algae develop different properties. Their complementarity offers a sustainable solution to skin concerns of all types. They are particularly renowned in cosmetics for their ability to hydrate, soften, soothe, brighten, detoxify, tone, and firm the skin.

Which skin types benefit from marine algae?

Whatever your skin type, you can enjoy the benefits of these aquatic plants. Each skin concern has its corresponding algae.

• Brown algae are widely used in cosmetics for their hydrating and protective properties. They help to firm and soften the skin while brightening the complexion and are also known for anti-inflammatory effects—ideal for sensitive skin.
• Green algae offer powerful hydration, especially suitable for dry skin, thanks to their high magnesium content which helps tone the skin. Some also aid in treating skin conditions by promoting cell renewal.
• Red algae are rich in antioxidants and are essential hydrating ingredients in anti-aging care. Their nourishing and softening effects help prevent fine lines and protect against oxidative stress from external aggressions.
• Spirulina, the star among blue algae, is widely used in dietary supplements and at the heart of anti-aging cosmetic formulas. Its targeted action on elastin and collagen makes it ideal for mature skin, improving metabolism. Products containing spirulina enhance radiance, beauty, and provide lasting protection thanks to their rich antioxidant content.

Choosing algae-based skincare products for your skin

At Algotherm, the power and richness of the oceans inspire all our product formulations. Pioneers for over 60 years, our expertise in marine actives and algotherapy allows us to design targeted protocols to enjoy the benefits of algae from your bathroom.

Our new skincare ranges offer solutions for all imperfections and suit every skin type, thanks to ingredients that are almost exclusively natural.

OCEAN LIFE, our pioneering face range (a cream, eye contour, and serum) developed through extensive laboratory research, features an exceptional concentration of ALGOGÈNE[4]. This patented natural complex contains four exceptional algae that activate 35 youth-related genes. Its effects on visible signs of aging are proven through improved hydration, elasticity, antioxidant protection, soothing effects, and long-lasting cell renewal.

OCEAN DEFENSE, our urban beauty protocol, is packed with marine and advanced dermocosmetic actives to combat atmospheric and light pollution. Spirulina and seawater are at the core of this range (two creams and a serum) designed to fight premature aging. Daily protective and nourishing products for all skin types and ages: radiant complexion, hydration, detoxified skin, fewer fine lines and dark circles, more relaxed features—multiple benefits from the best marine ingredients.

OCEAN TIME offers expert treatments with targeted actions combining the power of algae with retinol-like, a next-generation dermocosmetic active. One cream targets wrinkles using the potent properties of a brown macroalgae, achieving smoother, less creased skin in 7 days and a 21% reduction in forehead wrinkles after 56 days. Another cream is formulated to firm and densify the skin using a green macroalgae, showing +45% firmness after 56 days.