Seaweed and micro-algae are gaining prominence as all-natural, functional ingredients in personal care products as demand for clean-label, effective skincare solutions increases. Although seaweed and micro-algae have been used in the industry since the 1960s, there has been a renewed interest due to a growing number of studies conducted on individual species of algae and their specific capabilities. These marine plants can offer a rich array of benefits, including hydration, anti-aging properties, and enhanced skin health, making them a compelling ingredient for the personal care industry.
This comprehensive B2B Buyers’ Guide delves into various types of common seaweed and micro-algae ingredients, highlighting their specific benefits and applications in the personal care space. Designed for product development professionals and procurement teams, the guide provides insights into how these ingredients can enhance product offerings and meet current consumer demands. It also provides procurement tips for businesses looking to source trustworthy, transparent seaweed and micro-algae so businesses can stay at the forefront of the evolving personal care industry.
IMPORTANT: For clarity purposes, there are two general categories of algae - macro-algae and micro-algae. Macro-algae is commonly known as seaweed and predominantly grows in ocean water. Micro-algae is a unicellular organism and grows in both freshwater and the ocean. We use the words seaweed and algae interchangeably throughout the guide.
Best Seaweed for Skin Hydration
Irish moss (or commonly referred to as, “sea moss”) is a red algae that has been a staple in many coastal regions along the Atlantic Ocean for its diverse uses. One of its most notable benefits for the skin is its hydrating and moisturizing capabilities. This is because sea moss contains a high content of carrageenan, a natural sugar, which has the ability to hold water and increase skin hydration. Its application in the skincare industry has been accelerated over the past few years as a result of celebrity endorsements touting its rich composition of vitamins, minerals, and polysaccharides.1 2 3 4
For clarity - sea moss is a generic term used to describe different species of red algae that includes Irish moss. Irish moss—formally known as Chondrus crispus—is most commonly harvested along the Atlantic coasts in the Americas and Europe. Brands often use the term, “sea moss” to refer to other types of red algae sourced from the Caribbean called Gracilaria. It is important for businesses to understand this point as these species contain different properties and functional profiles. We will use the term, “sea moss” throughout the guide, and are referring to the species Chondrus crispus.
Sea moss can be easily integrated into various product formulations. Below are some of the top applications of sea moss in the personal care space:
Sea moss is a versatile and natural alternative that can be used across several personal care products. These include:
Sea moss can be used by various businesses in the personal care space to enhance product functionality and meet consumer demands for natural ingredients.
Best Seaweed for All-Around Benefits
Kelp has solidified their presence in the personal care industry. It contains a variety of polysaccharides and vitamins/minerals that make it the best all-around seaweed for skin care. Kelp has been touted for its hydration capabilities, antioxidant properties, anti-inflammatory effects, and detoxifying abilities. It’s been cited that kelp brings a multifaceted approach to skin health as it addresses hydration, inflammation, and texture improvement.4 12 13 14
Two common compounds found in Kelp extracts that are increasingly being used in the industry are fucoidan and laminarian. We dig further into fucoidan later in the guide.
Kelp is a brown seaweed and one of the most abundant types of seaweed grown around the world. There are several species of kelp currently used for skincare applications, each carries its unique properties and applications. As more data and studies have been released on individual species of algae, product developers and formulators are now combining different types of kelp extracts to target specific functional profiles for their products. We have listed a few species of kelp commonly used for personal care products below:
Kelp is known for its wide-ranging benefits in the personal care industry. Kelp can be used for:
Most of kelp’s benefits come from active compounds that are found in the seaweed. These include items like fucoidan and laminarin.
Kelp presents a versatile and natural alternative to several traditional ingredients. Here's what ingredients kelp can replace in the personal care space:
Kelp’s versatility extends across a broad spectrum of product types. The following types of businesses in the personal care industry can benefit from integrating kelp into their products:
Best Compound for Anti-Aging Properties
Fucoidan is a polysaccharide extracted from brown seaweeds. It is a dynamic ingredient for hydration and improving the overall health and appearance of the skin. It also contains antioxidant and antimicrobial properties making it effective against UV damage and suitable for a wide range of skincare applications targeting anti-aging. 19 20
Fucoidan is a 100% natural ingredient that aligns well with current trends toward clean skincare formulations.
Fucoidan can be integrated into various personal care products for improved efficacy. Below are some of the top applications of fucoidan:
Fucoidan can be a versatile substitute for common, synthetic ingredients in the personal care industry.
A wide range of personal care businesses can benefit from incorporating fucoidan in their product lines:
Best Compound for Antioxidants
Astaxanthin is a powerful carotenoid pigment derived from micro-algae. It is known as one of the most potent antioxidants that exist, surpassing things like vitamins C and E. In skincare, astaxanthin is praised for its ability to combat oxidative stress and reduce signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, and pigmentation. With the rising trend towards natural ingredients, astaxanthin stands out for its multiple benefits and suitability for a range of skincare products. 22 23 24 25 26
Note: Astaxanthin is most commonly extracted from the micro-algae species Haematococcus pluvialis.
Astaxanthin is a powerful antioxidant that can be used as a key ingredient in personal care products. Here are some of the top applications of astaxanthin in the personal care industry:
Astaxanthin can serve as a natural alternative to various traditional ingredients in personal care formulations.
Astaxanthin's versatile benefits make it an attractive ingredient for a variety of personal care businesses:
Each type of seaweed and micro-algae carries its own unique benefits. Below is the top personal care highlight each algae-based ingredient carries.
DISCLAIMER: The bioactivity of seaweed and algae can vary widely based on growing conditions, harvesting time, processing methods, and geographic location. When purchasing seaweed and algae, businesses should have the product tested and verified by a third-party.
Below is a list of personal care trends businesses should pay attention to when thinking about incorporating seaweed and micro-algae into their products and overall product development strategies.
There is a demand for products that offer multiple benefits, reducing the need for consumers to buy multiple products. This trend is fueled by consumers seeking both efficacy and value. Seaweed and micro-algae align well with this trend as they can serve multiple purposes in a product. Its diverse benefits can include items like hydration, anti-aging, and detoxification.
As consumers become more conscious about the origins of their products, there's a growing demand for manufacturing and supply chain transparency for the products they consume. They want to know what ingredients are in the products they buy and use, where they come from, and who is involved in making them. Further, brands are now expected to clearly communicate the benefits and composition of their products, moving away from vague or misleading claims. Seaweed and algae play well into this trend as the supply chains are just forming allowing for businesses to demand transparency when purchasing.
The anti-aging segment is experiencing a surge, driven by consumers' growing interest in maintaining youthful, healthy skin. Seaweed and algae ingredients offer anti-aging properties as they are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that help combat the visible signs of aging. Products incorporating seaweed and algae can offer benefits like wrinkle reduction, improved skin elasticity, and enhanced hydration.
Consumers are increasingly looking for products and companies that are dedicated to improving human and planetary health. Seaweed and algae are perfect candidates for this trend due to the functional benefits and low environmental impact of production. While consumers are getting serious about this point, they are not willing to compromise on the overall quality or functionality of the product. Businesses will only see success using seaweed and algae as an ingredient if the product has proven health benefits and stands out from the competition.
Consumers now expect personal care products to be "clean," encompassing qualities like organic, vegan, all-natural, and recycled packaging. This trend also extends to corporate responsibility, such as cruelty-free product testing and more equitable supply chains. Seaweed and algae align with this "clean" beauty movement as they can replace chemical or petroleum-based ingredients. These marine ingredients are often used in vegan formulations for consumers looking for animal-free products.
With endless options on the market for nearly everything, consumers are looking to buy products from companies that match their personal values. This trend of, “values-based consumerism” means people are choosing to buy things that reflect what they believe in and care about. One of those values that the majority of consumers care about is supporting local economies. Seaweed and algae are a perfect fit for this trend as businesses that purchase these ingredients have a direct effect on the farmers, their families, and local communities where it is grown.
The personal care market for men is rapidly expanding, reflecting a significant shift in attitudes towards male grooming and self-care. Men are now seeking products that cater specifically to their needs. This has expanded beyond basic hygiene to include skincare, haircare, and anti-aging. Seaweed and algae's natural properties offer a range of benefits ideally suited for men’s skin and hair care. These ingredients can help address common male skin concerns such as roughness, inflammation from shaving, and signs of aging. Additionally, seaweed and algae's hydrating and detoxifying properties make them an interesting ingredient for hair care products. By incorporating these marine ingredients into men's personal care products, product developers can create natural, multifunctional grooming essentials.
There are two general categories of algae - macro-algae and micro-algae. Macro-algae is commonly known as seaweed and predominantly grows in the ocean. Micro-algae is a unicellular organism and grows in both freshwater and the ocean. Both seaweed and micro-algae can be grown wild, through outdoor cultivation, or by controlled indoor agricultural methods using bioreactors.
There are more than 72,000 different species of algae, but less than 20 are commonly used as ingredients in everyday products.
Incorporating seaweed and algae into personal care products offers a broad spectrum of benefits due to their rich content of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and other natural compounds. These natural ingredients are highly effective in hydrating and nourishing the skin, making them excellent for combating dryness and enhancing skin elasticity. Their anti-inflammatory properties help in soothing irritated or sensitive skin, while their antimicrobial qualities make them beneficial in addressing skin issues like acne. In haircare, some seaweed ingredients can strengthen hair follicles, promote scalp health, and add shine, thereby improving overall hair texture and appearance.
They are generally compatible with most personal care ingredients, but stability and compatibility tests are required to ensure they don't react adversely with other components in your product, especially preservatives or active ingredients.
While seaweed and algae are generally safe, some individuals may have allergies or sensitivities to these ingredients. It’s important to label products accordingly for sensitive skin types.
Yes, they can impart a natural color or a slight marine scent to the product. It's important to consider these characteristics in your product development and marketing strategy.
The cost can vary based on the type and quality of the ingredient. While some forms may be more expensive, their benefits can justify the cost of premium products.
They come in a variety of formats. Fresh, frozen, dried, powdered, flakes, or flakes. There are also a variety of extracts in both liquid and powdered form that are available. Most seaweed and algae ingredients used in personal care products come in the form of extracts. Your target application and functional profile will be the driving force on what format to purchase.
It depends. For seaweed that is grown in the ocean, there are specific growing and harvesting seasons that vary by type of seaweed and region of the world. Availability can vary with the seasons. Many suppliers might have storage facilities that allow them to offer products year-round. There are many types of algae that are grown in indoor controlled settings and are harvested year-round.
Inquire about their harvesting or cultivation cycles, production capacities, backup sourcing strategies, and how they handle demand surges. You should also require heavy metal and bioactivity testing and a certificate of analysis to be completed by a 3rd party. This will give you an idea of their reliability.
Most established suppliers will be able to provide small samples for testing purposes. It’s crucial to conduct preliminary tests with these samples to ensure the ingredient aligns with the product's development goals.
There is a lack of standards and guidelines when it comes to procuring and using algae as a personal care ingredient. As a result of this and the variability in quality that exists, we recommend either: 1) Work directly with a seaweed/algae farmer or processor with deep knowledge of their products; or 2) Work with a strategic sourcing specialist with experience in algae. They can help save you a tremendous amount of time, ensure product quality, and help you navigate the waters in this emerging industry.
In addition to the ingredients listed in this guide, there is a wide array of other seaweed and algae species that serve as valuable personal care ingredients. These include different brown and red seaweeds, each offering unique properties beneficial for skin and hair care products.
There are no set industry standards or guidelines that have been established when sourcing algae and seaweed. As each species of algae and seaweed carry different properties and tastes, it is important for businesses to have a good idea of the end application and properties they are seeking. This will determine the best type of algae and format for any specific use case.
It is critical for businesses to take time to understand the supply chain when making a purchasing decision. Algae and seaweed have high variability when it comes to nutritional content and potential contaminants. It is important that when sourcing algae and seaweed that you can confirm nutritional content and that the supplier has the product tested for certain metals and contaminants by a verifiable 3rd party. It is also important to understand the cultivation method as it will help you determine what factors to take into account when purchasing. Algae and seaweed can be cultivated offshore or on-land, as well as through indoor controlled environments.
There are endless supplement options on the market today. A quick search on Google or Amazon will have you feeling overwhelmed. Many commercially-available supplement options contain low quality ingredients, unclear formulations, and no transparency around their supply chains. The supplement craze has turned more into a game of marketing vs being serious about improving human health and performance. If you dive deeper into the industry, the most successful supplements companies take the time upfront to research and source the highest quality ingredients and refine their formulations based on intended outcomes they are seeking. They also build trust with their customers on being more transparent around their ingredients, supply chain, and production process.
When issuing a purchase order or a longer-term supply contract, make sure to outline specific conditions and requirements around nutrition and product safety. This will ensure the supplier is meeting your quality standards before accepting the product.
Due to market fluctuations and seasonality of growing seasons for many types of algae and seaweeds, it is much better to set up longer-term supply contracts well ahead of time with suppliers. It will allow you to establish a consistent price and build a more robust supply chain. It will also allow the supplier to plan ahead and invest in their own growth so they can bring costs down.
If your business is just starting to purchase algae and seaweed, it is recommended to working with 3-4 suppliers to find the best fit. There are farmers and processors that have different goals on what customers they are set up to serve and growth they want to achieve. You want to find the options that are the best fit for your broader strategic goals. Lastly, by diversifying the supplier base upfront, it allows businesses to create resiliency in their supply chains.
When purchasing algae and seaweed, it is recommended that buyers use a 3rd party escrow service, especially when sourcing internationally. This is often something many folks overlook, but due to the variability of quality, using a third party escrow service allows the buyer to protect money and ensure the product meets their standards.
If you are looking for more information on sourcing or procuring algae and seaweed, feel free to contact Cultured Supply to talk with a procurement specialist to gain access to our network of dependable suppliers.
DISCLAIMER: Cultured Supply is focused on providing independent, unbiased market data around algae and seaweed that businesses can trust. Our goal is to help create more structure, standards, and transparency across the algae market so we can expand its use across many industries and applications, while maintaining a healthy balance with nature. Many of the health benefits associated with using algae have been scientifically-proven, while other nutritional and health claims may lack strong scientific data. While Cultured Supply has deep knowledge of algae and seaweed supply chains, we are not certified health professionals. We do our best to cite reputable sources throughout the buyers’ guide to back up any claims related to specific health-related benefits. These sources can be found below. We encourage all businesses to do their own independent research and analysis when it comes to making specific health and nutritional claims when using algae in their products.