Credit: Courtesy of brands
5 min read
Natural actives in skincare are gaining more popularity year on year and algae is a key ingredient to have on your radar. Stylist investigates the skincare benefits of this marine plant.
Over the last decade, there’s been a real push towards natural, clean and organic beauty, all with varying definitions of what this really means. In fact, proving the increased desire for sustainable, eco-friendly beauty, The Soil Association’s Organic Beauty and Wellbeing Market Report from 2019 found that our search for organic beauty grows 23% year on year. And with this in mind, the hunt for natural actives is intensifying. We’ve seen ingredients from mushrooms and orange blossoms to CBD rising up through the ranks as sought-after actives.
Now, one active in particular is having its moment. While it may seem out of the ordinary, algae has been found in skincare for some time, but we’re seeing more of a focus on this ingredient than ever before.
Stylist quizzed Dr Emma Wedgeworth, a Harley Street dermatologist and spokesperson for the British Skin Foundation, to find out what exactly algae is and what it offers to the skincare market.
What is algae?
They’re marine plants usually found in coastal areas and are used in the cosmetics industry for a specific reason. “Their bioactive properties make them appealing to the cosmeceutical industry,” says Dr Wedgeworth. “Dermatologists have used algae-continuing (alginate) dressings for decades to help wound healing.”
What are the benefits of algae in skincare?
They’re useful in multiple ways, typically as a gelling and thickening agent or for their water-binding properties in moisturisers.
“Algae (particularly some brown algae) have antioxidant properties and can help fight damage to the skin from highly active environmental molecules known as free radicals,” says Dr Wedgeworth.
They also help with mature skin. “Algae contains suppressing enzymes known as matrix metalloproteinases that break down collagen and elastin (key structural skin proteins), which helps to reduce wrinkling and skin thinning. They are also thought to reduce melanin synthesis and help with hyperpigmentation.”
Which skin types suit algae skincare?
“Algae skincare should be suitable for most skin types, although I advise caution for those with highly sensitive skin,” she explains.
If you can wrap your head around the idea of having an algae-based skincare routine, we’ve rounded up the best products to try that can help with anything from skincare hangups from hyperpigmentation to uneven texture.
The best algae skincare products
StriVectin Blue Rescue Clay Renewal Masque
Treat your skin to a clarifying clay facial with this marine-inspired mask. Harnessing an expert blend of nourishing blue algae, probiotics and white clay, it helps smooth fine lines and brighten tired skin, all while drawing out impurities for instantly refined, fresh-looking skin.
Shop StriVectin Blue Rescue Clay Renewal Masque at Lookfantastic, £47
Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream
If you have fine, dehydration lines around your eyes then you’ll love this rich eye cream. It instantly melts into skin, delivering a hit of plumping hydration while marine algae and paracress extract help to further diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Shop Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream at Cult Beauty, £43
Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Meltaway Cleanser
Ideal for sensitised or stressed-out skin types, this gentle marine algae cleanser works to remove make-up and soothe skin, while protecting the delicate skin barrier. Hyaluronic acid hydrates while two different types of algae help to calm the skin and seal in moisture.
Shop Dr Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Meltaway Cleanser at Lookfantastic, £17
Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream
Rich but never greasy, this moisturising cream is gorgeous when used as a night cream. It blends algae extract, vitamin E and squalene to nourish, hydrate and protect.
Shop Versed Skin Soak Rich Moisture Cream at Cult Beauty, £16.50
Kora Organics Active Algae Lightweight Moisturiser
Packed with organic green tea extract, anti-inflammatory alpine rose, skin-softening green algae and Swiss glacier water, this lightweight moisturiser works to lock in hydration, revealing plumper, more youthful-looking skin over time.
Shop Kora Organics Active Algae Lightweight Moisturiser at Cult Beauty, £51
Kate Somerville Hydrakate Recharging Water Cream
This potent moisturiser was developed to specifically rehydrate and nourish thirsty skin types. Blue light-activated algae extract fends off dehydration and supports the natural recovery of your skin, taking it from tired to soft, smooth and plumped in just a single use.
Shop Kate Somerville Hydrakate Recharging Water Cream at Cult Beauty, £65
Current State Aloe and Algae Lightweight Gel Cream
For a lighter option, this soothing moisturiser is ideal. It was made for those with dehydrated skin that tends to overproduce oil, leading to breakouts. The aloe and glycerin-based formula attracts water to the skin’s surface to quickly hydrate, while horsetail extract and antibacterial spirulina help to shrink the appearance of large pores and ward off future breakouts. So clever.
Shop Current State Aloe and Algae Lightweight Gel Cream at Cult Beauty, £15.90
Ren Clean Skincare Everhydrate Marine Moisture-Restore Serum
If you find that your skin is always thirsty – no matter how much moisturiser you pile on it – you need to try this hydrating serum. Like a tall glass of water for your skin, it’s packed with an algae-activated complex of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that drenches dull and dry skin types in 72 hours’ worth of hydration. Glowy skin awaits.
Shop Ren Clean Skincare Everhydrate Marine Moisture-Restore Serum at Lookfantastic, £40
Origins Dr Weil Mega Mushroom Concentrate Serum
Formulated with sensitive skin in mind, this nourishing serum is enriched with brown algae, olive oil and pomegranate sterols that help to visibly unify uneven skin tone. Mushroom extract works to envelop the skin in hydration for a visibly plumped appearance.
Shop Origins Dr. Weil Mega Mushroom Concentrate Serum at Lookfantastic, £58
Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum
This hardworking skin serum expertly brightens the skin with its spirulina-sourced pure vitamin C. The silky formula leaves skin looking clearer and feeling firmer with improved elasticity after just one use while alguronic acid helps to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
Shop Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Skinclarity Brightening Serum at Space NK, £56
Tatcha The Rice Wash
Perfect for gently removing all traces of make-up without stripping the skin beneath, this luxurious cleanser is formulated with a blend of Okinawa algae and hyaluronic acid to replenish skin’s natural moisture reserve, immediately leaving skin soft, comforted and deeply nourished.
Images: Getty; courtesy of brands.
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