After skincare products featuring eyebrow raising ingredients like caviar, carmine and snail mucin over the years, now it’s time for algae to take the slime-light. Its slippery nature can be unsettling, but its many benefits make it rather desirable in skincare. Alga is present in over 30,000 species but we’re only going to consider a few like seaweed, spirulina, and green and red algae that have made their way onto ingredient labels.
Skincare Benefits Of Algae
Algae are considered to be an alternative to potent acids like hyaluronic acid that work as better humectants. Algae is choc o bloc with vitamin C, amino acids and proteins used to build collagen. Different types of algae are focused on different skin concerns.
Spirulina, for example, is a super hydrator and a potent antioxidant that can help protect cells from free radical damage. Seaweed is mainly used to calm inflammation and detoxify the skin. Green alga is rich in vitamin C and thus helps brighten the skin and reduces hyperpigmentation. Brown and red algae, on the other hand, protect against UVB-induced photoageing with their UV-absorbing capacities. And although this ingredient cannot entirely replace the inclusion of an SPF in your skincare routine, added protection is always good.
So if you’re as intrigued by algae in skincare as I am, here are a few products with these ingredient infusions-
Kora Organics Active Algae Lightweight Moisturizer
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Along with green algae, this organic lightweight gel moisturiser also contains green tea, Alpine rose and Swiss glacier water. All of these ingredients work at improving skin clarity and providing long-lasting hydration. The product promises healthy, radiant and youthful-looking skin with prolonged usage.
Prolixr Detoxifying Sea Algae Mask
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The Prolixr Detoxifying Mask is packed with the goodness of seaweed algae, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and activated charcoal. It works by drawing out dirt and impurities from the skin, leaving it feeling calm and purified. So if you’re looking to improve the texture of your skin while rejuvenating and moisturising it, this is your pick. What’s more, this is a vegan, cruelty-free and paraben-free product.
Smashbox Photo Finish Correct Anti-Redness Face Primer with Algae
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The Smashbox Photofinish range is dearly loved by beauty enthusiasts. And this algae-infused primer lives up to the claim. It instantly neutralises redness and soothes stressed skin, giving an even base for makeup. The presence of Hyaluronic acid makes this a very hydrating primer, perfect for dry skin types.
Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream
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The Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream is a mineral-rich formula that softens, nourishes and hydrates the skin overnight without clogging your pores. Along with our hero ingredient seaweed, it also contains soluble collagen, sodium hyaluronate and elastin that help further enhance skin tone and texture.
The Body Shop Seaweed Pore-Cleansing Facial Exfoliator
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This Body Shop exfoliator contains seaweed sourced from the bays of Ireland. Additionally, it is also enriched with jojoba beads that work with seaweed to refresh and clarify the skin. This facial polish is best suited for oil and combination skin types.
TONYMOLY I’M Seaweeds Mask Sheet
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Tony Moly’s I’m Real Sheet Mask range is equally affordable and effective. Their I’m Seaweed variant is a purifying sheet mask that has 3-layers of pulp to yield maximum hydration for the skin. It is also infused with natural oils like castor and tea tree oil to provide maximum elasticity and reduce inflammation.
Earth Rhythm Superfood Face Masque With Blue Spirulina & Squalane
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The Earth Rhythm Superfood Face Masque contains spirulina, a type of blue-green algae, that is known for its ultra-hydrating benefits. It works at firming and toning the skin to give you a younger-looking complexion. The presence of squalene also improves elasticity and gives you refreshed skin.
Fox Tale Hydrating Cleanser with Red Algae
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This make-up remover plus cleanser is the double cleanser we all have been praying for! Its hydrating formula cleanses your skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Its red algae infusion makes it a rich antioxidant that equally cleanses and locks in moisture. Be warned, you’ll be left with naturally glowing skin.
