An extract from a brown sea algae called bladderwrack. It was shown to increase skin elasticity in one study and boost collagen and HA production in another. Polysaccharides are able to treat irritated and dry skin.
Soothing
Soothing
Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics.
Soothing
Soothing ingredients reduce the signs of sensitivity in irritated and inflamed skin. This includes anti-inflammatory ingredients, anti-itch agents, and topical analgesics.
Other functions
Anti-Wrinkle,
Anti-Wrinkle
Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Anti-Wrinkle,
Anti-Wrinkle
Anti-wrinkle ingredients prevent the formation or reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
Emollient,
Emollient
Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients.
Emollient,
Emollient
Emollients fill the micro-cracks in the skin and leave it feeling soft and pleasant to the touch. Emollients are often mistakenly perceived as moisturizing ingredients.
Fragrance
Fragrance
Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients.
Fragrance
Fragrance
Fragrance ingredients add scent to a product or hide ('mask') the undesired aroma of other ingredients.
Origin
Algae
Algae
Algae (seaweeds) are aquatic, photosynthetic organisms, ranging from a single cell to several meters in length. They are closely related to plants but belong to a separate, unique kingdom.
Algae
Algae
Algae (seaweeds) are aquatic, photosynthetic organisms, ranging from a single cell to several meters in length. They are closely related to plants but belong to a separate, unique kingdom.
Fucus vesiculosus extract is an extract obtained from the species of brown sea algae, Fucus vesiculosus, or bladder wrack. The extract is used in skincare as a soothing and emollient ingredient, as well as as a thickener.
Bladderwrack got its name from its appearance: the seaweed has round air bladders that allow it to float in seawater. It is a good source of minerals – mainly iodine – and a thick polysaccharide mucilage, which is sometimes extracted and used as a thickener and gelling agent.
When it comes to cosmetic applications, Fucus vesiculosus extract is showing some very promising properties.
One study reported that it was able to decrease skin thickness and increase the elasticity of cheek skin. In cheek skin, the thickness normally increases and the elasticity usually decreases with age, and so it is therefore possible that this extract may have some anti-aging properties.
Another study showed collagen boosting and anti-inflammatory activity, as well as a reduction in dark under-eye circles. Fucoidan, the main gel-forming polysaccharide, was also shown to be effective in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (proven in an animal model).
Overall, this is a very good prospective ingredient that seems to have varied beneficial effects on the skin.
Science
1
Fujimura, T., et al. (2002). Treatment of human skin with an extract of Fucus vesiculosus changes its thickness and mechanical properties. Journal of cosmetic science, 53(1), 1–9.
2
Chavan, M., Sun, Y., Litchauer, J., & Denis, A. (2014). Fucus extract: cosmetic treatment for under-eye dark circles. Journal of cosmetic science, 65(2), 103–113.
3
Tian, T., et al. (2019). Fucoidan from seaweed Fucus vesiculosus inhibits 2,4-dinitrochlorobenzene-induced atopic dermatitis. International immunopharmacology, 75, 105823.
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