Laminaria Saccharina Extract : nutritional properties, benefits and uses

Laminaria Saccharina Extract is a natural ingredient derived from a brown seaweed known as Laminaria saccharina, which primarily grows in the cold waters of the North Atlantic. It is widely used in cosmetic and skincare products due to its moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and sebum-regulating properties. This extract is particularly effective in improving the skin's hydrolipid balance and is used in anti-aging, purifying, and moisturizing treatments.

Chemical Composition and Structure

Laminaria Saccharina Extract is rich in polysaccharides, including alginic acid and fucoidans, vitamins (A, C, E, and K), minerals (such as iodine, magnesium, iron, and calcium), and amino acids. These nutrients make the extract particularly beneficial for the skin, as it deeply hydrates and strengthens the skin barrier, while also regulating sebum production.

Physical Properties

The extract appears as a water-soluble liquid or powder, with a color ranging from light green to brown, depending on concentration and extraction method. It is highly versatile and is commonly incorporated into lotions, serums, face masks, and hair care products.

The name describes the structure of the ingredient

• "Laminaria Saccharina" is the scientific name for a type of seaweed, commonly known as sugar kelp or brown seaweed. "Laminaria" is the genus of the seaweed, while "Saccharina" indicates a particular species of Laminaria.
• "Extract" indicates that the product is a substance obtained by extracting desired components from the Laminaria Saccharina seaweed, usually through processes like infusion, decoction, or percolation.

Description of raw materials used in production

• Laminaria Saccharina - It's a type of brown seaweed commonly found in the cold waters of the northern Atlantic Ocean.
• Solvent - Water, alcohol, or other suitable solvents used for extracting beneficial compounds from the seaweed.

Production Process

Laminaria Saccharina Extract is obtained through cold extraction or solvent extraction from fresh or dried seaweed. This method preserves the essential nutrients and active properties of the seaweed, ensuring an extract rich in bioactive components like polysaccharides and minerals.

• Harvesting the Seaweed: Laminaria saccharina is collected from marine environments, typically in cold, clean waters. Harvesting can be done manually or using mechanized techniques.

• Drying: After harvesting, the seaweed is cleaned and subjected to a drying process to remove moisture. This step is essential for preserving the active properties of the seaweed and facilitating the subsequent extraction.

• Extraction: The active components are extracted using appropriate solvents, such as water, ethanol, or propylene glycol. The dried seaweed is immersed in the solvent, and the mixture is agitated or heated to promote the release of bioactive compounds.

• Filtration: Once the extraction process is complete, the solution is filtered to remove undissolved solids, resulting in a liquid extract containing the active principles of the seaweed.

• Concentration: The extract may be further concentrated by evaporating the solvent to obtain a product richer in nutrients and with greater stability.

• Quality Control and Packaging: Finally, Laminaria saccharina extract undergoes quality control checks to verify its purity, efficacy, and compliance with standards. After analysis, it is packaged for distribution and use in cosmetic and skincare products.

It appears in the form of a brown powder.

What it is for and where

Cosmetics

Skin protectant. It creates a protective barrier on the skin to defend it from harmful substances, irritants, allergens, pathogens that can cause various inflammatory conditions. These products can also improve the natural skin barrier and in most cases more than one is needed to achieve an effective result.

CAS   90046-14-3

EC number    289-982-1

Commercial Applications

Cosmetics and Skincare. Used as a moisturizing and skin-conditioning agent. It can also help regulate sebum production and reduce shine.

Anti-aging Products. Due to its antioxidant properties, it can assist in protecting the skin from free radical damage.

Hair Care Products. Acts as a conditioning and moisturizing agent for hair.

Health and Safety Considerations

Safety in Use
Laminaria Saccharina Extract is considered safe for use in cosmetic products. It is well-tolerated by the skin and does not cause irritation or sensitization when used at recommended concentrations.

Allergic Reactions
Allergic reactions to this extract are very rare, but they can occur in individuals sensitive to seaweed or its derivatives. It is advisable to conduct a patch test on a small area of skin before use.

Toxicity and Carcinogenicity
It has been evaluated and approved for safe use in cosmetics by major regulatory authorities.

Environmental Considerations
Seaweeds, including Laminaria Saccharina, are renewable resources and are harvested sustainably in many regions of the world. The production of the extract has a relatively low environmental impact and poses no significant risks to marine ecosystems when managed properly.

Regulatory Status
Laminaria Saccharina Extract is approved for use in cosmetics by the European Union and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States.