BOTANICAL EXTRACT
Red Algae
A red seaweed extract rich in polysaccharides and antioxidant compounds, used to help support skin's own moisture and defences without fragrance.
Source
Red seaweeds
Used for
Skin conditioning
How it works
Red algae (Rhodophyceae) are a large, diverse group of red seaweeds rather than a single species. The extract is made by breaking the seaweed down (hydrolysis) into a water-soluble extract rich in sulfated polysaccharides, peptides and minerals.
Red seaweeds are a rich source of carbohydrates such as agar and carrageenan, and smaller fragments made from them by hydrolysis, called oligosaccharides, have shown antioxidant and other activity in laboratory research. That fits a polysaccharide-rich extract acting as a calming, comforting layer on skin.
It pairs beautifully with lightweight moisturising oils and hyaluronic acid, and suits gentle, fragrance-free formulas for sensitive or reactive-feeling skin.
Red seaweeds are a rich source of carbohydrates such as agar and carrageenan, and smaller fragments made from them by hydrolysis, called oligosaccharides, have shown antioxidant and other activity in laboratory research. That fits a polysaccharide-rich extract acting as a calming, comforting layer on skin.
It pairs beautifully with lightweight moisturising oils and hyaluronic acid, and suits gentle, fragrance-free formulas for sensitive or reactive-feeling skin.
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Rich in naturally occurring polysaccharides and antioxidant compounds
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Red seaweed carbohydrates have shown antioxidant activity in laboratory research
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Fragrance-free, so suited to sensitive or reactive skin
Questions
What is red algae extract?
It is an extract of red seaweeds, which are rich in agar and carrageenan. These gelling carbohydrates can be broken down into smaller chains called oligosaccharides, which researchers have studied for their antioxidant activity. (Cheong et al., 2018)
Why are red algae red?
Red algae contain a pigment called phycoerythrin, which reflects red light and absorbs blue light. It helps them photosynthesise at greater ocean depths than most other algae. (UC Museum of Paleontology)
About the plant
Red algae are seaweeds that owe their colour to a pigment called phycoerythrin, and they include familiar species such as nori. (UC Museum of Paleontology)
Red seaweeds are a rich source of agar and carrageenan, natural carbohydrates that can be broken down into smaller chains. (Cheong et al., 2018)
Red seaweeds are a rich source of agar and carrageenan, natural carbohydrates that can be broken down into smaller chains. (Cheong et al., 2018)
The research
- Cheong KL, Qiu HM, Du H, Liu Y, Khan BM. Oligosaccharides Derived from Red Seaweed: Production, Properties, and Potential Health and Cosmetic Applications. Molecules, 2018 (opens in a new tab)
- University of California Museum of Paleontology. Introduction to the Rhodophyta: the red 'algae' (opens in a new tab)
Found In
Type: Face Care
Red Algae Calming Day Moisturiser
50mlRegular price £34.00Sale price Regular price
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