Microalgae, A Sustainable Source of Powerful Actives
Microalgae might be some of the smallest organisms on Earth, but their impact on skincare is anything but minor. At Deveraux Specialties, we’re tapping into the unique properties of microalgae—one of nature’s most resilient and versatile forms of life—to develop skincare solutions that are effective, sustainable, and revolutionary. By leveraging the power of marine biotechnology, Natura-Tec‘s microalgae-derived actives bring unmatched hydration, rejuvenation, and protection to cosmetic formulations.
Imagine ingredients that thrive in some of the harshest environments on the planet—microalgae have evolved mechanisms that allow them to endure and adapt, making them ideal allies in the pursuit of healthier, more resilient skin. These microalgae actives are more than just a trend; they are a testament to how nature’s ingenuity can be harnessed for advanced skincare solutions that meet the needs of today’s environmentally conscious consumers.
Sustainable Manufacturing: Microalgae Cultivation Technology
Sustainability is at the core of Natura-Tec’s microalgae technology. By cultivating microalgae in a controlled environment, Natura-Tec ensures the production of specific species in large quantities while maintaining a minimal carbon footprint. Their patented technology involves the use of closed photobioreactors and open pond installations powered by renewable energy, allowing for a sustainable, high-quality biomass production of over 30 tons per year. This eco-friendly process relies on recycling waste products to generate energy and feed microalgae with purified CO2, achieving 100% recycling of waste and 98% water savings.
The cultivation process is designed to keep microalgae isolated from external contaminants while taking advantage of favorable climate and sunlight conditions. This guarantees the quality and reproducibility of the actives, meeting the rigorous requirements of the cosmetic industry while being environmentally responsible.
Natura-Tec CrystalRose™: Aging Cycle Disruptor
Natura-Tec CrystalRose™ is an anti-aging powerhouse derived from Haematococcus pluvialis oil, evening primrose oil, and triolein. CrystalRose™ works to disrupt the aging cycle by reinforcing the skin’s endogenous capacity to manage inflammatory stress effectively. This biomimetic active ingredient stimulates the production of specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) that deactivate chronic inflammation and promote tissue homeostasis, helping the skin maintain its structural and functional integrity.
Clinical studies have shown that CrystalRose™ significantly increases the quantification of resolvins, such as RVE2 and RVE4, by up to 263% and 148%, respectively, when applied to mature skin. The active also decreases pro-inflammatory mediators like 5-HETE by 44%, showcasing its ability to resolve inflammation effectively. These results demonstrate that CrystalRose™ not only counteracts inflammatory processes but also restores skin balance and promotes a youthful, healthy appearance.
Natura-Tec SeaWonder™: A Natural Remodeling & Regenerating Active
Think about what happens when the skin gets injured—it goes through a series of stages to repair itself. Natura-Tec SeaWonder™ takes this natural process and amplifies it, thanks to the unique combination of Nannochloropsis oculata microalgae and Kalahari melon seed oil. Microalgae are rich in cholesterol, a critical component for maintaining cell structure and function, which supports wound healing and skin regeneration. Kalahari melon oil, meanwhile, is rich in essential fatty acids that help regulate inflammation, making it a potent partner for soothing damaged skin.
The combination of these two ingredients helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks and improve skin elasticity—by 19.2% in area reduction and 22.9% in enhanced skin homogeneity, as demonstrated in controlled studies. These numbers aren’t just metrics; they’re evidence of how nature can help skin recover its vitality with minimal external interference.
Natura-Tec Marine SeaDew EPS: Revolutionary Super Hydrating Agent
Imagine a red microalgae from the Mediterranean, Porphyridium cruentum, capable of producing unique polysaccharides with extraordinary water-binding capacity. That’s the essence of Natura-Tec Marine SeaDew EPS—a super hydrating agent that delivers immediate and long-lasting moisture to the skin, reducing transepidermal water loss and combatting oxidative stress.
Unlike many conventional hydrating agents, Marine SeaDew EPS is efficient from the moment of application, outperforming even hyaluronic acid in short-term hydration. It’s a perfect example of how biotechnology can harness natural substances—in this case, exopolysaccharides—to help skin stay youthful, reducing early signs of aging while offering an eco-friendly solution to skincare.
Natura-Tec Marine BlueVital C™: Anti-Wrinkle Active
Marine BlueVital C™ is derived from Cylindrotheca fusiformis, a brown microalgae that thrives in the cold waters of the northern Atlantic. This active ingredient is rich in carotenoids and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), which stimulate collagen synthesis and support skin elasticity. Marine BlueVital C™ has been shown to reduce wrinkle depth and volume, providing a plumping effect that helps mature skin appear more youthful and vibrant.
In clinical studies, Marine BlueVital C™ demonstrated a 19.3% increase in collagen synthesis after just 24 hours of application. It also significantly reduces wrinkle depth and volume by 10.4% and 12%, respectively, over a two-month period, making it an effective solution for anti-aging formulations.
Natura-Tec Marine CellShield AP™: Environmental Stress Defense
Marine CellShield AP™ is formulated from Pavlova lutheri, a microalgae sourced from the North Sea. This active ingredient offers superior protection against urban and indoor pollution, targeting oxidative stress and enhancing cell proliferation. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and sterols, Marine CellShield AP™ acts as a natural shield for your skin, reducing mitochondrial stress and maintaining cellular health even under adverse environmental conditions.
In vitro studies have shown that Marine CellShield AP™ can significantly increase cell viability and protect against pollutants like urban and indoor dust. At just 0.2%, it completely inhibits the damage from urban dust while promoting skin health and vitality.
Natura-Tec Marine OceanMist CL™: Repairing & Microbiota-Balancing Active for Sensitive Skin
Marine OceanMist CL™ is crafted from Nannochloropsis oceanica, a microalgae that excels in supporting skin barrier function and balancing the skin microbiome. With a high sterol concentration, this active is particularly suitable for dry and sensitive skin, helping to rebuild the extracellular matrix and improve overall skin health.
Clinical results show that Marine OceanMist CL™ reduces immune inflammation and promotes a balanced skin microbiota, enhancing the health of atopic and sensitive skin types. It also significantly increases the abundance of key proteins involved in skin barrier function, including filaggrin and involucrin, ensuring better hydration and defense against environmental stressors.
Natura-Tec Marine RevitaLys HP™: Restructuring and Cell Revitalizing Active
Marine RevitaLys HP™ is derived from Haematococcus pluvialis, a freshwater microalgae known for its powerful restructuring and cell revitalizing properties. This active ingredient works by reducing the signs of cellular aging and apoptosis, helping to preserve skin vitality and prolong the lifespan of skin cells.
Studies show that Marine RevitaLys HP™ can reduce p53 expression—a marker of cellular stress—by up to 45%, significantly improving cellular longevity. It helps to restore skin health, reduce oxidative stress, and maintain a youthful appearance, making it an ideal active for anti-aging and skin revitalization treatments.
Natura-Tec Marine BlueRevelation 50+™: Reveal the Natural Glowing Beauty of Maturity
Marine BlueRevelation 50+™ is a unique cocktail of Cylindrotheca fusiformis and Nannochloropsis oceanica extracts, specifically designed to enhance the beauty of mature skin. Rich in omega fatty acids, tocopherols, and sterols, this active improves skin hydration, elasticity, and density, effectively addressing the visible signs of aging.
In clinical studies, Marine BlueRevelation 50+™ increased skin hydration by 33% and skin elasticity by 20% after just two months of use. It also significantly reduced wrinkles’ visibility by 26%, providing a comprehensive solution for aging skin that promotes graceful, radiant aging.
Natura-Tec SeaRenew™: Hair Growth and Strength Active
SeaRenew™ combines the power of Nannochloropsis oceanica with Sapote oil to create a hair growth and strength-promoting active. Rich in omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, this ingredient supports the proliferation of dermal papilla fibroblasts, which are crucial for hair growth. In vitro studies have shown a 70% increase in fibroblast proliferation with the use of SeaRenew™, making it an ideal addition to hair care products that aim to improve hair strength and vitality.
Clinical studies further demonstrate the efficacy of SeaRenew™ in promoting hair growth and thickness. After three months of regular application, volunteers experienced a 45% increase in hair density and an improvement in hair strength by 38%, highlighting its significant potential for enhancing overall hair health.
Natura-Tec SeaPassion™: A Powerful Acne Genesis Repressor
SeaPassion™ is formulated to help manage acne by addressing the root causes of inflammation and excess sebum production. Utilizing Pavlova lutheri microalgae, SeaPassion™ targets the overproduction of sebum and helps regulate keratinization, reducing the occurrence of acne breakouts. Its anti-inflammatory properties assist in reducing redness and swelling, providing a holistic approach to managing problematic skin.
Clinical studies have demonstrated that regular use of SeaPassion™ can lead to a 40% reduction in sebum production and a 35% decrease in acne lesions over an eight-week period. Participants also reported significant improvements in skin texture and reduced redness, highlighting the effectiveness of SeaPassion™ in promoting clearer, healthier skin.
The Bigger Picture: Sustainability and Effectiveness
All of these microalgae actives reflect a critical aspect of Natura-Tec’s vision—to provide high-performance ingredients with sustainability at their core. By isolating and cultivating marine microalgae, Natura-Tec is tapping into one of the planet’s oldest forms of life to deliver benefits that align with modern consumer needs for natural, responsible, and effective skincare.
The remarkable potency of these actives demonstrates that innovation in cosmetics doesn’t always come from a lab—sometimes, the most advanced solutions come from nature itself. For formulators looking to add meaningful and high-performing properties to their products, Natura-Tec’s microalgae actives are an ocean of opportunity waiting to be explored.
