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Clinical Studies of the Safety and Efficacy of Macroalgae Extracts in Cosmeceuticals
Michael J Murphy1,2, Aileen A Dow1,2
1Dr. Murphy is with the Department of Dermatology, UConn Health in Farmington, Connecticut.
Background:
There is a growing body of in-vitro and in-vivo laboratory research on the skin bioactive properties of macroalgae.
Objective:
We sought to examine the scientific literature for evidence supporting the clinical safety and efficacy of macroalgae-derived ingredients in cosmeceuticals.
Methods:
We performed a systematic review of scientific and medical electronic databases for published, peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized reports on the clinical bioactivity of topical macroalgae extracts in skin.
Results:
Several human studies report scientific data supporting the safety and efficacy of macroalgae-based skincare products, focusing on skin-moisturizing, anti-melanogenic, and anti-cellulite (slimming) benefits.
Conclusions:
Further clinical research is necessary to determine the long-term safety, efficacy, optimal concentration and formulation of macroalgae extracts in cosmeceuticals with respect to previously reported and yet uninvestigated skin-directed potential functionally and bioactivity.
