Ingredient Spotlight: Algae 101

While it may have served as a minor annoyance to your friend Christy’s dad when he’d be tasked with cleaning their suddenly-green swimming pool, algae actually packs major benefits when repurposed in the most unexpected ways. It can be used as a form of alternative energy, it helps to absorb CO2, and its high content of protein, amino acids, and micronutrients makes it an ideal food supplement. What’s good for your body is usually pretty great for your skin, and algae is no exception to the rule.

As one of Deck of Scarlet’s go-to ingredients, we put together a comprehensive guide on what you should know about algae, how it helps your complexion, and exactly where you can find it.

SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS IT?

Algae is a non-flowering, aquatic plant that produces oxygen through photosynthesis. So, while they lack roots, stems, and leaves like the houseplant in your window (that you may or may not have forgotten to water this week), they harvest light energy from the sun to produce carbohydrates in the same way. Algae can appear in a variety of shapes and sizes — from single-celled forms like chlorella, to the rainforest-esque giant kelp plants that bloom in the ocean (and get a starring role on your AppleTV screensaver). The brown algae we use in our [MIST]AKE PROOF Blushes and Bronzers — also known by the very fancy name, alaria esculenta — can grow over two meters in length, and thrives along rocky shores, particularly in Ireland, Scotland, Greenland, and Iceland.

HOW IS IT GOOD FOR MY SKIN?

How does algae benefit your complexion? Let us count the ways. Algae is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, making it an ideal ingredient for protecting your skin against free radical damage, and minimizing premature signs of aging. Algae promotes collagen synthesis (or, your collagen production), so when used over time, you can expect to see firmer, more radiant, youthful-looking skin. In a dermatologist-controlled clinical trial where algae was tested on a group of 20 women, 90% reported an improvement in the firmness of their skin, while 70% reported that their skin felt more hydrated. When used in our [MIST]AKE PROOF Blushes and Bronzers, your skin gets to drink in all of its benefits, while our formula serves an airbrushed finish.

WHERE CAN I FIND IT?

Many skincare brands have been quick to recognize the benefits of algae, and have featured it as a prominent ingredient in serums, cleansers, moisturizers, and so many more formulas. It’s so common, you likely have a few products that contain algae already in your medicine cabinet.

Algae also gets regular rotation in makeup formulas like our [MIST]AKE PROOF Blushes and Bronzers, so that every time you sweep on that flawless finish, the algae is working undercover to protect your skin with antioxidants.

We believe in full transparency across the board — meaning, we’ll always keep it real and tell you exactly what we put into our formulas, and why we decided to include it. Thanks to its multi-tasking powers, there’s no question as to why algae was one ingredient we just had to use. Mist on our formulas madly, your skin will thank you later.