Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract a golden algae extract known for its anti-inflammatory and moisturizing properties derived from the algae Laminaria Ochroleuca, which belongs to the Laminariaceae.

Industrial Production Process

• Preparation of reagents. The two primary reagents are obtained: salicylic acid, an aromatic acid, and 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanol, an aliphatic alcohol.
• Esterification reaction. Salicylic acid and 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanol are combined in a reactor in the presence of an acid catalyst, like sulfuric acid, to produce the ester known as homosalate. The reaction occurs at an elevated temperature to improve efficiency.
• Water removal. The water formed during the reaction is removed by distillation to favor ester formation and prevent the reverse reaction.
• Neutralization. The excess acid catalyst is neutralized with a base, like sodium hydroxide, to stop the reaction.
• Filtration. The mixture is filtered to remove any solid byproducts and impurities.
• Final distillation. The product is purified via vacuum distillation to isolate and collect homosalate.
• Quality control. The final product is tested to verify its purity, stability, and compliance with standards.

What it is used for and where

Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract is an active ingredient used in cosmetic formulations for its ability to protect the skin from environmental stress and reduce inflammation. It is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins that help keep the skin hydrated, toned, and protected. It is often used in creams, serums, and after-sun products to soothe, regenerate, and improve skin resilience.

Cosmetics - INCI Functions

• Skin conditioning agent. It is the mainstay of topical skin treatment as it has the function of restoring, increasing or improving skin tolerance to external factors, including melanocyte tolerance. The most important function of the conditioning agent is to prevent skin dehydration, but the subject is rather complex and involves emollients and humectants that can be added in the formulation.

Cosmetic Applications

Moisturizing Properties. Golden algae extract is rich in polysaccharides that help keep the skin hydrated by retaining moisture and improving skin softness and elasticity.

Protective Effects. Creates a protective barrier that helps shield the skin from external agents, such as pollutants and UV radiation.

Anti-inflammatory Properties. It reduces inflammation and redness, making it ideal for treating sensitive, irritated, or damaged skin (1) and is credited with an antioxidant effect (2).

Soothing Effect. It calms irritated skin, making it useful in products intended for sensitive skin or after sun exposure (3).

Versatile Applications. It can be incorporated into various cosmetic products, such as creams, lotions, serums, and masks, for its moisturizing, protective, and soothing effects.

Other Applications

Pharmaceutical Industry. Used in pharmaceutical formulations for its soothing and protective properties.

Dietary Supplements. Employed in supplements for its potential health benefits due to its mineral and antioxidant content.

References_____________________________________________________________________

(1) Bonneville, M., Saint-Mezard, P., Benetiere, J., Hennino, A., Pernet, I., Denis, A., & Nicolas, J. F. (2007). Laminaria ochroleuca extract reduces skin inflammation.

Abstract. A study was conducted to determine the antiinflammatory activity of Laminaria ochroleuca (LO) extract in a murine model of hapten-induced irritant contact dermatitis (ICD). Skin inflammation was induced by the application of DNFB onto the ear of naive C57BL/6 mice. Inflammation was scored at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 24 h post-DNFB painting, as the increase in ear thickness (ear swelling) of the DNFB-painted right ear vs. the vehicle-painted leaf ear. To examine the effect of the LO extract on skin inflammation, the ear skin was pretreated for 3 consecutive days by applying twice a day the LO extract (2% in acetone/olive oil 4:1) or the vehicle alone. LO pretreatment potently inhibited the DNFB-induced ICD at all time points. Its antiinflammatory effect was noted as early as 3 h post-DNFB painting, was maximum at 6 h and was still present at 24 h. LO extract significantly reduces the intensity of the irritant skin inflammation (P<0.01).

(2) Abdala Díaz RT, Casas Arrojo V, Arrojo Agudo MA, Cárdenas C, Dobretsov S, Figueroa FL. Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Activities of Sulfated Polysaccharides from Laminaria ochroleuca, Porphyra umbilicalis, and Gelidium corneum. Mar Biotechnol (NY). 2019 Aug;21(4):577-587. doi: 10.1007/s10126-019-09905-x. Epub 2019 Jun 27. PMID: 31250232.

Abstract. Seaweeds of the genera Laminaria, Gelidium, and Porphyra have been used in both food and non-food industries due to their unique properties and characteristic biological activity. This study assesses the antioxidant activity and immunomodulatory properties of the acidic polysaccharides extracted from Laminaria ochroleuca, Porphyra umbilicalis, and Gelidium corneum collected in the Atlantic coast of Tarifa (Cadiz, Spain). The proliferation of murine cell line RAW 264 decreased with increasing concentration of polysaccharides of the three algal species. The highest both antioxidant (25.69 μmol TE g-1 DW) and immunomodulatory activities were observed in the sulfated polysaccharides of L. ochroleuca compared to that of P. umbilicalis and G. corneum. Sulfated polysaccharides of L. ochroleuca presented high potential anticancer activity in cell lines of human colon cancer HTC-116 (IC50 = 0.44 mg mL-1), human malignant melanoma G-361 (IC50 = 5.42 mg mL-1), breast adenocarcinoma human MCF-7 (IC50 = 8.32 mg mL-1), and human leukemia U-937 (IC50 = 3.72 mg mL-1). It is concluded that metabolites of L. ochroleuca can offer significant advantages for the pharmaceutical industry, particularly when macrophage activation is required.

(3) Ferreira, M. S., Resende, D. I., Lobo, J. M. S., Sousa, E., & Almeida, I. F. (2021). Marine ingredients for sensitive skin: market overview. Marine Drugs, 19(8), 464.

Abstract. Marine ingredients are a source of new chemical entities with biological action, which is the reason why they have gained relevance in the cosmetic industry. The facial care category is the most relevant in this industry, and within it, the sensitive skin segment occupies a prominent position. This work analyzed the use of marine ingredients in 88 facial cosmetics for sensitive skin from multinational brands, as well as their composition and the scientific evidence that supports their efficacy. Marine ingredients were used in 27% of the cosmetic products for sensitive skin and included the species Laminaria ochroleuca, Ascophyllum nodosum (brown macroalgae), Asparagopsis armata (red macroalgae), and Chlorella vulgaris (microalgae). Carotenoids, polysaccharides, and lipids are the chemical classes highlighted in these preparations. Two ingredients, namely the Ascophyllum nodosum extract and Asparagopsis armata extracts, present clinical evidence supporting their use for sensitive skin. Overall, marine ingredients used in cosmetics for sensitive skin are proposed to reduce skin inflammation and improve the barrier function. Marine-derived preparations constitute promising active ingredients for sensitive skin cosmetic products. Their in-depth study, focusing on the extracted metabolites, randomized placebo-controlled studies including volunteers with sensitive skin, and the use of extraction methods that are more profitable may provide a great opportunity for the cosmetic industry.