Fucus Vesiculosus Extract is derived from the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus, commonly known as bladderwrack. This extract is highly valued in the cosmetic and personal care industry for its rich content of vitamins, minerals, and bioactive compounds, making it a beneficial ingredient in various skincare and haircare products.
Chemical Composition and Structure
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including polysaccharides (such as fucoidan), polyphenols, vitamins (A, C, E, and B-complex), minerals (iodine, calcium, magnesium, and potassium), and amino acids. These compounds contribute to its beneficial effects on the skin and hair, such as providing hydration, protection, and nourishment. The specific composition includes:
Polysaccharides (Fucoidan): Known for their moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols: Offer antioxidant benefits.
Vitamins: Provide essential nutrients that support skin and hair health.
Minerals: Help to maintain hydration and balance.
Amino Acids: Support protein synthesis and skin repair.
Physical Properties
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract typically appears as a light brown to dark brown liquid with a characteristic seaweed odor. It is water-soluble, making it easy to incorporate into various water-based formulations.
Cosmetic and Personal Care Applications
Moisturizing: Fucus Vesiculosus Extract has strong moisturizing properties, helping to maintain skin hydration and prevent dryness.
Anti-Aging: The extract provides antioxidant benefits, protecting the skin from free radical damage and reducing the signs of aging, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Anti-Inflammatory: It has anti-inflammatory properties that help to soothe and calm irritated skin, reducing redness and discomfort.
Nourishing: Rich in vitamins and minerals, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract nourishes the skin and hair, improving overall health and appearance.
Detoxifying: The minerals in the extract help to detoxify the skin, removing impurities and promoting a clearer complexion.
Hair Care: In haircare products, Fucus Vesiculosus Extract helps to strengthen and condition the hair, improving its texture and shine.
Environmental and Safety Considerations
Fucus Vesiculosus Extract is generally considered safe for use in cosmetic and personal care products. It is non-irritating and suitable for all skin types. As a naturally derived ingredient, it poses minimal risk to the environment when sourced and disposed of responsibly. Utilizing Fucus Vesiculosus Extract supports sustainable practices by promoting the use of plant-based ingredients.
Cosmetics - INCI Functions
Skin conditioning agent - Emollient. Emollients have the characteristic of enhancing the skin barrier through a source of exogenous lipids that adhere to the skin, improving barrier properties by filling gaps in intercorneocyte clusters to improve hydration while protecting against inflammation. In practice, they have the ability to create a barrier that prevents transepidermal water loss. Emollients are described as degreasing or refreshing additives that improve the lipid content of the upper layers of the skin by preventing degreasing and drying of the skin. The problem with emollients is that many have a strong lipophilic character and are identified as occlusive ingredients; they are oily and fatty materials that remain on the skin surface and reduce transepidermal water loss. In cosmetics, emollients and moisturisers are often considered synonymous with humectants and occlusives.
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.
Smoothing. The function of this component is to make the surface of the skin more even, reducing roughness and irregularities.
Soothing. Ingredient with the task of restoring moisture to the skin, helping in the healing process of irritation, inflammation and skin disorders.
Synonyms:
CAS: 84696-13-9 EC number 283-633-7