Polyphenols and skin health
Bioactive compounds derived from seaweeds are increasingly popular inclusions in skincare formulations. A growing body of scientific evidence demonstrates their range of potential benefits – from skin protection and soothing through to skin brightening and repair.
Polyphenols derived from marine macroalgae are bioactive compounds of particular interest. Research has demonstrated that polyphenols from macroalgae exhibit their own useful dermatological properties and also work synergistically with fucoidan – making them highly attractive for innovative skin care formulations.
One seaweed species with remarkably high polyphenol content is Fucus vesiculosus. It is from this particular seaweed that the cosmetic ingredient Maritech® Bright is derived. Polyphenols are co-extracted with fucoidan through a unique process, resulting in a natural extract with extremely high antioxidant activity. Maritech® Bright has been shown to have exceptional antioxidant activity – more than double that of vitamin C.
A recent review paper exploring the cosmetic benefits of marine phenolic compounds can be found here.