Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract
Also known as: Kelp Extract
Type of brown seaweed | Contains B vitamins + vitamins A and E
Addresses
EWG Safety Score
What Is Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract?
Macrocystis pyrifera extract comes from a type of macroalgae, or brown seaweed (also known as kelp), native to New Zealand.
Macrocystis pyrifera – like most seaweed varieties – is an abundant source of B vitamins, along with vitamins A and E. In fact, Macrocystis pyrifera has more tocopherol (the most bioactive form of vitamin E) than soybean or sunflower oils, both considered to be rich sources of this antioxidant.
In addition to its ability to defend skin against environmental stressors, studies show this seaweed contains skin conditioning fatty acids oleic and ceramide-essential linoleic acids. There is also research indicating that Macrocystis pyrifera has a potent soothing effect on skin and helps restore barrier health.
In addition to all these anti-aging and soothing properties, this type of kelp is also used as a texture enhancer in cosmetics.
The independent Cosmetic Ingredient Review panel has ruled Macrocystis pyrifera safe in its current use, which ranges from 0.1–1%.
Benefits for Your Skin
Clinical Evidence & References
Published Research
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Cosmetic Ingredient Review, Website, Accessed September 2024 [https://www.cir-safety.org/sites/default/files/Brown%20Algae_5.pdf]
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International Journal of Molecular Sciences, November 2023, pages 1-20 [https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/22/16383]
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International Journal of Biological Molecules, September 2022, pages 757-767 [https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35870628/]
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Planta Medica International Open, June 2022, pages e80-e89 [https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/html/10.1055/a-1729-3654]
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Marine Drugs, March 2021, pages 1-28 [https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/19/6/341]
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Molecules, February 2021, pages 1-42 [https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/8/2355]
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Resources, August 2020, pages 1-30 [https://nrm.dfg.ca.gov/FileHandler.ashx?DocumentID=182033&inline]
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