Phaeodactylum Tricornutum Extract

Also known as: Microalgae Extract / Diatom Extract

INCI: Phaeodactylum Tricornutum Extract | Function: Antioxidant, Skin Conditioning | Type: Marine microalgae extract (Bacillariophyceae, diatom)

What Is Phaeodactylum Tricornutum Extract?

Extract from Phaeodactylum tricornutum, a marine diatom (single-celled microalgae) known for producing high levels of fucoxanthin — a carotenoid with potent antioxidant properties. Also rich in EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid, an omega-3), chlorophyll, and unique polysaccharides. Research indicates fucoxanthin provides stronger antioxidant activity than vitamin E and may offer UV protection and anti-inflammatory benefits. Emerging as a sustainable marine biotechnology ingredient.

Key Skin Benefits

+ Potent antioxidant — fucoxanthin outperforms vitamin E in some assays
+ UV protection support — carotenoids absorb UV and blue light
+ Anti-inflammatory — omega-3 EPA reduces skin inflammation
+ Sustainable — microalgae can be cultivated without depleting marine resources

Pros

+ Fucoxanthin is a highly researched carotenoid with strong antioxidant data
+ Marine biotechnology — novel, differentiated ingredient story
+ Sustainable production via photobioreactor cultivation
+ Rich in EPA — omega-3 fatty acid with proven anti-inflammatory effects

Cons

− High cost — microalgae cultivation and extraction is expensive
− Stability challenges — fucoxanthin degrades with light and heat exposure
− Limited cosmetic-specific clinical studies (primarily nutritional research)
− May cause sensitivity in people with algae allergies
− Color — extract has brown/orange tint that may affect product appearance

Specifications

Property	Value
Usage Areas	Face, Eye, Body
Product Type	Leave-On, Rinse-Off
Source	Plant
Natural Level	Natural

Safety Ratings

Metric	Rating
Skin Sensitivity	1/5 (low)
Comedogenic Rating	0/5
EWG Score	1/10

Regional Regulatory Limits

Region	Leave-on %	Rinse-off %	Status
EU (CosIng)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
US (CIR/FDA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — CIR safe as used
Japan (MHLW)	No limit	No limit	Allowed
ASEAN	No limit	No limit	Allowed — follows EU
China (NMPA)	No limit	No limit	Allowed — listed in IECIC

Typical Usage % by Product Type

Product Type	Typical %
Antioxidant serum	0.01–0.5%
Anti-aging cream	0.01–0.5%

References

Peng J et al. (2011) — Fucoxanthin: antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. PMID: 22054940
Kim SM et al. (2012) — Phaeodactylum tricornutum fucoxanthin production. PMID: 22683713
EU CosIng Database. https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing/
SpecialChem — Marine ingredients in cosmetics. https://cosmetics.specialchem.com/

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