Pioneering Role of Marine Macroalgae in Cosmeceuticals

Cosmetics are broadly used by people to protect the skin from external environmental stresses and for beauty purposes globally. A recent trend towards cosmetics with natural formulations has emerged. The cosmetic industry uses the term ‘cosmeceutical’ to refer to a cosmetic formula that has drug-like applicative advantages. Recently, macroalgae have received increased attention as natural ingredients for cosmeceutical applications. Many marine algae are rich in biologically active components that have been reported to exhibit strong benefits to the skin, mainly for photoprotection, skin whitening, moisturization, anti-aging, anti-wrinkle, antioxidants, and antimicrobial uses. The present review provides a detailed study of the literature on the cosmetic potentials of marine algae-derived polysaccharides, peptides and amino acids, pigments, phenolic components, and fatty acids. We provide an overview of different types of macroalgae with their biologically active constituents and potential cosmetic benefits. In addition, the bioactive molecules of cosmetic products containing marine macroalgae as well as their mechanisms of action are briefly discussed.