Common Name(s): Arthrospira extract,arthrospira (spirulina) extract,cyanobacteria phycocyanin,antioxidant immunomodulating marine active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides exceptional antioxidant protection from phycocyanin's open-chain tetrapyrrole radical scavenging (orac >85 ฮผmol te/mg), anti-inflammatory activity from phycocyanobilin's ho-1 upregulation, and skin conditioning from the gamma-linolenic acid and polysaccharide complex.
Why It's Used: Spirulina phycocyanin provides one of the highest antioxidant capacities per mass of any food or cosmetic ingredient โ the open-chain tetrapyrrole's extended conjugation providing exceptional radical scavenging with direct relevance to skin oxidative stress protection.
How It Works: Phycocyanin (c-phycocyanin, mw 120 kda) open-chain tetrapyrrole provides h-atom donation to ros (orac >85 ฮผmol te/mg vs vitamin c 4 ฮผmol te/mg โ >20ร higher). phycocyanobilin inhibits nadph oxidase reducing oโโขโป generation; simultaneously upregulates ho-1 (heme oxygenase-1) anti-inflammatory enzyme. gamma-linolenic acid (omega-6, gla) competes with aa for cox/lox reducing pro-inflammatory prostaglandin production.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging,anti-inflammatory,marine beauty
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%โ5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 โ non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Spirulina extract stability: phycocyanin is ph-sensitive and light-unstable โ antioxidant-protected, light-opaque packaging and neutral ph formulation (6-7) maintains phycocyanin activity. the brilliant blue colour provides a natural cosmetic colourant function alongside the antioxidant benefit.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,arthrospira spirulina phycocyanin antioxidant anti-inflammatory review