Common Name(s): Cystoseira balearica extract,cystoseira balearica extract,brown algae fucoxanthin fucoidan,marine carotenoid antioxidant
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides potent antioxidant protection from fucoxanthin's allenic c=c=c extended conjugation singlet oxygen quenching (500× more potent than beta-carotene), anti-inflammatory fucoidan sulfate group p-selectin inhibition, and photoprotection from phlorotannin uv absorption.
Why It's Used: Fucoxanthin's allenic bond provides the unique uv-absorbing and singlet oxygen quenching properties — the cumulene-type allene group shifts absorption red beyond beta-carotene, providing exceptional near-uv photoprotection alongside the extended conjugation antioxidant activity.
How It Works: Fucoxanthin (allenic xanthophyll carotenoid): allenic group red-shifts absorption to 490 nm; singlet oxygen quenching rate constant >10⁹ m⁻¹s⁻¹ (vs beta-carotene ~3×10⁸ m⁻¹s⁻¹ — ~3× more potent). fucoidan: polyanionic sulfate groups compete with p-selectin ligands blocking neutrophil adhesion to endothelium → anti-inflammatory. phlorotannins: polyphenol radical scavenging + uva absorption.
Typically Found In: Marine beauty,anti-aging,anti-inflammatory
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – 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%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – 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
Cystoseira sustainability: wild harvest from mediterranean and atlantic coasts — sustainable harvesting certification and seasonal collection limits protect the brown algae population. some cystoseira species are in iucn near-threatened category.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cystoseira fucoxanthin fucoidan marine anti-aging review