Algae materials for cosmetics and cosmeceuticals

In this chapter, we describe the practical application of algae materials for use in cosmetics and cosmeceuticals represented by Chlorella vulgaris. C. vulgaris, a species of green microalga, is found in different environments, predominantly in fresh and salt water, where there is exposure to high levels of ultraviolet radiation and extreme survival conditions. Considering the field of cosmetology, studies carried out on C. vulgaris showed the potential to develop different attributes. The use of microalgal biomass is perceived to be ecologically correct mainly owing to the possibility of its use in various fields of application, such as in foods, as a source of biodiesel, and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Thus, microalgae extracts can be a relevant type of constituent in natural products for sun protection. In this chapter, we describe the practical employability of C. vulgaris as a photoprotective and photostabilizing ingredient. The photoprotective efficacy of the formulation was verified through a significant increase in the sun protection factor when the C. vulgaris extract was employed at 10.0%. However, the extract did not have photostabilizing efficacy in the formulation at any concentration tested.