Clinical Studies of the Safety and Efficacy of Macroalgae Extracts in Cosmeceuticals.

BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of in-vitro and in-vivo laboratory research on the skin bioactive properties of macroalgae. OBJECTIVE: We sought to examine the scientific literature for evidence supporting the clinical safety and efficacy of macroalgae-derived ingredients in cosmeceuticals. METHODS: We performed a systematic review of scientific and medical electronic databases for published, peer-reviewed, randomized controlled trials and nonrandomized reports on the clinical bioactivity of topical macroalgae extracts in skin. RESULTS: Several human studies report scientific data supporting the safety and efficacy of macroalgae-based skincare products, focusing on skin-moisturizing, anti-melanogenic, and anti-cellulite (slimming) benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Further clinical research is necessary to determine the long-term safety, efficacy, optimal concentration and formulation of macroalgae extracts in cosmeceuticals with respect to previously reported and yet uninvestigated skin-directed potential functionally and bioactivity.