Staying up to date will all the new skincare products and ingredients is a mighty task. We spend a lot of time reviewing key ingredients, products, and the benefits they deliver to the skin. But if the general list of thousands of ingredients wasn’t enough, brands formulate their ingredients as well!
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Algenist is one company that falls into this category. They developed an effective algae-based ingredient called Alguronic Acid. This ingredient is exclusive to their brand and their products. Alguronic Acid isn’t found anywhere else. Alguronic Acid also has impressive lab tests and clinical data supporting its effectiveness. Let’s take a deeper look.
What is Alguronic Acid?
Alguronic Acid is a patented ingredient found in Algenist products. It is a mix of molecules that are produced by microalgae when grown in cultures. This naturally-sourced ingredient offers impressive anti-aging and rejuvenation benefits to the skin. The compound produced by one microalgae species protects algae and the human skin. This unique species of microalgae lives in harsh environments but still has the ability to protect itself and regenerate.
This exclusive ingredient first debuted in 2011 and has since been a staple in Algenist products. To find the unique species of microalgae the R&D team studied over 10,000 microalgae species over a ten-year period.
Alguronic Acid Skin Benefits
Alguronic Acid offers notable benefits to the skin, with lab testing to back it up. In fact, this ingredient outperformed top anti-aging ingredients in a few categories. Alguronic Acid helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improves the appearance of firmness. This algae-based ingredient also improves the effectiveness of other well-known ingredients.
- Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves the appearance of firmness
- Evens skin tone and texture
- Boosts the effectiveness of other ingredients.
- Improves skin health
Increased Firmness – Results
Alguronic Acid has impressive data to support the effectiveness of the ingredient. Based on an in vitro test with Alguronic Acid, the appearance of firmness increased by 32%! This was higher top ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, and retinol.
Even Skin Tone – Results
It also had impressive results in evening skin tone. Alguronic Acid helped improve skin tone by 26% for a brighter complexion. It also beat hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, and retinol in this category. Impressive to say the least.
Wrinkles and Fine Lines – Results
Alguronic Acid is also clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. In one clinical study, Alguronic Acid decreased the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by 35% in just 12 weeks. The results after eight weeks were impressive too, with a 25% improvement.
Results Considerations
The tests above sparked some controversy in the skincare industry. The funding for the study was undisclosed, so there is a possibility of bias. Also, there’s a possibility that Alguronic Acid may differ from time to time. The individual structures of the ingredient are not clearly defined so the molecules may differ.
Alguronic Acid vs. Hyaluronic Acid
Now that we’ve outlined the top benefits of alguronic acid, how does it compare to hyaluronic acid?
Hyaluronic acid is in thousands of skincare products, many with clinically proven results. However, Alguronic Acid is only found in Algenist products. There isn’t as much research available using Alguronic Acid.
Hyaluronic is a gooey substance that is produced naturally in the body. It’s in our eye, connective tissue, and you guessed it, our skin. Hyaluronic acid is a staple ingredient in hydrating and anti-aging products. Its amazing power is that it binds to water to help the skin retain moisture. As far as benefits, it does everything you’d want in an anti-aging ingredient. It helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves suppleness, skin resilience, and helps even tone and texture.
However, there is data from the lab test noted above that shows the effectiveness of Alguronic Acid compared to Hyaluronic Acid. In this lab test, Alguronic Acid was more effective at treating fine lines and wrinkles, skin firmness, and evening skin tone.
Alguronic Acid vs. Retinol
Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that is widely used for anti-aging and treating acne. Retinol penetrates deep into the skin to help neutralize free radicals and increase the production of elastin and collagen. The result is smooth, plump skin with fewer fine lines and wrinkles. Retinol is another staple ingredient in anti-aging products. It’s very effective but poses concerns for sensitive skin types. It can cause irritation and increase the risk of sun damage.
As with hyaluronic acid, there are numerous studies that show the effectiveness of Retinol. On the other hand, there are limited studies available for Alguronic Acid.
From what we do have, Alguronic Acid is a worthy contender. In a lab test, Alguronic Acid was found to be more effective than Retinol at treating fine lines and wrinkles, skin firmness, and evening skin tone.
Is Algenist a Good Skin Care Line?
Algenist is a prestige skincare line that offers unique product formulations that can’t be found anywhere else. The brand was created around the discovery of Alguronic Acid that is sustainably produced with biotechnology. The proprietary ingredients offer a unique spin on anti-aging products. Algenist products are highly regarded in the skincare community based on proprietary formulas that deliver results.
This brand doesn’t simply rely on Alguronic Acid either. Algenist also produces their Active Vegan Collagen, Blue Algae Vitamin C, and Microalgae Oil. Algenist formulas use vegan, sustainably sourced ingredients that deliver results. Their products are formulated without coal tar, parabens, mineral oil, paraffin, phthalates, BHA, hydroquinone, formaldehyde, and butoxyethanol.
Active Vegan Collagen
Active Vegan Collagen is another exclusive Algenist ingredient. It’s a plant-based, high concentration formula that offers a worthy alternative to animal-based collagen. As the name suggests, this ingredient is 100% vegan. This ingredient is derived from corn, soy, and wheat protein fibers. The process creates a collagen molecule that closely mimics the structure of animal-based collagen.
Active Vegan Collagen helps improve skin suppleness, restore bounce, and skin resilience. Algenist products that use this vegan collagen have impressive clinical results as well.
Microalgae Oil
Algenist’s Microalgae Oil replenishes hydration and nourishes the skin. One lab test found Microalgae Oil is clinically proven to keep the skin five times more hydrated (compared to untreated skin) for 24 hours. This ingredient is based on three core components: Oleic Acid, Phytosterol, and Tocopherols. This combination helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles, restore healthy skin, increase suppleness, hydrate, calm, and soothe.
Blue Algae Vitamin C
This form of vitamin C is 100% pure L-Ascorbic acid from spirulina. These blue algae were selected for their unique properties that benefit the skin. It contains phytonutrients, antioxidants, proteins, amino acids, essential fatty acids, and lipids.
Blue Algae Vitamin C is proven to help even tone, texture, and brighten skin. Products with this ingredient can help visibly reduce the appearance of dark spots and discoloration.
Learn more about other popular seaweed ingredients here.
Best Algenist Products With Alguronic Acid
Check out our favorite Alguronic Acid products from Algenist.
Algenist GENIUS Sleeping Collagen
The Algenist GENIUS Sleeping Collagen night cream is one of the staple products. It’s a buttery overnight cream that nourishes and hydrates for softer, smoother, cushioned, and radiant skin. This Algenist product contains Alguronic Acid, Active Vegan Collagen, and ceramides for well-rounded hydration and nourishment.
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin
- Softer and smoother skin
- Improve texture and suppleness
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Dewy and radiant skin
- Safe for all skin types
Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream
The Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Cream is another best-seller with great reviews. This lovely vegan cream visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles for a smooth, youthful complexion. This anti-aging cream combines Alguronic Acid, Microalgae Oil, and plant-based collagen. The GENIUS Anti-Aging Cream formula is dermatologist tested, non-comedogenic, and 100% vegan.
- Brightens skin
- Hydrates and nourishes the skin
- Improves skin texture and suppleness
- Visibly reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Promotes firm, youthful skin
Algenist GENIUS Liquid Collagen
The GENIUS Liquid Collagen is a vegan collagen serum that conditions, restores bounce, softness, and elasticity. This serum combines Microalgae Oil, Alguronic Acid, Active Vegan Collagen, and vitamin E to revitalize the skin. This product won the 2021 BEAUTYINC award as one of the 100 greatest skincare products.
- Replenishes and conditions the skin
- Restores bounce and suppleness
- Softer skin and a more youthful glow
- Improves skin elasticity
- Safe for all skin types
Is Alguronic Acid Worth a Try?
Alguronic Acid is a great ingredient with impressive skin benefits. Products with Alguronic Acid provide top-tier anti-aging and skin-plumping benefits. The downside is that it’s only found in Algenist products.
This skincare line makes high-quality, effective products but they aren’t cheap. Products with Alguronic Acid are a great option for those with a few extra bucks to spend on skincare. However, it’s not the best option for a tighter budget.
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