Seaweed Cosmetics under the Spotlight of Sustainability

Seaweeds represent a diverse and valuable source of cosmetic compounds such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, antioxidants, etc., with moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, regenerative effects. The so-called “blue cosmetics” line products related to the use natural active ingredients an important market share in major international brands. To be recognised environmentally sustainable, it is essential ensure that algae-derived comply sound harvesting, production, extraction practices. In this work, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was used carry out environmental impact assessment processing brown algae extract from Fucus vesiculosus its comparative profile most antioxidants cosmetics: vitamin C green tea extracts. Considering equivalent formulation antioxidant content, results showed seaweed has lowest load while extracts have highest impact. Furthermore, further reduce emissions processing, renewable energy sources valorisation biomass residues fertilisers circular economy approach are proposed.