Algae Skincare Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Cleansers & Toners, Moisturizers & Creams), By Source (Macroalgae, Microalgae), By Type, By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Algae Skincare Products Market Trends

The global algae skincare products market size was estimated at USD 194.8 million in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.2% from 2024 to 2030. This growth is attributed to the growing demand for natural and sustainable skincare products and growing awareness regarding skincare benefits of algae such as anti-aging, hydration, antioxidant properties, etc. Macroalgae for skincare products is sourced from licensed seaweed harvesters, for instance, the skincare brand REN Clean Skincare sources brown algae for its Atlantic Kelp line from licensed seaweed harvesters and fishermen in the North Atlantic Ocean.

Skincare industry is experiencing a significant surge in the use of algae-based ingredients due to their rich nutrient content, sustainability, and diverse applications. Different types of algae offer a variety of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and micro-nutrients, which make them highly sought after in beauty products. Sustainable cultivation of algae, particularly through photobioreactors, is contributing to their environmental appeal. This is aligned with a growing consumer interest in sustainable, nature-derived skincare solutions that offer both efficacy and environmental responsibility.

Algae is known to contain bioactive compounds such as astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, and phlorotannins, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and cell-protective properties. These compounds are beneficial for skin health and can help in protecting the skin from UV damage. Algae is also rich in vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and amino acids, making it a valuable ingredient for skincare products. The nourishing and antioxidative properties of algae make it suitable for various skin types and needs. The awareness regarding the nutrient-rich nature of algae and its impact on skin health will promote the demand for algae skincare products.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

Market growth stage is high, characterized by a high degree of innovation. The pace of the market growth is accelerating. The development of active ingredients sourced from microalgae is one of the key innovations in the market. These ingredients are produced through advanced biotechnology, allowing for the sustainable cultivation of microalgae in closed bioreactors, minimizing environmental impact while ensuring high quality. ALGAKTIV, a trademarked ingredient of Greenaltech, harnesses microalgae through biotechnology to produce sustainable and novel active ingredients for skincare. The company creates clinically proven active ingredients while prioritizing sustainability. These developments in the market are projected to drive the growing demand for algae skincare products.

The level of M&A activities in the market is moderate and the sector is undergoing rapid expansion. Mergers and acquisitions in the market will enhance the market position of the key players and influence its pricing and distribution strategies positively. The impact of regulations in the market is moderate to high. Regulatory authorities impose strict regulations on the usage and concentration of bioalgae in cosmetic formulations. For instance, blue-green algae derived products are regulated by the FDA.

The impact of substitutes on the algae skincare products industry can be significant. The availability of substitutes such as hyaluronic acid and other natural ingredients is likely to limit the demand for algae-based skincare products. Furthermore, the growing trend of using plant-based and natural skincare products will also influence the demand for algae skincare products. For instance, traditional skincare products containing natural ingredients other than algae extracts are seen as substitutes for algae-based skincare products.

Algae skincare products cater to a diverse consumer base. The end-user concentration in the market is moderate. The consumer base in the market includes individuals increasingly seeking natural and sustainable options, individuals with skin sensitivities, anti-aging enthusiasts, eco-conscious consumers, and beauty and wellness enthusiasts.

Product Insights

Face serum & oil products dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of 31.6% in 2023. The growing demand for algae-based face serums is attributed to the increasing awareness and emphasis on skincare and anti-aging products. The growing demand for face serums and the rising popularity of natural and sustainable ingredients in face serums and oils which can benefit the skin by providing hydration, nourishment, and protection against environmental stressors, is driving the market growth.

Eye & lip care treatments are projected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. As consumers are increasingly seeking out specialized treatments for these delicate areas of the face, the demand for algae-based eye and lip care treatments is projected to witness high growth. With the aging population, there is a greater awareness of the need to take care of the skin around the eyes and lips, as these areas are prone to wrinkles and fine lines. Therefore, consumers are shifting to algae skincare products for eyes and lips to address these concerns. Algenist offers Triple Algae Eye Renewal Balm which uses a triple algae formula to help reduce dark under-eye circles, puffiness, lines, and wrinkles.

Source Insights

Macroalgae accounted for the largest market share in 2023. The demand for natural ingredients is driving the increasing use of seaweed in cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, and nutricosmetics. Fucoidans, found in brown algae and seaweed, are considered promising cosmetic ingredients due to their non-toxic, biodegradable, and biocompatible nature, as well as potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The marine-sourced seaweed offers photoprotective, moisturizing, antioxidant, anti-melanogenic, anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, anti-acne, anti-wrinkling, antimicrobial, anti-aging and whitening characteristics. These benefits have led to its increasing usage in skincare formulations.

Algae skin care products with microalgae are expected to register the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. Companies are focused on developing innovative solutions related to microalgae to introduce new products with improved skincare performance and efficacy. In November 2021, Algenist, a company specializing in plant-based, 100% vegan skincare products, announced a strategic R&D agreement with Checkerspot, a materials innovation company, focused on advanced microalgae-derived materials and ingredients. Algenist works with Checkerspot utilizing its WING innovation platform to research, conceptualize, develop, and commercialize microalgae materials and technologies. This collaboration is aimed at bringing new molecules to skincare, leveraging biotechnology and greener manufacturing processes.

Type Insights

Brown algae-based skincare products dominated the market in 2023.Brown algae-based skincare products are the most popular in beauty industry because of their high antioxidant content and their ability to support skin hydration and elasticity. These properties make brown algae a popular ingredient in skincare products, as it can help to protect the skin from environmental damage, thereby promoting good skin health. Additionally, brown algae is known for its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a great choice for consumers with sensitive or irritated skin.

Green algae-based skincare products are projected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period. Green algae-based skincare products are growing in demand due to their antioxidant-rich properties, which promote firm, smooth skin. While not as commonly used in cosmetics as other colorful algae, green algae is gaining popularity for its ability to provide numerous benefits for the skin. Its antioxidant content helps to protect the skin from environmental damage and signs of aging, making it a valuable ingredient in skincare products. Additionally, green algae act as a thickening agent in skincare formulations, adding to its versatility and appeal for use in various products.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the market and accounted for a revenue share of 35.1% in 2023. The growing demand for natural skincare products is contributing to the increased revenues in North American algae skincare products sector. Furthermore, increasing product innovation and new product launches in skincare featuring microalgae as one of the key ingredients is projected to contribute to the high revenue share in North America.

Asia Pacific is anticipated to witness significant growth in the algae skincare market.The Asia Pacific region has seen a steady increase in disposable income levels, particularly in countries such as China and India. This has led to a greater willingness to spend on premium skincare products, including algae-based skincare products. Furthermore, the focus on personal grooming and self-care is driving the growth of beauty industry in Asia Pacific. This presents a high growth opportunity for the growth of the market in the region.

Key Companies & Market Share Insights

Some of the key players operating in the market include Algenist, OSEA International, LLC, and Algeternal.

• Algenist focuses on clean beauty by offering vegan skincare formulations. The company is driven by ingredient-level innovation, with a focus on Alguronic Acid, derived from algae. It features a diversified product portfolio of algae skincare products. Its product portfolio adheres to strict global regulatory guidelines and EU formulation standards.

• OSEA International, LLC offers a variety of algae skincare products with red, brown, and green seaweed. It has expanded its presence and distribution through online channels such as Ulta Beauty to reach a wider consumer base.

Tatcha, LLC, MARA Beauty, LLC, and MisshaUS are some of the emerging market participants in the algae skincare products market.

• Tatcha, LLC, established in 2009, is an emerging player in the market. The company is focused on product innovation. Its skincare formulations are crafted at the Tatcha Institute in Tokyo. It uses a proprietary complex of twice-fermented rice, green tea, and algae in its skincare formulations.

• MARA Beauty, LLC offers non-toxic and clean skincare products with algae. In August 2023, the company launched MARA Sea Sculpt Body Oil which is formulated with a proprietary blend of moringa, algae, and squalane.

Recent Developments

• In March 2023, Merck developed RonaCare JouvaMer, and RonaCare ReviMer, two new natural, algae-based skin renewal products. The products reduce wrinkles, protect the skin's extracellular matrix, and enhance the skin's structural properties. They can be used in a wide range of topical products and are Halal-certified and meet sustainability and biodiversity requirements.

• In July 2023, French marine skincare brand Thalgo launched a new wellbeing range called Les Essentiels Marins. The collection includes a shower gel, marine scrub, exfoliating marine soap, micronised marine algae bath powder, and supplement ampoules. These products are enriched with Thalgo’s patented Micronised Marine Algae formula, which contains a potent combination of marine minerals. The complex is made up of two types of brown algae and red algae. Thalgo also introduced facial and body treatments featuring the new range as part of their 3-Algae Marine Treatments collection.

Algae Skincare Products Market Report Scope

Global Algae Skincare Products Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the global algae skincare products market report based on product, source, type, and region.

• Product Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Cleansers & Toners

  • Moisturizers & Creams

  • Face Serum & Oil

  • Face Masks

  • Eye & Lip Care Treatments

  • Others

• Source Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Macroalgae

  • Microalgae

• Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Red Algae

  • Brown Algae

  • Green Algae

  • Others

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

    • Mexico

  • Europe

    • Germany

    • UK

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

  • Asia Pacific

    • China

    • India

    • Japan

    • Australia

  • Central & South America

    • Brazil

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • UAE

    • South Africa