Among these is alginic acid, a polymer of D-mannuronic acid and L-guluronic
acid that generates viscosity in brown algae such as Kelp (Saccharina japonica),
Sea mustard (Undaria pinnatifida), Gulf weed (Sargassum sp.), and fusiforme
(Sargassum fusiforme). These substances are currently used as natural thickening
agents in cosmetics, while carrageenan, an acidic polysaccharide consisting of
galactose and anhydrogalactose, is used as a cosmetic stabilizer and dispersant.
Compounds of sargachromenol, sargachromenol E, and sargachromenol D
isolated from the brown alga Sargassum horneri have also proven effective in
preventing UV ray damage (Fig. 8.34).
Table 8.10 Effects of marine ingredients in public patent listings
Algae
Skin care cosmetics
(Moisturizing, cracking prevention, promoting hyaluronic acid production,
promoting collagen production, promoting fibroblasts, inhibiting elastase,
antioxidation etc.)
Seawater/sea
salt
Bathing
(Skin moisturizing, cracking prevention and treatment etc.)
Skin care cosmetics
(Whitening, moisturizing, cracking prevention etc.)
Sea mud
Cleansers
Packs (moisturizing, eliminating skin wastes etc.)
Skin care cosmetics (moisturizing, whitening etc.)
Hair care products (sleek feel, moisture etc.)
Fig. 8.34 Sargachromenol compounds isolated from S. horneri
8.5 Natural Cosmetic Ingredients
289