By: Covalo Team
Exploring the power of the ocean
Beneath the shimmering surface of the vast oceans lies a treasure trove of transformative potential. In recent years, marine ingredients have emerged as an exciting frontier in beauty and wellness, sparking a movement that experts are calling “blue beauty“ – redefining how we think about skincare, sustainability, and scientific innovation.
Blue beauty is experiencing explosive growth, with the market for marine-based skincare ingredients projected to grow over the next 7 years, to USD 1162.73 million by 2032. Marine ingredients represent a breakthrough in cosmetic science: seaweeds that hydrate with evolutionary resilience, marine peptides that combat ageing, and extracts carrying the raw power of underwater ecosystems.
Yet, this exciting frontier comes with a critical responsibility. As companies invest further in marine biotechnology, the imperative of sustainable sourcing has never been more crucial. The same oceans that offer these miraculous ingredients are delicate ecosystems that demand our most thoughtful and respectful approach.
This article explores the marine heroes who are not just extracting ingredients, but pioneering practices that protect and preserve the incredible underwater world that is becoming our newest source of beauty and wellness innovation.
Marine innovation meets sustainable sourcing
Algae has emerged as the undisputed star of marine ingredients, according to Covalo’s platform data. In 2024, an impressive 5 of the top 20 best-performing ingredients on Covalo were algae-based, highlighting the profound potential of these marine organisms. What makes algae so remarkable is their incredibly rich nutrient profile – packed with vitamins and compounds that offer transformative benefits for skin health.
The true innovation lies not just in the ingredients themselves, but in how they are sourced. Seaweed farms have revolutionized marine ingredient production, creating a sustainable ecosystem that goes beyond simple extraction. Ingredients like fucoidan and alginate have become prized not only in personal care but also in medical applications. Even more exciting is the net-positive environmental impact of seaweed cultivation: these underwater farms actually release oxygen into the environment, actively reducing carbon footprints.
Marine collagen represents another breakthrough in sustainable marine ingredients. Derived from fish by-products – specifically the skin, bones, and scales that would otherwise be discarded – this ingredient is rich in the fast-absorbing Type I collagen, the same type most abundant in human skin, nails, and hair. By utilizing parts of fish that would typically be waste, the beauty industry has found an ingenious way to create valuable ingredients while simultaneously reducing potential environmental harm from overfishing.
These marine-derived ingredients symbolize more than just a trend. They represent a holistic approach to product development, where innovation meets environmental consciousness. Companies are no longer just extracting resources; they are actively contributing to a circular, sustainable ecosystem that respects and preserves marine biodiversity.
Who are the leading suppliers of marine ingredients?
Now that we have an overview of blue beauty and key innovations – let’s get into the suppliers and their ingredients! Below are the top suppliers leading the marine revolution and can see their in-cosmetics Global stand #s – in case you can pay them a visit in-person at the event!
● Algaktiv are pioneers in the use of advanced marine biotechnology, leveraging microalgae’s unique resilience and bioactive compounds to deliver high-performance, sustainable ingredients.
● Skincare Ingredients to know: Algaktiv RetinART, Algaktiv Collage
● Ínclita Seaweed Solutions is a Portuguese company that specializes in harnessing the power of sustainably sourced seaweed, transforming its rich bioactive compounds into innovative ingredients.
● Skincare Ingredients to know: newly launched InAlgae® LIT
● Cobiosa harnesses marine biotechnology, using algae and seaweed extracts to create innovative ingredients for hydration and skin renewal. With more than 50 years of experience in personal care ingredients, they bring the best right from the ocean.
● Skincare Ingredients to know: HYDROTENSYL COMPLEX
● CODIF unlocks the ocean’s potential through marine biotechnology, crafting eco-friendly cosmetic ingredients. Through their original supply methods, they are able to develop unique active ingredients with a reasonable sourcing approach.
● Skincare Ingredients to know: CYBRIGHT-G
● Givaudan’s blue biotechnology expertise focuses on exploring molecular treasures found within ocean ecosystems. In their dedicated marine research center located in Brittany, France, they develop cutting-edge technologies for cultivating microalgae and identifying unique molecules that offer exceptional skincare benefits.
● Skincare Ingredients to know: Mariliance™, Hydrintense™
● By using upcycled Sargassum, Carbonwave transforms seaweed into sustainable, high-performance ingredients through marine biotechnology. Through this algae, they are able to prevent methane emissions for the decomposition process of the seaweed.
● Skincare Ingredients to know: Seabalance 2000
Embracing the ocean’s potential
As the demand for sustainable and innovative solutions grows, marine ingredients are taking centre stage in the cosmetics industry. From deep-sea algae to seaweed extracts, the ingredients developed by these suppliers are packed with bioactive compounds that provide unique benefits such as enhanced hydration, anti-ageing properties, and skin barrier protection.
With these innovative suppliers leading the charge, the future of beauty is firmly rooted in the power of the ocean, offering transformative, eco-friendly solutions for next-generation formulations.
Discover the top trending marine ingredients on Covalo for free here.
Feeling inspired?
Then why not visit one of the in-cosmetics events around the world?