Why we use Chlorella Emersonii (Microalgae) Extract

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why we use chlorella emersonii (microalgae) extract

The Basics

Chlorella emersonii (recently reclassified as Graesiella emersonii) is a unicellular green microalga rich in chlorophyll, carotenoids, essential fatty acids, proteins, vitamins, and minerals. These bioactive compounds provide antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and skin-conditioning benefits. Depending on sourcing and post-processing, its composition can be optimised to create targeted cosmetic actives, supporting applications from skin brightening to cellular repair.¹

Specialised for Scalp Health

The Chlorella emersonii extract in our formulation is obtained through advanced biotechnology, optimising its active compounds to support scalp health and hair vitality. Combined with Spirulina maxima, it offers a synergistic effect that targets hair density, strength, and overall scalp balance. The extract is encapsulated in a lecithin-based delivery system, ensuring stability, bioavailability, and effective deposition at the scalp surface.²

How it works:

Reinforces the scalp barrier and improves scalp health by supporting lipid integrity and a balanced microbiota—foundations for sustained follicle function.
Reduces oxidative stress and environmental damage, helping protect hair follicles from free-radical insult that can contribute to thinning and greying.
Boosts hair fibre density and anchoring strength, supporting better retention and resilience over time.

Science + Mechanisms

On a scalp that’s light-exposed and naturally lipid-rich, oxidative reactions and inflammatory signalling can encourage follicles towards shedding hair.

Our Chlorella emersonii (Graesiella emersonii) extract supplies lutein-class xanthophylls that lodge in lipid membranes and quench singlet oxygen and other reactive species—limiting lipid peroxidation in a sebum-rich environment^3,6—and helps activate the cell’s own antioxidant defences (NRF2/HO-1)⁵. These actions mean more stable barrier lipids, less stress signalling, and better protection for follicle and pigment cells. The mechanisms below outline how xanthophylls deliver those benefits.

Redox defence (NRF2-linked): supports the cell’s endogenous antioxidant network (NRF2/HO-1 axis), helping follicular cells cope with environmental and metabolic stressors.⁴
Photoprotection: absorbs and safely releases excess energy from sunlight and indoor lighting, reducing light-triggered oxidative stress and helping preserve scalp cells and hair pigment.⁵
Membrane stability + signalling: aligns within phospholipid bilayers to improve membrane order and dampen downstream inflammatory signalling (e.g., NF-κB), supporting a calmer scalp.^3,6
Delivery optimisation (lecithin): lecithin encapsulation enhances aqueous dispersion and barrier compatibility, helping deliver carotenoids at the follicular opening for enhanced effect.⁷
Systems approach: within our scalp-focused microalgae system, G. emersonii-derived xanthophylls complement spirulina-derived phycocyanin to reinforce antioxidant defences and counter stress-related triggers linked to premature shed.⁸

Clinical Efficacy

Clinical trials completed by the manufacturer of the active demonstrated the following results:

11.43% increase in hair density within five months of use.²
Over 10,200 new hairs generated after consistent application over five months.²
Hair growth four times faster compared to traditional Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) treatments.²
Enhanced scalp moisturisation, with a +26.7% increase, creating a healthier scalp environment conducive to hair growth.²

This microalgae-sourced active promotes hair density and supports overall scalp health, resulting in stronger, fuller-looking hair.

references

1 Sawant, S. S., & Mane, V. K. (2017). Correlating the Anti – Aging Activity with the Bioactive Profile of Chlorella emersonii KJ725233; Its Toxicological Studies for a Potential use in Cosmeceuticals. Pharmacognosy Communications, 7(4), 152–157. doi:10.5530/pc.2017.4.22 Correlating the Anti – Aging Activity with the Bioactive Profile of Chlorella emersonii KJ725233; Its Toxicological Studies for a Potential use in Cosmeceuticals.
2 ALGAKTIV®. (2024). Densidyl Leaflet 202407. Retrieved from ALGAKTIV® proprietary data.
3 Makuch, K., et al. (2021). Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Lipid Bilayer—Similarities and Differences Revealed by Computational Studies. Frontiers in Molecular Biosciences, 8, 768449. doi:10.3389/fmolb.2021.768449 Lutein and Zeaxanthin in the Lipid Bilayer—Similarities and Differences Revealed by Computational Studies.
4 Ahn, Y.-J., et al. (2021). Lutein as a Modulator of Oxidative Stress–Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: Implication of Nrf2/HO-1. Antioxidants, 10(10), 1438. Lutein as a Modulator of Oxidative Stress–Mediated Inflammatory Diseases: Implication of Nrf2/HO-1.
5 Zerres, S., & Stahl, W. (2020). Carotenoids in Human Skin. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA) – Molecular and Cell Biology of Lipids, 1865(11), 158588. doi:10.1016/j.bbalip.2019.158588 Carotenoids in Human Skin.
6 Trüeb RM. Oxidative stress in ageing of hair. Int J Trichology. 2009 Jan;1(1):6-14. doi: 10.4103/0974-7753.51923. PMID: 20805969; PMCID: PMC2929555. Oxidative stress in ageing of hair.
7 Ricci, A., et al. (2024). Lipid Nanovesicles for Antioxidant Delivery in Skin. Antioxidants, 13(12), 1516. doi:10.3390/antiox13121516 Lipid Nanovesicles for Antioxidant Delivery in Skin.
8 Liu RZ, Li WJ, Zhang JJ, Liu ZY, Li Y, Liu C, Qin S. The Inhibitory Effect of Phycocyanin Peptide on Pulmonary Fibrosis In Vitro. Mar Drugs. 2022 Nov 6;20(11):696. doi: 10.3390/md20110696. PMID: 36355019; PMCID: PMC9694904. The Inhibitory Effect of Phycocyanin Peptide on Pulmonary Fibrosis In Vitro.