Plankton Extract
Plankton extract, or microalgae, can serve many purposes in skincare depending on how the specific active is sourced and treated. Specially derived from the cell wall of chlorella, this prebiotic active supports tissue repair and a balanced skin microbiome.
Its comprehensive approach to skin integrity ensures visibly clear, resilient skin, and has been shown to outperform epidermal growth factor (EGF) on primary keratinocytes growth and motility. This unique active’s cell renewal power is triggered by the production of transforming growth factor alpha (TGF-α) and the potent cell thickening signal Dikkopf-1 (DKK-1).
It also demonstrates a direct prebiotic effect by supporting S. epidermidis (beneficial microbial species) while reducing detrimental species like P. acnes (acne), M. furfur (dandruff) and S. aureus (atopic dermatitis + infections). In addition, it enhances the skin’s defense system by boosting the secretion of antimicrobial peptides like CXCL10 for a complete prebiotic effect. Two clinical studies from the manufacturer demonstrate the impact of its microbiome-centric benefits: helping promote clear skin and combating visible effects of inflammatory reactions.
