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Blue Beauty Revolution: This Marine-Powered Retinol is Redefining Skincare

Written by Covalo Team | Feb 11, 2025

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Reimagining Skincare Through Ocean Innovation

Marine-Powered Retinol, Sustainably Sourced

Pure Ocean Efficacy, Zero Compromise

Next Generation Retinoid: Powerful, Gentle, and Sustainable

Reimagining Skincare Through Ocean Innovation

Consumers are waking up to the truth: every choice impacts the planet. The time for half-measures is over—companies must innovate boldly, crafting solutions that nurture our skin while protecting our seas. The beauty industry is undergoing a massive transformation in its approach to marine sourcing. Taking advantage of the blue economy allows us to create innovative products right from our oceans. 

Picture this: Microalgae harvested with surgical precision, transforming from microscopic marine organisms into powerful skincare ingredients. Seaweed-based packaging that dissolves harmlessly in water. Sustainable marine biotechnology that sounds like more than skincare. The blue economy is allowing a game-changing approach in how we interact with marine resources. 

But in this ever-evolving world of skincare and skin actives, there is a question to ask - is there still room for new retinoids? This family of actives is well known for its anti-aging properties, acne-fighting abilities, and skin-renewing effects. But with the new EU regulations on retinoids coming into place at the end of 2024 and the industry riding a new wave of sustainability, a gap has emerged for a marine-derived alternative. 

Stay tuned and let us introduce you to a new, revolutionary retinol alternative, coming right from our oceans.

Marine-Powered Retinol, Sustainably Sourced

Retinol has long reigned supreme as the undisputed champion of anti-aging. This vitamin A derivative has become the holy grail for those seeking to combat signs of aging, offering a multi-dimensional approach to skin renewal. 

 

The benefits of retinol are nothing short of impressive including wrinkle reduction, cellular turnover, acne management, hyperpigmentation control and collagen stimulation. However, retinol’s potency comes with a caveat - its potential for skin irritation, particularly for those with sensitive complexions. The EU launched restrictions on retinoid products, where the maximum limitations on their concentration for skincare is 0.3% and 0.05% on body lotions. This limitation created space for gentler alternatives like bakuchiol to become more in demand. This is a plant-based ingredient that offers similar benefits without the harsh side effects. Bakuchiol emerged as a promising alternative, providing comparable anti-aging effects, reduced skin sensitivity and compatibility with all skin types. 

 

But the skincare innovation doesn’t stop there! A groundbreaking marine-derived ingredient is poised to redefine our understanding of skin transformation. A sustainable strain of Chlorella vulgaris is the star ALGAKTIV® RetinART. Chlorella vulgaris is a green microalga that has been on earth for over 2.5 billion years! It is known for its remarkable ability to rapidly repair its DNA and adapt to various environmental stressors - and it's rich in antioxidants and vitamins. 

 

ALGAKTIV® RetinART is a marine marvel that is a bio-retinoid that combines the best of science and the ocean. It harnesses the power of apocarotenoids, compounds that bear a striking resemblance to retinoic acid. This innovative ingredient delivers all the skin-rejuvenating perks of retinoids, but leaves irritation and instability behind. Imagine creating a serum that works as hard as retinol but feels as gentle as a sea breeze! 

 

This groundbreaking retinoid has sustainability at its core, as the sourcing of this ingredient embraces microscopic marvel that embodies the upcycling revolution. Chlorella vulgaris are green warriors that are cultivated with laser-focused efficiency, requiring minimal resources and leaving virtually no ecological footprint. They transform sunlight and CO2 into a powerhouse skincare active that gives back to the planet by being carbon positive. This approach not only reduces the strain on natural ecosystems but also aligns with the blue economy, as it transforms a simple organism into a high-value retinoid. 

Pure Ocean Efficacy, Zero Compromise

The science behind this marine-derived retinoid alternative is as impressive as its results. Leveraging ALGAKTIV's proprietary delivery system, ALGAKTIV® RetinART penetrates deeper into the skin, targeting specific retinoic acid receptors (RARs) with remarkable precision. By focusing on these receptors, it triggers kin remodeling processes similar to traditional retinoids, but with a crucial difference. The apocarotenoids from Chlorella vulgaris interact with RARs in a more controlled manner. This ensures effective skin renewal while significantly reducing the risk of overstimulation or irritation. 

This precision targeting is a game-changer in skincare. It allows for the powerful benefits of retinoid-like activity - increased cell turnover, collagen stimulation, and improved skin appearance - without the harsh side effects often associated with conventional retinoids. The result is a skincare ingredient that works harmoniously with the skin’s natural processes and helps in the development of day care products with retinol-like performance.    

In head-to-head clinical trials with traditional retinol, ALGAKTIV® RetinART showed results that were nothing short of revolutionary. After just 14 days, participants saw a 9% greater reduction in wrinkle depth, proving its superior ability to smooth fine lines for a more youthful, refreshed look. But the benefits don’t stop here. Hyperpigmentation improved by an impressive 26 days, fading dark spots and evening out skin tone faster than retinol ever could. 

Perhaps most notably, skin elasticity saw a 23% boost in just 14 days! Unlike traditional retinol, which can take months to show results, ALGAKTIV® RetinART offers a next-generation alternative. By delivering faster, more potent skin-renewing benefits without the typical irritation, it positions itself as more than an alternative: a skincare breakthrough.

When compared to bakuchiol, ALGAKTIV® RetinART proved to be a clear frontrunner, outperforming in critical areas that define truly effective skincare. While both are known for being gentler alternatives to traditional retinol, ALGAKTIV® RetinART delivered superior results in sebum regulation, helping to balance oil production more effectively for clearer, healthier-looking skin. Even more impressively, it provided a greater boost in hydration, ensuring skin stayed plump, smooth, and resilient - something bakuchiol couldn’t match at the same level. 

With its ability to refine texture, improve elasticity, and visibly brighten skin while maintaining a soothing, non-irritating profile, ALGAKTIV® RetinART has solidified its place as the new gold standard in high-performance, gentle skincare. For those seeking the next evolution in skin renewal - without compromise - this ingredient is redefining what’s possible.

Next Generation Retinol: Powerful, Gentle, and Sustainable  

ALGAKTIV® RetinART is redefining what’s possible in skincare, bridging the gap between the potency of traditional retinoids and the growing demand for gentler, safer, and more sustainable solutions. For years, retinol and bakuchiol have dominated the market, each with its strengths - but also its compromises. Retinol delivers results but comes with irritation, while bakuchiol is gentle but doesn’t always match retinol’s transformative power. Now there’s a new standard. 

 

With ALGAKTIV® RetinART, consumers no longer have to choose between performance and skin comfort. It delivers faster, more visible improvements in wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, elasticity, and hydration - without the harsh side effects. But its impact goes beyond results. As skincare moves further into clean beauty, sustainability, and barrier-friendly solutions, ALGAKTIV® RetinART leads the way. By offering a science-backed solution that aligns with the values of today’s beauty-conscious consumers, it’s a skincare revolution. 

 

Interested in knowing more about ALGAKTIV® RetinART and how it will work in your products? Request a sample today

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