The beauty industry loves a natural and sustainable skin care ingredient. With everything from hemp to honey making an appearance in the lotions and potions that promise to deliver a clearer complexion. Among these, spirulina in skin care has also emerged as a power house ingredient with numerous benefits for our dermis. Here’s this super food is also a super ingredient when it comes to your skin.

A quick spin about spirulina

Any wellness warrior worth their weight will sing the praises of spirulina. Centuries of consumption as a dietary supplement have made this blue green algae popular due to its rich nutritional profile. But, more recently, it has re-emerged as a popular addition to clean recipes, such as smoothies and raw slices. However, the potential super status of spirulina in skin care are only just beginning to be fully realised.

The benefits of spirulina in skin care

A growing number of products such as Ella Bache’s new SpirulinesLift Firming Day & Night Cream, have incorporated spirulina into their skin care products to allow users to reap the rewards.

For example, the nutrient rich ingredient is packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that nourish and rejuvenate the skin. It contains vitamins A, C, E, and B vitamins, along with minerals like iron, potassium, and calcium. These nutrients work together to support healthy skin function and combat oxidative stress, which can lead to premature ageing.

Spirulina is also known for its detoxifying properties, both when consumed internally and applied topically. In skin care products, it helps to remove impurities and toxins from the skin, leaving it refreshed and revitalised. Its ability to cleanse pores makes it particularly beneficial for those with acne prone or congested skin.

Thanks to its high concentration of antioxidants, spirulina also possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties. It can help soothe irritation, reduce redness, and calm inflamed skin conditions such as acne, eczema, and rosacea. Incorporating spirulina into your skin care routine can promote a more balanced and even complexion.

Spirulina is rich in amino acids, which are essential for maintaining the skin’s moisture barrier. By improving hydration levels, it helps to plump and soften the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This makes it an excellent ingredient for anti-aging formulations that aim to restore youthful vitality to the skin.

Spirulina contains peptides that stimulate collagen production in the skin. Collagen is a protein that provides structure and elasticity to the skin, helping to maintain its firmness and suppleness. By promoting collagen synthesis, spirulina can help minimise the appearance of wrinkles and improve overall skin tone and texture.

The natural enzymes present in spirulina gently exfoliate the skin, removing dead cells and promoting cell turnover. This results in a smoother, more radiant complexion without the harshness associated with traditional exfoliants like AHAs or physical scrubs.

So, does spirulina offer sun protection?

Finally, studies have shown that spirulina extract has photoprotective properties, helping to shield the skin from the damaging effects of UV radiation. While it’s definitely not a replacement for sunscreen, incorporating spirulina into your skin care regime can provide an added layer of defense against sun-induced skin damage and premature ageing.

The best spirulina products for beautiful skin

Spirulines Lift Firming Day Cream, $138, by Ella Bache. A combination of spirulina (rich in 220 essential elements including 70% protein, vitamins E and B, trace elements, minerals, amino acids, peptides, and fatty acids); maca (to stimulate collagen synthesis, contains high levels of Vitamin C and essential minerals, fatty acids, and amino acids) and Hyaluronic Acid (which provides amazing hydration capabilities by replenishing the skin’s own moisture reservoirs and attracts water to the skin) work in synergy to visibly improve the appearance of fine lines, skin tone and texture.

Glow Lotion, $99, by Goop at Mecca. You may not be able to claim an Academy Award as you own, but this hydrating cream – packed with spirulina enzymes – will combat dullness to leave you with the kind of natural radiance Gwyneth Paltrow would approve of.

Original Face Mask (Pomegranate), $8, by Sephora Collection at Sephora. Infused with revitalising pomegranate and nriched with spirulina, this mask provides a nourishing boost, leaving your complexion feeling refreshed and radiant after each use.

Daily Super Greens Inner Beauty Support, $65, by The Beauty Chef. While we don’t recommend dusting this apple-flavoured, spirulina packed powder across your face, a spoonful mixed into your smoothies will deliver the kind of probiotics known to support skin health.

The Sculptor Lipocare Cellulite Smoothing Body, $112, by BeautyBio at Mecca. The spirulina powder in this body cream can help improve skin elasticity to reduce the appearance of cellulite.

Santal & Vetiver Natural Deodorant, $33, by Salt & Stone at Sephora. Formulated with spirulina (among other natural ingredients) this deodorant offers reliable long-lasting freshness while being gentle on the skin, making it an ideal choice for those with sensitive underarms. 

Good Behaviour Spirulina Protein Smoothing Spray, $24, at Mecca. Tailored for all hair types and textures – including the wavy, curly, and coarseathis innovative heat-activated spirulina infused treatment is designed to facilitate smoothness during blow drying sessions. And leave you with silky, shiny hair after each use.

Bondi Babe Purifying Clay Mask, $19.95, by Bondi Sands. A luxe spa experience. But make it DIY. Infused with spirulina, this purifying clay mask deeply cleanses pores, removes impurities, and helps to balance excess oil production, and leave the skin feeling refreshed and revitalised. Without blowing the bank.

Kaolin Clay Mask, $19, by The Inkey List at Sephora. For under $20, this mask offers a budget-friendly option for purifying and refining the skin. With the added benefit of spirulina, it helps to detoxify pores, absorb excess oil, and promote a clearer complexion, making it a staple in any skincare routine aiming for a smoother and more balanced skin texture.

Hinoki Hair Mask, $72, by Le Labo at Mecca. This made-in-California formulation incorporates a fusion of plant-derived components – such as spirulina and coconut oil and the delicate essence of the opulent Hinoki fragrance – to leave you with velvety softness and seamless smoothness.

Hydro Rush Intense Moisture Mask, $60, by Amika at Sephora. Spread the spirulina love to your locks with this luxurious hair treatment designed to hydrate and replenish dry, damaged strands. Infused with spirulina extract, it mask delivers intense moisture and nourishment to hair, leaving it feeling silky-smooth, manageable, and revitalised. Making it a must-have for anyone seeking to restore their hair’s health and vitality.