Algae and microalgae in cosmetics: what they do for your skin and which products contain them

Algae fulfill three distinct roles in our products. A microalgae is in a facial cleansing gel for all skin types; macroalgae are the focus of the Sebo Active Clear line, for combination to oily skin with imperfections; and in the Wild Algae & Sea Fennel body line and some perfumes, algae are primarily scent—the smell of the Brittany coast.

Macroalgae and microalgae

Algae live in water and perform photosynthesis, like plants. Macroalgae are those visible to the naked eye, the ones the sea leaves on the beach. Microalgae are unicellular and can only be distinguished with a microscope.

In cosmetics, they are of interest for what they produce to survive in the sea: polysaccharides that retain water, minerals, and pigments. In a formula, those polysaccharides behave as humectants, attracting water to the outermost layer of the skin. What each specific extract does depends on how it is obtained and in what quantity it is included, and we tell you that for each product: the word "algae" is not enough.

Our relationship with the sea comes from our origins. Yves Rocher was born in La Gacilly, a Breton village, and our manifesto speaks of "the nature of Brittany; its coasts, moors, forests, and fields."

The microalgae in the cleansing gel

The Microalgae Refreshing Cleansing Gel is suitable for all skin types. It gently removes impurities from the face without drying, leaving it looking more luminous. Its ingredient list includes extract of the microalga Tetraselmis suecica, seawater, and cornflower floral water.

A cleanser dries the skin when its surfactants strip away, in addition to dirt, the lipids that seal the skin barrier. That is why the promise of gentleness matters more than the foam. Here, it is supported by a satisfaction study with 26 volunteers: 100% stated that the skin is cleansed gently. That is what they felt, not a measurement of water loss.

In the facial cleansing collection, there is also the Pure Algue Ultra-Fresh Cleansing Gel, for normal to combination skin.

Macroalgae for combination to oily skin

The Sebo Active Clear line places macroalgae at the center, but in each product, they work with a second active ingredient that explains a good part of the effect.

In the Anti-Imperfections Serum, that second active is 2.1% naturally derived succinic acid. We measured -35% blackheads in 1 week, a clinical scoring figure in 25 cases, obtained by using the serum together with the Sebo Active lotion and treatment. It is 25 people and a three-product routine, not the serum in isolation.

The Zero Defects Mattifying Gel Cream combines a macroalga with naturally derived zinc gluconate, a compound widely used to control shine. Its figure, -19% visible pores instantly, comes from an objective clinical study in 22 cases; "instantly" indicates an optical effect of the texture, not a change in the pore.

For sensitive skin with imperfections, the Soothing Repair Balm combines plant-derived bisabolol with macroalgae.

Algae as a scent for the body

In the Wild Algae & Sea Fennel line, within Bain de Nature, algae are presented as scent: "the energizing sensation of the wild Brittany coast," a fresh marine fragrance. The benefit comes from the complete product.

The Wild Algae & Sea Fennel Body Milk has a creamy texture that is absorbed quickly and works for all skin types; applied to damp skin, the fresh sensation intensifies. The Wild Algae & Sea Fennel Solid Shower Gel contains no soap or sulfates, has a pH neutral to the skin, and comes in recyclable cardboard packaging. And the 48H Algae Antiperspirant, enriched with Brittany algae and aquatic notes, contains aluminum salts, something we clarify on the product page.

In perfumery, Granit Bleu and Sur la Lande have algae as an olfactory note, not as skincare.

How to use them

1. Face: clean with the microalgae gel. The Pure Algue is applied morning and night to dampened skin.
2. Combination to oily skin: apply the Sebo Active Clear serum morning and night to clean, dry skin, before your cream, and then the gel cream over the entire face.
3. Body: in the shower, the solid gel; after stepping out, the body milk on skin that is still damp.

If imperfections are painful, leave marks, or do not subside in a few weeks, make an appointment with a dermatologist.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between microalgae and macroalgae?

Macroalgae are algae that are visible to the naked eye. Microalgae are unicellular organisms that can only be seen with a microscope. At Yves Rocher, the microalga is in a facial cleansing gel and the macroalgae are in the Sebo Active Clear line for combination to oily skin.

What skin type is the microalgae cleansing gel for?

We recommend it for all skin types. It cleanses facial impurities without drying the skin.

Do the algae in the Wild Algae & Sea Fennel line care for the skin?

In that line, the algae are the marine scent inspired by the Brittany coast. The benefits, such as moisturizing or cleansing without drying, are from the complete product.

Which Yves Rocher products contain macroalgae?

Those in the Sebo Active Clear line: the Anti-Imperfections Serum, the Zero Defects Mattifying Gel Cream, the Soothing Repair Balm, and the Charcoal Pore-Cleansing Mask. All are designed for combination to oily skin or skin with imperfections.