Algues & Mer, headquartered in Brittany, France, is “especially notable” in the development of different active molecules for use in cosmetics, nutrition products and pharmaceuticals.
It is based on the island of Ouessant, a classified biosphere reserve of the Iroise Sea by UNESCO. According to Solabia, the site contains “a variety of both wild and cultivated algae, far removed from pesticides, heavy metals and pollution”.
The acquisition appears to confirm the rising industry interest in marine-based naturals.
Why algae?
Algae is used in cosmetics for a wide variety of applications, from hair care to skin care and in most sub categories. Although there are many different strains of algae, generally formulators tend to go for the Chlorella strain of algae.
Algae-based ingredients are processed into forms such as algal flakes, oils, powders and flours.
With the ongoing rise of consumer demand for natural and organic products that can be traced right to the source of ingredients, buying into algae seems a savvy move.
“With this new acquisition, the Solabia Group intends to develop new sources of inspiration and, of course, innovations by applying all its expertise to the algae world, which is currently rapidly expanding, and thus strengthen its position as a major world player in cosmetic ingredients,” the company explained in a statement.
Eyes on the seas
Indeed, Solabia isn’t the only company making strides in developing algae materials for the cosmetics industry.
Polaris, another France-based company, specialises in ultra-pure and ultra stable marine oils. The company has just announced the launch of a new, fish-free algal oil, Omegavie DHA algae Qualitysilver.
Testing has shown its stability to be five times higher than standard algal oil, the company claims, and the ingredient is also natural, sustainable and vegetarian - suggesting it’s another company looking to tap into several key consumer demands.