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Spirulina (Spirulina platensis)

Cosmetic spirulina is the dried powder of the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis; CosIng gives it the functions "skin protecting" and "UV absorber"1. Its compounds (phycocyanin, carotenoids, polyphenols) also serve as colorants2. The effects described remain mostly biochemical, cellular or preclinical, with limited validation in humans3.

Dark blue-green spirulina powder in macro on a sage green ceramic surface, raking light

Spirulina at a glance

Entry from our cosmetic ingredient glossary. Regulatory data from the European Commission's CosIng database1. Copy the identifiers in one click for your files.

INCI name
SPIRULINA PLATENSIS POWDER
Other names
Spirulina platensis, Arthrospira platensis, LimnospiraThe genus is debated: reviews refer to Limnospira or Arthrospira for commercial spirulina24
CAS number
223751-80-2
EC number
Not assignedThe CosIng entry has no EC number for this INCI1
Biological origin
Cyanobacterium (blue-green alga) Spirulina platensis, class Cyanophyceae« Powder obtained from the dried ground of the Alga, Spirulina platensis, Cyanophyceae »1
CosIng functions
Skin protecting, UV absorber"Skin protecting" and "UV absorber"1. Spirulina is not listed in Annex VI of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009: it is not an authorized UV filter5
Appearance
Dark blue-green powderPhycocyanin and carotenoids are also colorants2
EU status
No specific restrictionNot listed in Annexes II to VI of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, consolidated version of May 1, 20255
Allergen to declare
NoNot on the fragrance allergen list of Regulation (EU) 2023/15456
Safety
No CIR or SCCS assessment foundSafety of the finished formula is the responsibility of the safety assessor; ask for the certificate of analysis of each batch

What the research says

Each result shows the protocol and the level of evidence. The higher the level, the better the result carries over to a finished formula.

Clinical trialReview or consensusLaboratory

SkinSkincare

Antioxidant compounds, a mechanism still little explored

Review
2025 reviewPhycobiliproteins, carotenoids, phenolic compounds

The review describes these compounds as antioxidants and their use in cosmetics for hydration, wrinkles and protection against UV damage. It notes that research on their mechanisms in formulas is at an early stage2.

Effects that are mostly biochemical, cellular or preclinical

Review
2026 reviewMicroalgae and cyanobacteria

Most reported effects rest on biochemical, cellular or preclinical evidence; validation in humans remains limited. Chemical standardization, skin delivery, stability and safety remain to be demonstrated3.

Phycocyanin in shea butter: tolerant cells, effect threshold

Laboratory
Phycocyanin and shea complex, THP-1 cellsTolerance from 10 to 0.0006% v/vIL-6 and IL-8 measured at 0.04, 0.02 and 0.01%

The cells tolerate the complex well at the cosmetic doses tested. An activity on IL-6 and IL-8 is measured, but it disappears at 0.01%, which sets a minimum threshold. Lab result, on a complex and not on the whole powder4.

This page summarizes published literature on a cosmetic ingredient. It does not describe the effect of a finished product, which depends on its formula, and it is not medical advice. We retained no human trial on spirulina powder in cosmetics. The reviews and the study cited concern spirulina compounds or complexes, in the lab.

Which products use spirulina?

No formula in our white label catalog features spirulina yet. Our formulation lab can add it to a custom formula or to a catalog formula. Its common uses:

Face

Face masks and spirulina care products, where it also brings its blue-green color.

Body

Soaps, scrubs and body care products naturally colored.

Frequently asked questions about spirulina

What is spirulina in cosmetics?
It is the dried powder of the cyanobacterium Spirulina platensis, listed as SPIRULINA PLATENSIS POWDER, CAS 223751-80-2. CosIng gives it the functions of skin protecting and UV absorber1.
What are the benefits of spirulina for skin?
Reviews describe antioxidant compounds and a use for hydration and wrinkles2, but almost everything rests on biochemical, cellular or preclinical evidence, with limited validation in humans3. We retained no human trial on the powder.
Does spirulina protect from the sun?
No, not as a filter. CosIng lists the function "UV absorber"1, but spirulina does not appear in Annex VI of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, which lists the authorized UV filters5. It therefore does not replace a filter in a sun care product.
Does spirulina color products?
Its pigments, phycocyanin and carotenoids, also serve as colorants2. The dark blue-green shade of the powder carries over into the formula: color stability is tested in the finished product.
Is a spirulina mask possible in white label?
Yes, as a custom formula: no formula in our catalog features spirulina yet. The available data do not justify a specific effect: the interest is mostly the color and the positioning of a plant-based material.
Does spirulina have restrictions or risks?
It does not appear in any of Annexes II to VI of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, consolidated on May 1, 20255. We did not find a CIR or SCCS assessment: the safety of the finished formula is demonstrated on the finished product, with a certificate of analysis for each batch.
Can you manufacture a spirulina product for my brand?
Yes. Our ISO 22716 certified lab can add it to a customized catalog formula or to a custom formula. Samples are free.

Sources

Peer-reviewed studies and official regulatory sources, checked on November 3, 2026.

  1. European Commission. CosIng, entry SPIRULINA PLATENSIS POWDER (CAS 223751-80-2). ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/cosing
  2. Ramos SDP, Bürck M, Costa SFFD, et al. Spirulina as a Key Ingredient in the Evolution of Eco-Friendly Cosmetics BioTech (Basel). 2025;14(2):41. doi:10.3390/biotech14020041
  3. Daviaud C, Dominguez H, Fernández LG, et al. Beyond Beauty: Microalgae and Cyanobacteria as Next-Generation Platforms for Functional Dermocosmetics, Cutaneous Delivery, and Skin Health Mar Drugs. 2026;24(10):359. doi:10.3390/md24100359
  4. Delgado F, Blanco-Vieites M, Álvarez-Gil M, et al. Anti-Inflammatory Activity of a Phycocyanin-Protein Complex in THP-1 Cells: Implications for Dermocosmetic Applications BioTech (Basel). 2026;15(2):45. doi:10.3390/biotech15020045Neoalgae
  5. European Parliament and Council. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, Annexes II to VI, consolidated version of May 1, 2025. eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2009/1223
  6. European Commission. Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as regards labeling of fragrance allergens. eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/reg/2023/1545
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