Antioxidant compounds, a mechanism still little explored
Review2025 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
Review2026 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
LaboratoryPhycocyanin 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.