Potential of microalgal compounds in trending natural cosmetics: A review

Microalgae are photosynthetic organisms that produce valuable metabolites as a result of being constantly exposed to stress conditions such as high or low temperature, high salinity, osmotic pressure, photo-oxidation, and ultraviolet radiation. These valuable metabolites drew attention from cosmetic and cosmeceutical industries to be used in anti-aging, sunscreen, and skin whitening products. Microalgal secondary metabolites can have anti-blemish or anti-microbial effect; can also repair and heal skin, protect skin from UV damage, and prevent inflammation. Existing cosmetic products can be replaced by microalgae derived cosmetic products which are environment-friendly and safe which make them publicly important since people want to have products as natural as possible. Currently some microalgal derived products are commercially available and biotechnology of microalgae is getting more and more developed every day which will be resulted in more commercial products in short period of time. This review highlights the potential of microalgae species and, bioactive molecules derived by them in trending natural cosmetics with a special emphasis on application areas and production steps.