What is it?
An extract of Nannochloropsis oculata, a single-celled marine microalga only a few thousandths of a millimeter across. Nannochloropsis is grown for fish and shrimp feed and as a source of the omega-3 fatty acid EPA for dietary supplements, and it also makes antioxidant pigments such as violaxanthin. In cosmetics the extract is listed as a humectant and skin-conditioning ingredient.
Key information
- Nannochloropsis oculata is a marine microalga used in aquaculture and as a source of the omega-3 fatty acid EPA.
- In a 14-day study, rats given a live suspension of the alga by mouth every day showed no signs of toxicity, and no algal toxins were detected in it.
- We found no safety review by CIR or the EU's SCCS, and no published skin irritation or allergy tests of the extract.
More information
Nannochloropsis is a genus of tiny, non-moving marine algae whose cells are about 2 to 8 micrometers across. They can store more than 30 percent of their dry weight as lipids, including EPA, and make carotenoid pigments; violaxanthin has shown antioxidant activity and protected cells against UVB damage in laboratory studies. The algae are studied and used as feed for shrimp, salmon and sea bass. Cosmetic extracts are made from cultivated algae, and their makeup depends on the solvent and process used.
Safety data specific to cosmetic use are limited. The extract has not been reviewed by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel or the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, and a literature search turned up no published human patch tests. The available toxicology comes from food and supplement research. In a 2015 study, rats given a live suspension of N. oculata by mouth every day for 14 days showed no treatment-related effects on body weight, blood chemistry, urine, organ weights or tissues, and screening found no algal toxins such as microcystins or anatoxin-a.
On labels, look for Nannochloropsis Oculata Extract. The Foundation also profiles Green Microalgae Extract (chlorella), another microalga used in skin care.
Sources: Toxicology Reports (2015): Safety assessment of the microalgae Nannochloropsis oculata; Marine Drugs (2024): Nannochloropsis as an Emerging Algal Chassis for Light-Driven Synthesis of Lipids and High-Value Products
