Metabolites From Macroalgae and Its Applications in the Cosmetic Industry: A Circular Economy Approach

Marine macroalgae were identified as a promising source of ingredients for the cosmetic industry due to their diverse and rich nutritional and chemical composition, including proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and secondary metabolites like phenolic compounds and terpenoids. The cosmetic industry, driven by consumer demand for natural products, could benefit from the underexploited potential of macroalgae, not only as thickening and gelling agents but also as sources of new active ingredients. The review highlighted the importance of a circular economy approach, suggesting that macroalgae could be sourced from industrial waste to recover valuable active molecules, thus promoting sustainability in resource use.