Microalgal Biofactories: Sustainable Solutions for Nutrition and Cosmetics
February 2026
in “
Phycology
”
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Studysummary This review highlights the potential of microalgae as sustainable sources for nutraceuticals and cosmeceuticals, emphasizing their applications in functional foods, dietary supplements, and cosmetics for roles such as anti-aging and photoprotection in alignment with sustainability principles. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.
Microalgae are highlighted as sustainable biofactories with significant applications in nutrition and cosmetics, offering solutions to global challenges like malnutrition and environmental degradation. They provide nutrient-dense options such as Spirulina and Chlorella, rich in proteins and essential nutrients, contributing to food security and human well-being. In cosmetics, microalgae-derived compounds offer anti-aging, photoprotective, and skin-repairing properties. Despite challenges like high production costs, advancements in biorefinery approaches and AI-driven technologies are enhancing their adoption. Microalgae's multifunctional benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, make them valuable for eco-friendly cosmetic products, with ongoing research focusing on improving their efficacy and scalability.
