Ingredient Encyclopedia

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Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Spirulina Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
The remarkable efficacy of Spirulina Extract in high-performance skincare is primarily attributed to C-Phycocyanin, a rare pigment-protein complex that gives the algae its distinct blue-green hue. Unlike standard botanical antioxidants that merely neutralize surface-level free radicals, C-Phycocyanin is a "smart" anti-inflammatory. It has been shown to inhibit the COX-2 enzyme, the same pathway targeted by certain anti-inflammatory medications to reduce swelling and pain. In skincare, this translates to a profound anti-edema effect, helping to reduce the look of morning puffiness and "angry" redness associated with a compromised barrier. In 2026, Spirulina is regarded as a topical superfood that doesn't just hydrate, but actively recalibrates the skin’s inflammatory response, making it the gold standard for "recovering" skin that has been over-taxed by stress or environmental extremes.