INCI: Alaria Esculenta Extract
If Kalpariane™: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Alaria Esculenta Extract
Botanical / marine source: Extract of the brown seaweed Alaria esculenta
Also known as: Atlantic wakame, winged kelp, badderlocks
Source: The Brittany coast
Alaria esculenta is a brown seaweed found in cold, wave-exposed coastal waters of the North Atlantic. It grows attached to rocks in demanding marine environments, where it must withstand movement, currents and changing light conditions. This resilience makes it a beautiful fit with SKAAI’s Wadden-inspired philosophy: coastal botanicals chosen not for drama, but for quiet strength. Alaria esculenta is described as a common edible brown seaweed of exposed rocky Atlantic shores in northern Europe and North America.
In cosmetics, Alaria Esculenta Extract is recognised as a skin-protecting ingredient. COSMILE describes this function as helping protect the skin from external influences, and the EU CosIng database lists Alaria Esculenta Extract as an extract of the alga Alaria esculenta with skin-protecting and hair-conditioning functions.
In SKAAI formulas, we choose Alaria extract for its marine, protective and firming-supportive character. It brings a refined active quality to formulas designed for dry, mature or sensitive skin that benefits from hydration, softness and resilience. Manufacturer information for Kalpariane™ describes it as an Alaria esculenta-based active developed for moisturising, firmness, tonicity and improved skin texture, so I think we can use this direction — but in softer SKAAI language.
Rather than promising “anti-aging,” I would say that Alaria extract supports skin that feels less supple, less firm or more fragile with age. It fits SKAAI’s preservation-based approach: supporting the skin’s comfort, tone and resilience without forcing change.
A skin-protecting brown seaweed extract from cold, wave-exposed Atlantic waters, Alaria brings a marine, firming-supportive quality to formulas designed for hydrated, supple and resilient-feeling skin.
INCI: Astaxanthin
Possible INCI if supplied as an algal extract: Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract
Source:
Astaxanthin is a naturally red-orange carotenoid, best known from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. Under stress, this freshwater microalga accumulates astaxanthin as a protective pigment — a beautiful example of resilience in nature. Haematococcus pluvialis is widely described as one of the richest natural sources of astaxanthin.
In skincare, astaxanthin is valued for its strong antioxidant character. Its molecular structure, with many conjugated double bonds, allows it to neutralise free radicals, which is why it has become so interesting in cosmetic research for skin exposed to environmental stress.
In SKAAI formulas, we use astaxanthin with restraint: not as a dramatic “anti-ageing” promise, but as a concentrated antioxidant active that supports skin comfort, resilience and a healthy-looking glow. Its warm red-orange colour also brings a subtle botanical richness to the formula.
For dry, mature or sensitive skin, astaxanthin fits beautifully within SKAAI’s preservation-based approach: helping support the skin against visible signs of environmental stress, while respecting the skin’s natural rhythm.
A red-orange antioxidant carotenoid from microalgae, astaxanthin brings a concentrated, resilience-supporting quality to formulas designed for dry, mature or sensitive skin.
