What it is
Aphanizomenon Flos-Aquae Extract is obtained from a freshwater cyanobacterium harvested notably from Upper Klamath Lake in the United States. In cosmetics it is used as a skin-conditioning and antioxidant ingredient, valued for the algal proteins, pigments, and other nutrients it supplies. It is generally included at modest levels to support the conditioning profile of a formula.
Safety & warnings
As a topical algal extract used at cosmetic levels, it is generally well tolerated, with a low expected incidence of irritation; allergic sensitization remains possible in susceptible individuals.
Origin & sourcing
Derived from a freshwater blue-green microalga (cyanobacterium), Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, harvested from nutrient-rich lakes.
History
The Klamath Lake microalga has been marketed as a nutritional algae, and interest in algal actives has extended its use into skin care.
Questions everyone asks
What is Klamath algae?
It is a freshwater blue-green microalga, Aphanizomenon flos-aquae, harvested from lakes and used in cosmetics as a conditioning, antioxidant extract.
Does it offer sun protection?
No. It is a conditioning botanical-type active and contributes no UV filtration.