Hydrolyzed Euglena Gracilis Extract — INCI reference

What it is

Hydrolyzed Euglena Gracilis Extract is produced by acid, enzyme, or other hydrolysis of Euglena gracilis biomass. The source organism is a single-celled freshwater microalga rich in paramylon (a linear β-1,3-glucan unique to euglenoids), proteins containing all 20 amino acids, provitamin A (β-carotene), vitamins C and E, and polyunsaturated fatty acids. Hydrolysis breaks down the cell material into smaller, more bioavailable fractions including soluble beta-glucans, amino acids, and sugars. In cosmetic formulations the ingredient functions primarily as a skin conditioner and humectant, helping to attract and retain moisture. It is also listed in ingredient databases as a cosmetic UV absorber. The extract is generally well tolerated across all skin types and is used in face toners, serums, and other leave-on formulations.

Safety & warnings

No known significant allergens, irritants, or comedogenic concerns are documented for this ingredient. Toxicity studies (oral, dermal, inhalation) have not been formally determined. The ingredient is restricted from fragrance and flavor use. Generally regarded as well tolerated across all skin types based on its hydrophilic, non-oily profile.

Origin & sourcing

Derived from Euglena gracilis, a cosmopolitan freshwater microalga found in ponds and Sphagnum bogs worldwide. The organism is cultivated industrially under photoautotrophic, heterotrophic, or mixotrophic conditions. The harvested biomass is processed by acid, enzyme, or other hydrolysis to yield a water-soluble hydrolysate. Heterotrophic cultivation (aerobic dark growth) maximizes paramylon and protein content.

History

Euglena gracilis has been used as a laboratory model organism for studying cell biology and photosynthesis for decades. Interest in its industrial applications grew in the early 2000s, and specialized companies began commercial cultivation for nutraceutical and cosmetic markets, particularly in Japan and the United States. Paramylon-rich E. gracilis biomass has been marketed as a food supplement and studied for immunostimulatory and wound-healing properties.

Questions everyone asks

What is Hydrolyzed Euglena Gracilis Extract?

It is a hydrolysate of Euglena gracilis, a freshwater microalga, produced by breaking down the biomass with acid, enzymes, or other hydrolysis methods. This yields soluble fragments including beta-glucans, amino acids, and sugars.

What does it do in skincare products?

It primarily functions as a skin conditioner and humectant, helping to attract water to the skin surface and support the moisture barrier. It is also listed as a cosmetic UV absorber in some ingredient databases.

Is Hydrolyzed Euglena Gracilis Extract safe?

The ingredient has no documented allergens or significant irritation potential. Formal toxicology studies are limited, but it is generally considered well tolerated across skin types based on its composition and use history.

What makes Euglena gracilis special as a cosmetic source?

Euglena gracilis uniquely produces paramylon, a β-1,3-glucan not found in other organisms, along with a full amino acid profile and vitamins including provitamin A, C, and E, making its extract nutritionally diverse for skin conditioning applications.