What it is
Phaeodactylum Tricornutum Extract is derived from a single-celled marine microalga (a diatom) cultivated in controlled conditions. It contributes carotenoids, polysaccharides, and other algal metabolites that are used in formulations for skin-conditioning and antioxidant support. In sunscreens it typically appears at low levels as part of a botanical or marine-themed supporting blend rather than as a structural or UV-active component.
Safety & warnings
Generally well tolerated as used in cosmetics. As with other botanical and marine extracts, sensitization is possible in predisposed individuals, and the composition can vary with the extraction method and solvent carrier.
Origin & sourcing
Natural in origin, obtained from cultivated marine diatom biomass that is harvested and extracted; the alga is commonly grown in photobioreactors to standardize the material.
Questions everyone asks
What is Phaeodactylum tricornutum?
It is a marine diatom, a type of single-celled microalga, whose extract is used in cosmetics for conditioning and antioxidant support.
Is it a sunscreen filter?
No. It is a conditioning and antioxidant-type extract used as a supporting ingredient, not a UV filter that absorbs or scatters ultraviolet light.