California-based seaweed biotechnology startup Macro Oceans has launched Hydrating Marine Polysaccharide, a cosmetic ingredient for skin and hair care products.
The seaweed is rich in natural polysaccharides, which the Sacramento company isolates using gentle green chemistry.
The resulting ingredient, it says, provides excellent hydration for skin and hair care products.
Hydrating Marine Polysaccharides has shown statistically significant increases in skin hydration in third party testing.
Macro Ocean’s process is also zero waste — the parts of the seaweed that are not bioactive are used in food products or plant based packaging.
Macro Oceans sources all its seaweed from farms located in Alaska. Farmed seaweed is a naturally regenerative carbon-negative crop, improving water quality and wild ecosystems.
“Cosmetic customers want natural products that actually work and supply chains they can be proud of,” said CEO Matthew Perkins.
“Today, with this product, cosmetic brands no longer have to choose. Not only does our product work, but it’s also 100% made in the US and really good for the environment,” he added.
Founded in 2020, Macro Oceans is backed by climate tech investors including Refactor Capital, Lowercarbon Capital and McKinley Capital.
