Evidence supporting the use of: Angel's hair seaweed
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Angel's hair seaweed (Chorda filum) is a type of brown seaweed sometimes included in skincare formulations, though it is less well researched than more common seaweeds like kelp or bladderwrack. The scientific rationale for its use in general skin care is based on the presence of bioactive compounds typical of brown algae, such as polysaccharides (e.g., alginates, fucoidans), antioxidants (polyphenols), vitamins, and minerals. These components have been shown in laboratory and some clinical studies (primarily using other brown seaweeds) to exhibit moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, which can help support skin barrier function and general skin health.
However, direct scientific studies investigating Chorda filum itself for skin care applications are sparse. Most of the evidence is extrapolated from the broader category of brown seaweeds, which have been shown to help improve skin hydration, reduce oxidative stress, and potentially soothe irritation. Some in vitro and animal studies suggest that brown seaweed extracts can inhibit enzymes responsible for the breakdown of skin matrix components, thus providing some anti-aging benefits. However, robust human clinical trials specific to Angel's hair seaweed are lacking.
In summary, there is a plausible scientific basis for the inclusion of Angel's hair seaweed in skin care due to its bioactive profile, but direct evidence for its efficacy is limited. Its evidence rating is modest (2 out of 5), reflecting a need for more targeted research.
More about Angel's hair seaweed
More about Skin Care (general)
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
aloe veraanthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
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hyaluronic acid
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watercress
watermelon
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
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Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Argan nut oil
Abalone
Behenic Acid
Biopeptide
Black spruce
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bisabolene
Butternut
Borage
Bottle gourd
Bird's nest
California chia
Chervil
Carnosine
Candelilla wax
Cocoa Butter
Cereal grass
Citral
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Dunaliella salina
David's Milkberry
Dulse
Egg
Emu Oil
Himalayan Salt
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Angel's hair seaweed
Digestion (poor)Goiter
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hypertension
Hypothyroid
Metabolic Syndrome
Skin Care (general)
Wounds and Sores