Evidence supporting the use of: Sargassum
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sargassum, a genus of brown seaweed, has been explored for its potential benefits in general skin care, with several scientific studies providing preliminary support. Rich in bioactive compounds such as fucoidan, alginates, polyphenols, and vitamins, Sargassum extracts are noted for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties. In vitro studies have demonstrated that Sargassum extract can scavenge free radicals, reduce UV-induced oxidative stress, and inhibit enzymes linked to skin aging (such as collagenase), suggesting a potential role in protecting skin from environmental damage and premature aging.
Additionally, limited clinical and animal studies report that topical formulations containing Sargassum extracts may improve skin hydration and barrier function, though these studies are generally small and not always placebo-controlled. There is also evidence that its polysaccharides may help retain moisture and support skin repair. However, while the biochemical rationale is strong and supported by laboratory research, robust human clinical trials are still lacking, and much of the evidence is preliminary. Thus, while scientific interest and plausibility exist, the clinical efficacy for general skin care remains only moderately substantiated at this time.
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
heartwood
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
Arbutin
Avocado
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 Sargassum
Abdominal PainCancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Gastritis
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Sinus Infection
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Sunburn
Wounds and Sores