Hair care trend makes use of marine derived extracts

Distributed by Adina Cosmetics in the UK, the company has created the hair care extract range as preservative free, with three out of the four products being marine plant extracts from Brittany, and the fourth being a new brown seaweed extract.

Natural cosmetic and personal care products that incorporate marine based extracts are being increasingly sought after in the industry, with more and more consumers demanding products that are of natural origin, with the latest move into marine based hair care by Adina no doubt boosting its profile within the competitive market.

The first product, Inula HC, is said to penetrate the hair shaft whilst increasing keratinocyte cell proliferation and stimulating keratin fibers - in turn creating a regenerative and protective action on the hair.

Created to condition the hair, whilst prolonging colour in treated hair, the active is also pitted for use with semi-permanent colours.

Containing amino acids and anti-oxidants the Blue Seakale HC active ingredient has also been designed for hair colour protection.

However, it has been specially designed to provide heat protection to prevent brittle hair.

The last marine plant extract based ingredient, Sea Lavender HC has been formulated to hydrate the hair and to protect it against static electricity.

Finally, the seaweed extract, Alariane, allegedly smooths the hair shaft while soothing frizzy hair.

Likewise it protects hair fibers and decreases hair scalp irritation that is induced by lipid degradation that follows UV exposure.

The cosmetic and pharmaceutical benefits of marine active based elements, most commonly extracted from algae, were highlighted at the In-Cosmetics show in Paris in April this year, with an influx of product launches over the past few months.

But while demand for this type of product grows, environmental issues may limit future supplies.

Improved international policies are thought to be needed in order to conserve aquatic genetic resources, according to the Food and Agricultural organisation of the United Nations (FAO).

"The rapid expansion of aquaculture and the overexploitation of many capture fisheries have created conditions where irresponsible use of natural resources can result in adverse environmental and social impacts, intersectoral conflicts and unsustainability," according to a paper by FAO's Fisheries and Aquaculture Department.

The paper by the FAO discusses the need for a successful transition to 'more responsible, sustainable, and productive aquaculture and fisheries' .

This will in turn lead to effective management of fish resources, whilst also protecting the marine culture that a lot of the natural cosmetics market relies upon.