Discover Fucoidan: Clinical Hydration Compared to Hyaloronic Acid

The Science Dossier

The research summary below is provided for scientific and educational purposes only. Source: Marinova

Validated by Science: The Fucoidan Effect

Not all seaweed extracts are created equal. At Salassia, we rely on evidence. We partner with Marinova Australia to ensure the Fucoidan used in our formulas meets the highest purity standards.

Extensive research, including both in vitro and clinical studies, has demonstrated the role of Fucoidan in dermal health. When isolated at high purity, these marine compounds extend beyond hydration to support skin protection, soothing, and microbiome balance (Fitton 2015; Park 2021).

Research also indicates that Fucoidan supports the physiology of healthy ageing (Fitton, 2015). Studies further demonstrate therapeutic potential in inflammatory skin conditions, wound healing, and skin cancer protocols (Tian, 2019; Obluchinskaya, 2021; Barbosa, 2019; Ale, 2011).

Mechanisms of Action

Current research demonstrates that Fucoidans act through specific biological pathways to:

Fortify & Soothe: Reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and calm redness and erythema (Fitton, 2015).
Regulate & Repair: Influence gene expression related to skin barrier function, wound healing, and fluid regulation (Park, 2021).
Balance the Biome: Support stabilization of the skin microbiome (Park, 2021).
Defend Against Ageing: Help mitigate skin degradation and support formation of a new skin matrix components (Fitton, 2015).
Target Inflammation: Alleviate symptoms associated with inflammatory skin conditions (Park, 2021; Apostolova, 2020).
Accelerate Recovery: Support natural wound healing processes (Barbosa, 2019; Benbow, 2020).

Clinical Outcomes

The topical application of these high-purity extracts has been shown to deliver measurable structural improvements:

Reduction in skin roughness and wrinkle depth.
Increased skin firmness, tightness, and elasticity (Fitton, 2015).
Enhanced skin brightening properties through a specialized Fucoidan-polyphenol complex derived from Fucus vesiculosus (Fitton, 2015).

Advanced Dermal Health & Bacteriology

Both oral ingestion and topical application of Fucoidan have demonstrated benefits in the management of inflammatory conditions and wound healing.

In ex vivo models, Marinova’s Fucoidans have demonstrated the ability to modulate the skin's bacterial environment:

Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus adhesion (associated with atopic dermatitis).
Reduced adhesion of Cutibacterium acnes (associated with acne) (Park, 2021).

The same study also confirmed that these Fucoidans positively influenced the expression of genes associated with wound healing (Park, 2021).

The Future of Medical Delivery

The efficacy of Marinova’s high-purity Fucoidan has led to its increasing use in innovative medical devices. This includes nanoparticles and nanolayer films designed for targeted drug delivery and advanced wound healing applications (Benbow, 2020).

**Red Algae (Porphyra umbilicalis)**

Claim:
Nature’s UVA shield; supports defense against photo-aging.

Scientific Backing:
Porphyra umbilicalis is a rich source of Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAAs), primarily Porphyra-334 and Shinorine. These compounds function as natural UV-absorbing molecules produced by marine organisms exposed to high-UV environments.

Key Study:
A study by Mibelle Biochemistry (“UV-A sunscreen from red algae for protection against premature skin aging”) demonstrated that MAAs from Porphyra umbilicalis reduced lipid peroxidation by 37% and improved skin firmness and smoothness in vivo.

Supporting Research:
Bedoux et al. (2014) and Lalegerie et al. (2020) confirm that MAAs act as photoprotective antioxidants by scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), supporting their role in defense against photo-aging.

**Shea Butter (Butyrospermum parkii)**

Claim:
Strong moisture retention; calms irritation; reinforces the lipid barrier.

Scientific Backing:
Shea butter contains high levels of triterpenes, compounds shown to inhibit inflammatory pathways in the skin.

Key Studies:
Akihisa et al. (2010), Journal of Oleo Science, demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity from triterpene acetates and cinnamates present in shea fat.
Lodén & Andersson (1996), British Journal of Dermatology, showed that lipid-rich formulations such as shea butter accelerate recovery of the skin barrier following irritation.

**Macadamia Oil (Macadamia integrifolia)**

Claim:
High palmitoleic acid content; replenishes age-reduced sebum; supports elasticity.

Scientific Backing:
Macadamia oil is uniquely rich in Palmitoleic acid (Omega-7), a fatty acid abundant in youthful skin sebum that declines with age.

Key Study:
Nuswantoro et al. (2019), Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences, found that macadamia oil formulations significantly improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkle depth, attributed to lipid replenishment and antioxidant vitamin E content.

Mechanism:
Restoring palmitoleic acid supports the suppleness and integrity of the skin matrix, aligning with observed anti-aging effects.

**Sunflower Oil (Helianthus annuus)**

Claim:
High linoleic acid content restores barrier lipids and reduces inflammation.

Scientific Backing:
Sunflower oil contains approximately 60–70% linoleic acid, essential for ceramide synthesis and maintenance of the skin barrier.

Key Studies:
Lin et al. (2017), International Journal of Molecular Sciences, confirmed that sunflower oil preserves stratum corneum integrity and improves hydration without inducing erythema.
Dela Cruz et al. (2019) demonstrated in a randomized controlled trial that sunflower oil reduced inflammation and improved barrier function in compromised skin, including psoriasis.

**Jojoba Oil (Simmondsia chinensis)**

Claim:
Regulates sebum; mimics skin lipids; provides lightweight hydration.

Scientific Backing:
Jojoba oil is a liquid wax ester rather than a triglyceride, closely resembling human sebum (approximately 25% wax esters). This allows it to integrate naturally with skin lipids and form a breathable, non-greasy layer.

Key Studies:
A 2022 study by Jojoba Desert (reported in Personal Care Magazine) showed a 23% reduction in sebum secretion following daily application in participants with oily skin.
Meier et al. (2012), Forschende Komplementärmedizin, demonstrated improvements in hydration and reductions in micro-lesions.

**Coconut Oil (Cocos nucifera)**

Claim:
Locks in moisture; helps maintain barrier integrity.

Scientific Backing:
Coconut oil functions as an effective occlusive moisturizer, reducing transepidermal water loss (TEWL) by physically limiting water evaporation from the skin.

Key Study:
Agero & Verallo-Rowell (2004), Dermatitis, compared coconut oil to mineral oil and found it equally effective at hydration while significantly increasing skin surface lipid levels, supporting its role in barrier support.

**Avocado Oil (Persea gratissima)**

Claim:
Vitamin-rich nourishment; supports repair of dry, stressed skin.

Scientific Backing:
Avocado oil contains beta-sitosterol, beta-carotene, lecithin, and vitamins A, D, and E, all relevant to skin repair and resilience.

Key Studies:
Stücker et al. (2001) found that vitamin B12 cream containing avocado oil was effective in managing plaque psoriasis, indicating benefits for stressed and dry skin.
De Oliveira et al. (2013) and subsequent 2024 research in the World Veterinary Journal demonstrated increased collagen synthesis and reduced inflammatory cell presence during wound healing following topical avocado oil application.