An extract of spirulina grown in culture, used for skin and hair conditioning and as an antioxidant.
What it is
Arthrospira platensis extract is an extract of Arthrospira platensis, the microorganism known as spirulina, grown in culture. CosIng describes it as an alga; biologically it is a cyanobacterium. CosIng lists it as an antioxidant, hair-conditioning, humectant, skin-conditioning and skin-protecting ingredient.
Where it is used
Found in a small number of products, such as creams, masks and hair care products.
Limits of interpretation
The INCI list shows which ingredients are present, not how much of each. Above 1%, ingredients are listed in descending order of weight; below 1% the order is free.
The INCI name does not reveal the extraction method or solvent.
Functions
- Antioxidant
- Inhibiting reactions promoted by oxygen, thus avoiding oxidation and rancidity.
- Hair conditioning
- Enhancing the appearance and feel of hair. Leaving the hair easy to comb, supple, soft and shiny and/or imparting volume, lightness, gloss, texture, etc.
- Humectant
- Retaining and/or preserving the moisture in a product during use.
- Skin conditioning
- Maintaining the skin in good condition.
- Skin protecting
- Helping to avoid harmful effects to the skin from external factors.
EU regulation
This ingredient is not listed in the annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 in the CosIng data.