Aphanothece Sacrum Polysaccharides
AKA “Cyanobacteria Extract, Blue Algae Polysaccharide
Ingredient
Ingredient Facts
Aphanothece sacrum polysaccharides
AKA: Cyanobacteria Extract, Blue Algae Polysaccharide
Ingredient · Humectant · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Marine
Not Clean
Aphanothece Sacrum Polysaccharides is a cosmetic ingredient. Assessed as safe by the CIR.
CAS #
-
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Absorbs Excess Oil
Stabilizes Emulsion
Creates Protective Barrier
Controls Viscosity
Anti-Aging Benefits
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Creates protective layer
Keeps product blended
Controls product thickness
Traditional Use
Extracted from cyanobacteria, this is a modern ingredient developed in the late 20th century. Designed as a biotechnological alternative to traditional polysaccharide thickeners and skin-conditioning agents.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dehydration
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe as used
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
Not a Sensitizer
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Concentration Guide
Dermal absorption: 2%. Source: CIR Safety Assessment (CIR Seq 680).
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR