IO Arctic Algae Active Liquid

Algae living in polar waters face freezing temperatures, long periods of darkness and intense light in summer. Cosmetic ingredient developers have looked to these organisms for actives positioned around resilience and protection. IO Arctic Algae Active Liquid is a liquid active whose name refers to arctic algae and whose card includes a practical warning: it dissolves in water but not in alcohols.

Data from the card

Liquid. Soluble in water; insoluble in alcohols and alcohol-containing bases. The exact INCI, algal species, active content and use level are confirmed on the supplier CoA for each lot. Use that document for your label and for any statements about origin.

Why the alcohol warning matters

Many face mists, tonics and hair sprays contain ethanol. If this ingredient is added to such a system, it may cloud, precipitate or separate. Keep it in alcohol-free formulas: aqueous gels, serums, lotions and creams. If your range includes a hydroalcoholic tonic, choose a different active for that product.

Product concepts

Protective day cream

A cream for skin exposed to cold and wind, with a richer lipid phase and the algae active in the water phase.

Winter serum

A water-based serum used under a cream in winter, focusing on comfort and resilience.

Marine gel

A fresh gel for summer use, built around an algae identity.

Building the formula

Add the active below about 40 °C into the water phase. Check clarity in transparent gels and avoid any alcohol in the formula. Combine it with humectants and, in creams, with barrier lipids. For a second marine ingredient, consider IO Moisturizing Polysaccharide Gel, and for a soothing partner in winter products, ectoin fits the protective story well. More concentrates for protective care are listed under actives.

Claims and communication

Explain the arctic algae origin as stated on the CoA and focus on what the customer feels: comfortable, protected-feeling, smooth skin in cold and windy weather. Avoid claims about protection against specific environmental factors unless the finished product has been tested for them.

Testing

Check stability at room temperature, 40 °C and in freeze-thaw cycles, which are especially relevant for winter products shipped in cold weather. Record pH, viscosity, color and odor. In gels, check that the active does not reduce viscosity over time.

Packaging and seasonality

Winter care products sell well from October to March. Tubes for creams are convenient for travel and outdoor sports, and a small balm format for exposed areas such as cheeks and nose can extend the range.

Who buys winter care

Skiers, runners, cyclists, people who work outdoors and anyone living in cold climates look for products that keep skin comfortable. Clear, practical copy about cold-weather comfort serves them better than abstract claims.

Quality notes

Record the lot number from the CoA in every batch sheet, check the appearance of each delivery and keep retained samples. Algae-based materials may vary slightly in color between lots; note any change and confirm with the supplier documentation.

Original recipe: cold-weather comfort cream, 100 g

Phase A: water 64.80 g, glycerin 5.00 g, xanthan gum 0.20 g. Phase B: cetearyl olivate and sorbitan olivate 5.00 g, shea butter 6.00 g, caprylic/capric triglyceride 6.00 g, squalane 4.00 g, beeswax 1.00 g. Heat An and B to 75 °C, emulsify and cool. Phase C below 40 °C: IO Arctic Algae Active Liquid 4.00 g as an example level per CoA, panthenol 2.00 g, tocopherol 0.50 g, preservative 1.00 g, lactic acid solution 0.50 g. Adjust pH to about 5.5. No alcohol in any phase.

Storage

Keep tightly closed in a cool, dark place. Reseal after use.