Snow Algae Powder

Snow Algae Powder at a glance

Snow Algae Powder is a microalgae extract powder from Switzerland. Its INCI is Coenochloris Signiensis Extract, Maltodextrin, Lecithin, Aqua. It is a snow white to light grey, water-soluble powder. The supplier gives its composition as 0.2% dry snow algae extract and 92% maltodextrin, a natural carbohydrate carrier, with lecithin and water. It is used at 2 to 3% of the finished product. It is also known as snow red alga powder.

Life in the snow

Snow algae are tiny single cell algae that live in the snow fields of high mountains. In summer, when the snow begins to melt, they can color whole snow fields pink or red, a phenomenon called watermelon snow. To survive extreme cold, strong UV light and long dormant periods, these algae build up protective compounds. Coenochloris signiensis is one of these species. For cosmetics it is grown under controlled conditions and the extract is dried onto a carrier.

What the supplier describes

The supplier lists moisturizing creams, appearance-focused cosmetic care, creams for mature and aging skin, creams for sensitive skin, protective creams and hair care. The dose table adds brightening emulsions and toners, foaming and detox products, firming, lifting and anti-wrinkle products, eye creams, after beach care and neck and décolleté masks. The common thread is an adaptive, protective story: an extract from an alga that survives extreme conditions helps the skin look more resilient, firmer and better hydrated.

The supplier's dose table

Moisturizing and brightening emulsions and toners use 2%. Foaming cleansers, detox products and products for firmer looking skin use 2.5%. Lifting products, eye creams and anti-wrinkle serums use 3%. After beach moisturizing care uses 2 to 3%. Neck and décolleté masks use 3%.

How to formulate

Dissolve the powder in the water phase or in a little water at cool-down. It is white to light grey, so it does not change the color of white creams. The maltodextrin carrier dissolves easily. Keep the finished product at about pH 5 to 6.5. An appearance-focused cosmetic cream can combine it with adenosine, and an after sun gel can add panthenol. More plant powders are in the plant extract powders section.

Product ideas

Moisturizing day creams, firming creams for mature skin, lifting serums, eye creams, brightening toners, gentle foaming cleansers, after beach lotions, neck and décolleté masks, creams for sensitive skin and hair care with a protective message are the main concepts.

Sample recipe: snow algae lifting eye cream, 100 g

Distilled water 76.40 g, glycerin 4.00 g, glyceryl stearate citrate 3.00 g, cetearyl alcohol 2.00 g, caprylic/capric triglyceride 5.00 g, squalane 3.00 g, xanthan gum 0.30 g, Snow Algae Powder 3.00 g, adenosine 0.10 g, panthenol 1.00 g, preservative 1.00 g, citric acid solution 1.20 g. Heat water and oil phases to 75 °C, emulsify and cool, dissolve the snow algae powder in a little water and add it below 40 °C with adenosine, panthenol and the preservative, and adjust to about pH 6.

The cold and UV story

The image of an alga that survives in snow under strong mountain sun gives a powerful marketing story. It suits winter care, mountain and ski lines, after sun care and premium appearance-focused cosmetic products. Keep claims cosmetic: firmer, better hydrated, more resilient looking skin.

After beach care

The supplier lists after beach moisturizing care at 2 to 3%. After a day of sun, sea and wind, a light lotion with snow algae, aloe and panthenol helps the skin feel moisturized and comfortable.

Neck and décolleté

The skin of the neck and chest is thin and shows the signs of aging early. A mask or cream for this area at 3% fits the firming and lifting story.

Storage

Store in a dry, cool place in a closed pack. A certificate of analysis comes with every lot.