What is spirulina?

Spirulina is a filamentous blue-green microalgae belonging to the cyanobacteria group. Its scientific name is Arthrospira platensis, although in cosmetics and the food industry it is universally known as Spirulina platensis. It grows in alkaline freshwater lakes, mainly in tropical and subtropical areas of America, Africa, and Asia.

In cosmetics, it is used as a fine powder obtained by dehydrating the algae, concentrating its nutrients: proteins, amino acids, B vitamins, vitamin E, beta-carotenes, iron, zinc, and essential fatty acids. A dense nutritional profile in a very small amount.

How it acts on hair and skin

Spirulina provides nutrients directly to the hair fiber and skin surface. Its proteins and amino acids strengthen the hair structure from the outside, improve cuticle cohesion, and reduce porosity. The result is stronger, shinier hair with less frizz.

Beta-carotenes and vitamin E act as antioxidants, protecting against environmental oxidative stress. Zinc regulates sebum production in the scalp, useful for oily hair or hair with imbalances. Chlorophyll, responsible for its intense green color, has a purifying and mild deodorizing action.

On the skin, it acts similarly: nourishes, protects, and soothes. Compatible with sensitive skin due to its mild anti-inflammatory profile.

Properties and benefits

• Nutritive and revitalizing, provides proteins and amino acids to the hair fiber
• Antioxidant due to its beta-carotene and vitamin E content
• Strengthens the hair cuticle, reduces porosity and frizz
• Sebum regulator in the scalp due to its zinc content
• Mild purifier due to the action of chlorophyll
• Mild anti-inflammatory, compatible with sensitive skin and hair
• Illuminating, provides vitality and natural shine

Use and integration into your routine

In solid shampoos, spirulina appears in moderate concentrations, sufficient to provide nourishment and shine without overburdening. Its intense green color may slightly tint the rinse water but leaves no residue on the hair.

It combines well with aloe verato enhance hydration and the soothing effect on the scalp, with argan oilin nourishing routines for dry or damaged hair, and with tocopherolto maximize the antioxidant protection of the formula.

Curiosities and facts

The superfood that comes from before the dinosaurs
Spirulina has been on Earth for more than 3.5 billion years; it is one of the oldest life forms on the planet. The Aztecs collected it from Lake Texcoco and consumed it in the form of dried cakes called "tecuitlatl." When the Spanish conquistadors arrived in Mexico in the 16th century, they found a market where it was commonly sold. Europe took centuries to rediscover it.

NASA took it to space
In the 1980s, NASA evaluated spirulina as a food for astronauts due to its nutritional density: in very little weight and volume, it provides complete proteins, vitamins, and minerals. It continues to be part of food studies for long-duration missions. From African lakes to the International Space Station, not bad for an algae.

The color that gives it away
The characteristic blue-green color of spirulina comes from the combination of chlorophyll (green) and phycocyanin (blue), a pigment exclusive to cyanobacteria with its own antioxidant properties. Phycocyanin is also the most widely used natural blue food coloring in organic food, the one that colors ice creams and drinks without resorting to synthetic colorings.

Sustainable production by definition
Spirulina grows in water, without arable land, without pesticides, with much higher yields per hectare than any conventional crop. It produces oxygen, fixes nitrogen, and can be grown in arid areas with brackish water unsuitable for agriculture. In terms of environmental impact per gram of nutrient produced, few sources come close.

This is how it appears in the INCI: Spirulina Platensis Powder

Other active ingredients that may interest you

Aloe vera: hydration and soothing effect on the scalp, an ideal combination with the nourishing action of spirulina.

Argan oil: intensely nourishing for dry or damaged hair, enhances the revitalizing effect of spirulina.

Tocopherol: complementary antioxidant that stabilizes the formula and strengthens protection against oxidative stress.

Jojoba oil: mild sebum regulator, ideal in routines where spirulina works to balance the scalp.