Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract — Bulk Raw Material

What Is Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract?

Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract (ANE), also listed as Knotted Wrack Extract or Brown Algae Extract on cosmetic labels, is a concentrated water-based extract of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (L.) Le Jolis (family Fucaceae, class Phaeophyceae). This species grows exclusively in the cold, nutrient-rich intertidal zones of the North Atlantic — from Norway, Iceland, and Ireland to the Canadian Maritimes — where it endures daily cycles of submersion, UV exposure, desiccation, and temperature extremes.

To survive these harsh conditions, A. nodosum produces an extraordinary concentration of protective secondary metabolites that translate directly into cosmetic functionality:

Our Product: GINKVORA supplies Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract at a 30:1 concentration ratio (30 kg raw seaweed → 1 kg extract powder), as a brown fine powder, sieved to 80–100 mesh, with TLC identity testing per batch. Fully water-soluble for easy incorporation into aqueous cosmetic formulations.

CAS Number: 84775-78-0 | EC Number: 283-907-6 | INCI: Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract

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Key Benefits for Skincare Formulators

1. Non-Comedogenic & Pore-Safe

One of the most common concerns about any skincare ingredient is whether it clogs pores. Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5 — it does not clog pores. Its water-soluble polysaccharides (fucoidan, alginates, laminarin) are fully soluble in the aqueous phase of formulations and do not occlude follicles. In fact, its anti-inflammatory activity actively helps calm existing comedones and papules, making it suitable for acne-prone and oily skin formulations.

2. Antioxidant Protection Beyond Vitamins C & E

Phlorotannins from A. nodosum are structurally distinct from terrestrial polyphenols — they contain up to 8 phloroglucinol units linked together, giving them 10 to 100 times the radical-scavenging capacity of ascorbic acid or α-tocopherol on a molar basis. This makes ANE a strategic addition to "antioxidant complex" formulations, where it provides a third, marine-derived antioxidant pathway that complements water-soluble (vitamin C) and lipid-soluble (vitamin E) antioxidants.

Fucoidan further enhances antioxidant defense by activating the NRF2/ARE pathway — the body's master antioxidant switch — upregulating endogenous enzymes like heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase.

3. Anti-Inflammatory Without Irritation

Fucoidan from A. nodosum is a multi-target anti-inflammatory agent that suppresses:

• TNF-α — a master pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, and acne
• IL-1β and IL-6 — downstream inflammatory signaling molecules
• TLR4 signaling — a pattern-recognition receptor that triggers innate immune cascades
• Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) — a key mediator of erythema (redness) and pain

This broad-spectrum mechanism delivers calming effects comparable to some synthetic anti-inflammatory agents but without the irritation, photosensitivity, or tolerance-development risks. ANE is particularly well-suited for sensitive skin, post-procedure recovery, and rosacea-prone skin formulations.

4. Anti-Aging: Fucoidan & MMP Inhibition

Fucoidan has been shown in vitro to inhibit matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) — the enzymes responsible for collagen and elastin degradation in aging and UV-exposed skin — while simultaneously stimulating fibroblast activity. Combined with the UV-protective effects of fucoxanthin (which absorbs UV-B radiation and quenches singlet oxygen), ANE delivers a comprehensive anti-aging benefit:

• Collagen protection via MMP inhibition
• UV damage prevention via fucoxanthin and phlorotannin UV absorption
• Free radical neutralization via phlorotannins + NRF2 pathway activation
• Hydration via alginate film-forming + mannitol humectant action

5. Moisturizing & Film-Forming

Alginates — comprising a significant portion of the extract — are natural, biodegradable polysaccharides that form a breathable, non-occlusive film on skin. This film:

• Reduces transepidermal water loss (TEWL)
• Provides a smooth, silky after-feel without stickiness
• Acts as a natural thickener in aqueous formulations, reducing the need for synthetic polymers

Mannitol, a naturally occurring sugar alcohol in the seaweed, functions as an effective humectant — drawing and binding moisture into the stratum corneum.

6. Sustainable & Clean-Label

A. nodosum is wild-harvested (not farmed) from certified sustainable North Atlantic seaweed beds. The extraction process uses only water — no organic solvents — making the final extract fully compatible with COSMOS, NaTrue, EWG VERIFIED, and clean beauty certification standards. The seaweed is a rapidly renewable resource, with A. nodosum beds regenerating fully within 3–5 years under responsible harvest practices.

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Ascophyllum Nodosum vs. Other Marine Ingredients

Key advantage of A. nodosum: It delivers the broadest bioactive profile of any single marine cosmetic ingredient — combining anti-inflammatory (fucoidan), ultra-potent antioxidant (phlorotannins), moisturizing (alginates), and UV-protective (fucoxanthin) actives in one water-soluble, non-comedogenic extract.

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Agricultural Application (Biostimulant)

Beyond cosmetics, A. nodosum extract is one of the world's most extensively researched agricultural biostimulants. Studies — including well-cited potato yield trials — demonstrate that foliar application of ANE improves crop yield, nutrient uptake efficiency, and abiotic stress tolerance (drought, salinity, temperature). The same bioactive compounds (phlorotannins, alginates, betaines) that benefit skin also enhance plant resilience.

While GINKVORA primarily supplies cosmetic-grade material, we can provide technical-grade ANE for agricultural and horticultural applications upon request.

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Formulation Guide

Recommended Incorporation

ANE powder is cold-process compatible and dissolves readily in the aqueous phase:

1. Water Phase: Disperse ANE powder in purified water at 25–40°C with moderate stirring. Complete hydration typically occurs within 15–30 minutes. For accelerated dissolution, pre-disperse in glycerin or propylene glycol before adding to the main water phase.
2. Optimal pH: Formulate within pH 4.5–7.0. Avoid prolonged exposure to pH <3.5 or >8.5.
3. Temperature Stability: Stable up to 60°C. Avoid prolonged heating above 70°C, which may degrade heat-sensitive phlorotannins.

Formulation Compatibility

• Compatible: Water, glycerin, propylene glycol, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, panthenol, allantoin, aloe vera, most nonionic and amphoteric surfactants, xanthan gum, carbomer
• Caution: Strong oxidizing agents, high concentrations of cationic surfactants, pH <3.5
• Synergistic Pairs: Niacinamide (dual anti-inflammatory), Panthenol/B5 (barrier repair), Ceramides (lipid barrier support), Centella Asiatica (complementary soothing)

Recommended Usage Rates

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Safety & Regulatory

• EWG Skin Deep: Low hazard profile — Cancer: LOW, Allergies & Immunotoxicity: LOW, Developmental & Reproductive Toxicity: LOW. Allowed in EWG VERIFIED products with substantiation. Main concern is contamination control (heavy metals, iodine) — addressed through batch-level ICP-MS testing.
• CIR (Cosmetic Ingredient Review) Panel: 68 brown algae-derived ingredients — including Ascophyllum nodosum extract — were assessed as safe in cosmetics under present practices of use and concentration (2023 Final Report).
• Comedogenic Rating: 0 out of 5 — fully non-comedogenic. Does not clog pores.
• EU CosIng: Listed and permitted for cosmetic use.
• FDA: Generally recognized as safe (GRAS) for food contact; cosmetic use regulated under FD&C Act.
• Pregnancy/Nursing: No known restrictions; generally regarded as safe for topical application.

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Quality Control & Certifications

GINKVORA Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract is manufactured under ISO 9001 and cGMP standards with full traceability from sustainable wild harvest to final powder:

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FAQ

Q: What is ascophyllum nodosum extract? A: Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract is a concentrated water-soluble extract of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (Knotted Wrack), wild-harvested from North Atlantic coastal waters. Rich in fucoidan, phlorotannins, alginates, laminarin, fucoxanthin, and marine minerals, it functions as a multi-functional active in cosmetic formulations — providing anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, moisturizing, and anti-aging benefits. CAS number: 84775-78-0. INCI name: Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract. GINKVORA supplies it as a 30:1 concentrated brown powder, 80–100 mesh, water-soluble, TLC-tested.

Q: Is ascophyllum nodosum extract comedogenic? Does it clog pores? A: No. Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract has a comedogenic rating of 0 out of 5 — it is completely non-comedogenic and does not clog pores. Its water-soluble polysaccharides (fucoidan, alginates, laminarin) fully dissolve in the aqueous phase and do not occlude hair follicles. The extract's anti-inflammatory activity actually helps calm existing comedones, making it suitable for acne-prone and oily skin formulations.

Q: What are the skin benefits of ascophyllum nodosum extract? A: Five key benefits: (1) Potent antioxidant protection — phlorotannins are 10–100× stronger than vitamin C/E on a molar basis, plus NRF2 pathway activation by fucoidan; (2) Anti-inflammatory — suppresses TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and PGE2 without irritation; (3) Anti-aging — inhibits MMP enzymes that degrade collagen and elastin; (4) Moisturizing — alginate film-forming reduces TEWL, mannitol provides humectant action; (5) UV protection — fucoxanthin absorbs UV-B and quenches singlet oxygen.

Q: What is the EWG safety rating for ascophyllum nodosum extract? A: Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract has an EWG low-hazard profile: Cancer risk — LOW, Allergies & Immunotoxicity — LOW, Developmental & Reproductive Toxicity — LOW. It is eligible for EWG VERIFIED products with proper substantiation. As with all marine-derived ingredients, the primary safety consideration is heavy metal and iodine contamination control, which GINKVORA addresses through ICP-MS testing on every production batch.

Q: How is ascophyllum nodosum extract used in skincare formulations? A: ANE is cold-process compatible — simply disperse in the aqueous phase at 25–40°C with moderate stirring. Typical usage rates range from 0.1% in sensitive-skin toners to 5.0% in concentrated serums and sheet masks. For faster dissolution, pre-disperse in glycerin or propylene glycol before adding to the main water phase. Compatible with most nonionic and amphoteric cosmetic ingredients.

Q: What makes ascophyllum nodosum extract different from other seaweed extracts? A: Ascophyllum nodosum offers the broadest single-ingredient bioactive spectrum among cosmetic marine ingredients. It simultaneously delivers fucoidan (anti-inflammatory + anti-aging), phlorotannins (ultra-potent antioxidants unique to brown algae), alginates (film-forming moisturizer), and fucoxanthin (UV-protective carotenoid). Other seaweeds — kelp (mainly alginates), bladderwrack (fucoidan but higher iodine), Irish moss (carrageenan) — typically deliver only a subset of these actives.

Q: What is the specification and CAS number for ascophyllum nodosum extract? A: CAS Number: 84775-78-0. EC Number: 283-907-6. INCI Name: Ascophyllum Nodosum Extract. GINKVORA product specification: 30:1 concentration ratio, brown fine powder, 80–100 mesh particle size, water-soluble, TLC identity test. COA, MSDS, and specification sheet available upon request.

Q: Is ascophyllum nodosum extract safe and FDA-approved? A: Yes. The CIR Expert Panel assessed brown algae-derived ingredients including A. nodosum extract as safe in cosmetics (2023 Final Report). EWG rates it LOW across all hazard categories (cancer, allergies, developmental toxicity). It is registered in the EU CosIng database. While the FDA does not "approve" cosmetic ingredients, ANE is regulated under the FD&C Act as a cosmetic ingredient and is GRAS for food contact use.