Turning an environmental problem into a sustainable solution! This is what Origin by Ocean offers to cosmetic product manufacturers. By harvesting invasive algae from coastlines, the Finland-based start-up designs sustainable ingredients suitable for various cosmetic uses, as well as for food and textiles, including antioxidants, pigments, texture agents, and active ingredients.
A 100% bio-based alternative sunscreen filter
One of the most interesting creations in its catalog is OCEANSHIELD™, a derivative of secondary metabolites (mycosporine-like amino acids) that filters UV rays, reducing the need for traditional UV filters. This 100% bio-based SPF booster also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it a proven anti-aging active ingredient.
The company has also developed a stabilizing and humectant texture agent, OCEANTHIX™. This viscosity and rheology modifier, based on sodium alginate, adds consistency to liquid formulations, while offering moisturizing cosmetic benefits for the skin.
As for OCEANBOOST™, it is a fucoidan-rich extract (a long-chain sulfated polysaccharide found in various species of brown algae). It is presented as the next-generation hyaluronic acid, as it not only offers moisturizing properties but also boasts interesting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory benefits.
Cleaning submerged ecosystems
All these products come from invasive algae, such as sargassum and certain cyanobacteria, collected on the coasts of the Caribbean, Spain, or Portugal. The harvesting is entrusted to local entrepreneurs. The algae are then transported to Origin by Ocean’s local processing plant, where they are transformed using a unique bioproduction process. With an almost 100% biomass conversion rate, Origin by Ocean’s patented method allows high-yield extraction and purification of valuable compounds from the algae’s cell walls.
By removing invasive algae that are harmful to the environment and transforming this bio-waste into valuable biomaterials, Origin by Ocean actively contributes to the restoration of marine ecosystems, improvement of water quality, support for biodiversity, and the development of local economies. The start-up offers ingredients that combine functionality and environmental value, enabling manufacturers and brands to incorporate sustainability into their formulations and improve their environmental footprint.
Towards industrial production
The pilot phase of its bioproduction process has been successfully completed, confirming the viability of industrial-scale production. Origin by Ocean plans to begin large-scale production by 2027, supported by the construction of two bioproduction plants — one in Finland, with a capacity of 4,000 tons per year, and another in the Caribbean, by 2029, with a capacity of 100,000 tons per year.
The company aims to expand its range of biomaterials to offer cosmetic industry players new ingredient functionalities in line with consumer expectations. The rise of the blue beauty trend, based on marine ingredients that benefit ecosystems, and the growing consumer demand for sustainability and ingredient transparency from the brands they support, are expected to be strong catalysts for growth!
