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Phycobiliprotein

Phycocyanin (Spirulina Blue Pigment)

The vivid blue protein pigment from Spirulina — a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-cancer compound with strong scientific backing and growing cosmetic use.

AntioxidantAnti-inflammatorySpirulinaBlue pigment
✓ Safe
Comedogenic Rating
0/5
Irritation Potential
0/5

What is it?

Phycocyanin is extracted from Spirulina platensis (and Arthrospira maxima) through aqueous extraction and precipitation. It's a protein-chromophore complex where the photosensitive phycocyanobilin chromophore is attached to apoproteins. It's water-soluble, heat-sensitive, and provides vivid blue color to formulations.

Antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory soothing, skin brightening, natural colorant — premium spirulina active.

Key Benefits

✦
Potent Antioxidant
Phycocyanin demonstrates hydroxyl and peroxyl radical scavenging with potency comparable to or exceeding many synthetic antioxidants, providing comprehensive free radical protection.
◈
COX-2 Inhibition
Documented inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2, the enzyme responsible for prostaglandin synthesis and inflammatory signaling — comparable mechanism to NSAIDs at the cellular level.
✧
Anti-Inflammatory in Skin
Studies show phycocyanin reduces IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB activation in skin cell models, supporting use in soothing formulations for reactive and sensitized skin.
◉
Natural Blue Colorant
As a water-soluble natural pigment, phycocyanin provides attractive blue-green color to formulations — a rare natural alternative to synthetic blue dyes.

Suitable for

All skin typesSensitive and reactive skinAntioxidant-focused routinesInflammatory skin conditions

Main Actions

✓ Antioxidant✓ Anti-inflammatory (COX-2 inhibitor)✓ Natural colorant
Stability challenge

Phycocyanin is sensitive to heat (degrades above 45°C), acid, and prolonged light exposure. Effective products keep it in stable, opaque packaging and formulate at neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The vivid blue color is a quality indicator — colorless 'spirulina' products likely contain very little active phycocyanin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Phycocyanin (Spirulina Blue Pigment) do for skin?
Antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory soothing, skin brightening, natural colorant — premium spirulina active.
Who should use Phycocyanin (Spirulina Blue Pigment)?
Phycocyanin (Spirulina Blue Pigment) is suitable for: All skin types, Sensitive and reactive skin, Antioxidant-focused routines, Inflammatory skin conditions.
Are there any warnings about Phycocyanin (Spirulina Blue Pigment)?
Phycocyanin is sensitive to heat (degrades above 45°C), acid, and prolonged light exposure. Effective products keep it in stable, opaque packaging and formulate at neutral to slightly alkaline pH. The vivid blue color is a quality indicator — colorless 'spirulina' products likely

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