Macroalgae Biorefinery for the Cosmetic Industry: Basic Concept, Green Technology, and Safety Guidelines

Abstract

With the growth in the number of people searching for ways to improve personal care, the consumer finds the solution in cosmetic products. However, this demand is currently made concomitantly with the demand for products of natural origin, including seaweed. Algae, in their composition, are full of bioactive compounds with several applications. Therefore, their insertion in cosmetics is evidenced in the high number of scientific studies, which makes this natural resource potentially useful for the cosmetic industry. From this, a review was conducted with the aim of highlighting some of these active compounds and the latent applicability and versatility of others. In addition, the best way to add to the production of these substances while staying in alignment with green consumption, the design of biorefineries, and the promising production of macroalgae on a large scale using green technologies was sought.