Porphyridium purpureum (formerly known as P. cruentum)

What is Porphyridium cruentum used for?

Porphyridium cruentum is mainly used for cosmetic applications. However, the possibilities do not end there. Porphyridium cruentum has promising properties which are being tested in pharmacology.

In addition, Porphyridium cruentum is sometimes used as an additive for animal feed in aquaristics. These are usually fancier formulations, which are used especially for more exotic fish.

What is the difference between Porphyridium cruentum and Porphyridium purpureum?

If you come across the name Porphyridium purpureum, you might think that according to the rules of taxonomy it would be a different species of the genus Porphyridium. However, it is one and the same species, both names can be used synonymously.

What pigment is in Porphyridium cruentum?

Several different pigments are found in Porphyridium cruentum, predominantly the microalga is known for zeaxanthin and phycoerythrin^{[6, 8]}.

The pigment zeaxanthin belongs to the carotenoids and has strong antioxidant properties, which help protect the organism from external stress factors^[7].

Phycoerythrin is one of the accessory pigments found in various cyanobacteria and red algae. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-viral and antibacterial properties^[9].

What are the benefits of Porphyridium cruentum for the skin? What do the polysaccharides in Porphyridium cruentum do?

Porphyridium cruentum, with its ingredients, has the potential to be used primarily as an anti-aging agent. The microalgae has a replenishing effect on the skin and provides it with nutrients, which can help reduce wrinkles and generally make the skin look younger.

Porphyridium cruentum can protect against premature skin aging by neutralizing oxidative stress through its possessing role as a powerful antioxidant^[5]. In addition, Porphyridium cruentum can help protect the skin from the influence of the sun. The carotenoid zeaxanthin has a supporting effect to absorb UV rays, so that the skin gets less UV rays^[10].

In which cosmetic products is Porphyridium cruentum present?

Porphyridium cruentum is most suitable for creams, lotions and serums. In this case, the microalga can be incorporated directly into the formulation in the form of powder. Mainly in anti-aging products, Porphyridium cruentum is a popular ingredient.

Where does Porphyridium cruentum grow?

Porphyridium cruentum grows in a variety of places. For example, it can be found in salty waters, suggesting that Porphyridium cruentum can be found in coastal regions of different seas. However, Porphyridium cruentum is not bound to salt water, but can also grow in moist soils, near bodies of water, and other moist places.

How is Porphyridium cruentum cultivated?

Porphyridium cruentum is grown in closed photobioreactors. Since this microalga is a rather rare variety in cultivation, it is accordingly valuable. Photobioreactors make it possible to keep a close eye on environmental factors and give the microalgae the best possible place to grow.

In addition, contamination is avoided more efficiently in these closed systems than in open cultivation.

The fact that Porphyridium cruentum is so rich in polysaccharides and antioxidants makes it ideal for creams^[5]. The cream Couperose Relax is offered intensively from the product line “Exquisit” by Hildegard Braukmann. The active agents contained in Porphyridium cruentum are specifically used against reddened and irritated skin. The skin gets an even complexion.

Typical applications

• Porphyridium cruentum is used in cosmetic
• the pigments and polysaccharides contained in the product have a replenishing and protective effect and thus generate a healthy skin texture.

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Typical applications in the cosmetics industry:

Porphyridium purpureum (formerly P. cruentum) is a microalga that has strong antioxidant properties due to its sulfated polysaccharides.

This role as an antioxidant helps neutralize free radicals, thus slowing down the aging process throughout the body and preventing cellular damage. This makes Porphyridium purpureum microalgae particularly suitable as an anti-aging component in cosmetics and benefits the skin^{[5, 6, 7]}.

The pigments and polysaccharides it contains promote a healthy skin structure and also have a brightening and protective effect.

ALGANEX certificate system

• ALGANEX guarantees a high quality product without any impurities.
• 100% of the porphyridium is of natural origin.
• The pigment content is at least 8 %.