SCALP CARE 39


Sarcodia suiae extract for comprehensive scalp wellness


Yan Zhang, Kung-Ting Hsu, Bo-Rui Chen - Giga Fine Chemical


The vast and largely unexplored ocean offers a rich source of novel bioactive compounds with significant potential for personal care applications. As consumer demand for natural and sustainable products grows, marine-derived ingredients are being used more frequently in cosmetic formulations. Among these, algae stand out as a particularly promising source due to their abundance and chemical diversity.1 Within this group, red algae (Rhodophyta) are


especially valued for their production of secondary metabolites with potent and diverse biological activities. Red algae (Rhodophyta) are rich in bioactive


compounds, including sulfated polysaccharides and polyphenols, which offer multiple benefits for skin and scalp health. These compounds provide: (1) potent antioxidant


activity that neutralizes reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV exposure and pollution; (2) anti-inflammatory effects through modulation of mediators like TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, and LOX; and (3) anti-allergic properties via histamine inhibition. As a result, red algae extracts are increasingly applied in cosmetic products targeting skin aging, photoaging, and inflammation-related concerns.2,3 Among the diverse species within the red


algae family, Sarcodia suiae (INCI: Hydrolyzed Rhodophyceae) stands out due to its unique origin and biofunctional properties. This species is found exclusively along Taiwan’s eastern coastline, where it thrives under the influence of the nutrient-rich Kuroshio Current.4 Preliminary research indicates that Sarcodia


suiae is particularly abundant in sulfated polysaccharides with distinct structural features not observed in other red algae species.5 These compounds exhibit notable biological activities, making Sarcodia suiae a promising candidate for development as a multifunctional cosmetic active. In particular, its demonstrated soothing, protective, and regulatory effects position it as a valuable ingredient for addressing multiple scalp and skin care concerns.


Scalp health and emerging needs The scalp is an extension of facial skin but possesses a significantly higher density of sebaceous glands, making scalp care inherently more complex. Scalp health issues are not only increasingly recognized by consumers but are also known to affect overall quality of life and even mental wellbeing.6


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One of the most prominent concerns is


excessive sebum secretion, which leads to oily hair, poor hair quality, and creates a favourable environment for microbial overgrowth. Another common issue is dandruff, which is primarily caused by the proliferation ofMalassezia, a lipophilic yeast.7,8 An overly oily scalp promotes microbial


imbalance, triggering inflammation and accelerating keratinocyte turnover, which ultimately results in visible flaking. Additionally, scalp sensitivity—manifesting as redness or erythema—is gaining attention as it is often associated with inflammation induced by microbial dysbiosis and irritation. These conditions are frequently driven by


oxidative stress, particularly from excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), which further disrupts scalp homeostasis and intensifies discomfort.9 Importantly, these scalp problems are not


isolated; they tend to appear concurrently or in succession. Thus, addressing them requires a comprehensive solution that can simultaneously manage oxidative stress, sebum overproduction, microbial imbalance, inflammation, and sensitivity. Conventional interventions—such as pyrithione zinc or ethanolamine salts for dandruff, caffeine


or niacinamide for sebum control, and menthol or glycol for soothing—typically address individual symptoms and may cause adverse effects like dryness or irritation. There is an urgent and growing demand for safe, natural, and multifunctional alternatives. Sarcodia suiae extract addresses multiple


scalp issues simultaneously—controlling sebum production, combating dandruff, and relieving inflammation—with demonstrated non-irritancy in human patch tests. Extracted through chromatographic methods, it yields a concentrated solution of structurally unique sulfated polysaccharides, distinct from those of common red algal polysaccharides such as carrageenan. Infrared spectroscopic analysis revealed differences in absorption peaks at 930 cm-1 695 cm-1


, , and 583 cm-1 , confirming its unique


molecular composition. To validate its bioactivity, we conducted extensive in vitro and in vivo studies, demonstrating potent antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, anti-allergic, antimicrobial, and sebum-regulating effects. Additionally, it exhibits excellent antimicrobial


activity against common scalp and skin- associated microorganisms such as Malassezia and Cutibacterium acnes, thereby helping


October 2026 PERSONAL CARE MAGAZINE


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