Common Name(s): Cyanobacterium aponinum ferment,cyanobacterium aponinum ferment,cyanobacteria ferment,phycobiliprotein photosynthetic antioxidant
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides potent antioxidant protection from phycobiliprotein open-chain tetrapyrrole radical scavenging, anti-inflammatory activity from phycocyanobilin ho-1 upregulation, and skin conditioning from cyanobacterial polysaccharides.
Why It's Used: Cyanobacterial phycobiliproteins provide one of the highest antioxidant capacities per mass of any cosmetic ingredient — the extended tetrapyrrole conjugation providing exceptional electron donation for radical scavenging.
How It Works: Phycocyanin open-chain tetrapyrrole provides h-atom donation to ros (orac >50 μmol te/mg). phycocyanobilin inhibits nadph oxidase reducing o₂•⁻ generation and upregulates ho-1 anti-inflammatory enzyme. cyanobacterial eps provides prebiotic and humectant activity.
Typically Found In: Anti-aging,anti-inflammatory,marine beauty
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – skin microbiome support
Secondary Functions: Microbiome balance,prebiotic effect
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.1%–5%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Fermentation-derived or plant-extracted.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; beneficial for sensitive skin.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Ceramides,niacinamide,soothing actives
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Cyanobacterium aponinum is thermophilic — the hot spring origin provides unique thermostable enzymes and heat-stable phycobiliproteins with potentially superior formulation stability versus mesophilic microalgae.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,cyanobacterium phycobiliprotein antioxidant anti-inflammatory review