Common Name(s): Pyrocystis noctiluca extract,pyrocystis noctiluca extract/lysate,bioluminescent dinoflagellate,luciferase antioxidant photochemical active
CAS Number: N/a
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides antioxidant protection from dinoflagellate luciferin's tetrapyrrole radical scavenging, exceptional singlet oxygen quenching from peridinin carotenoid (allenic xanthophyll providing >10× beta-carotene quenching), and skin conditioning from the marine polysaccharide.
Why It's Used: Dinoflagellate peridinin provides the highest singlet oxygen quenching rate of any known carotenoid — the allenic c=c=c group providing unique excited-state chemistry for exceptional photoprotective antioxidant activity.
How It Works: Pyrocystis luciferin: imidazopyrazinone tetrapyrrole ring → antioxidant h-atom donation analogous to biliverdin. peridinin (allenic xanthophyll): rate constant >10⁸ m⁻¹s⁻¹ for ¹o₂ quenching — allenic group provides dexter energy transfer from ¹o₂ to peridinin excited state → heat dissipation without radical generation. marine polysaccharide: prebiotic + humectant.
Typically Found In: Marine beauty,premium antioxidant,unique biotech
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient – antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%–2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Yes
Halal Status: Yes
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic.
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 – very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5 – non-comedogenic
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Bioluminescence in cosmetics: the luciferase/luciferin system from pyrocystis could theoretically provide self-luminous cosmetic effects — however, the atp-dependent reaction requires endogenous atp substrate that limits practical luminescent cosmetic application.
Last Verified: 2026-03-22
Primary Sources: Cosing database,pyrocystis noctiluca bioluminescent dinoflagellate peridinin antioxidant review