We all talk about having a good skincare routine, but no step matters more than sun protection. UV damage essentially works against almost every beauty goal, and the results aren’t fun.
Think: Premature aging, a decrease in collagen, and potential hyperpigmentation. This is why it’s essential that you use a sunscreen that actually protects the skin from the sun.
Of course, when we talk about sunscreen ingredients, we think about the main components like chemical and mineral UV filters, right? But additional ingredients can take a simple sun cream and turn it into a premium, multi-tasking skincare product.
Over the years, plankton extract has become one of those popular ingredients in advanced sunscreens. It can make them way more effective and get you to that healthy, glowy, Instagram-worthy skin we’re all shooting for.
Here’s why plankton extract is the next big thing:
5 Plankton Extract Skin Benefits: Why Skincare We’re Obsessed
For a long time, consumers were okay with buying skincare products loaded with chemicals and synthetic ingredients.
But we’ve all grown up and learned about endocrine disruption, microplastics, and the long-term impact these ingredients can have on both our skin and the environment.
Now, we know to buy skincare products with ingredients that come from nature and have science-backed results—like plankton extract!
Not sure you want to put plankton extract on your face? Let’s get into all the skincare benefits of plankton extract and why it deserves a spot in your skincare routine.
What Is Plankton Extract?
You guessed it: plankton extract comes from plankton. These are microscopic marine organisms that float on ocean waves.
Do they look like little water bugs? Yes. But once the active ingredients are extracted, it no longer has its spidery appearance.
Instead, after purification and processing, it just looks like a harmless (and super beneficial) green serum. And once integrated into a skincare product, it’s invisible.
All the natural benefits without the ick factor.
What Does Plankton Extract Do for Skin?
Helps Your Skin Retain Moisture
Plankton extract contains amino acids, minerals, and polysaccharides. All super nourishing ingredients that attract and hold water to the skin.
Because it pulls water into the skin, plankton extract can actually make the moisturizing ingredients in your skincare products more effective. Basically, you get double the hydration with half the effort. It’s one of the best additives for soft, plump, and super healthy skin.
Reduces Signs of Aging
Rich in antioxidants, plankton extract can help fight oxidative stress and free radicals. These are unstable molecules that come from sun exposure, pollution, stress, poor diet, and more.
Free radicals essentially speed up the aging process, causing the skin to lose elasticity and develop fine lines and wrinkles. So, an ingredient like plankton extract that’s high in antioxidants can reduce the signs of aging and improve your skin health by neutralizing those toxins.
Strengthens the Skin Barrier
There’s a protective wall made of lipids and skin cells on your face that holds water in, keeps toxins out, and prevents sensitivity. It’s called your skin barrier, and it’s the foundation of skincare.
When the skin’s natural barrier breaks down, it can worsen every skin condition. We’re talking about dryness, uneven skin tone, redness, acne, and tons more. Luckily, plankton extract can help.
The amino acids, peptides, and trace minerals in plankton extract actually promote a super-strong skin barrier. The nutrients not only help replenish the lipids, but they also support skin repair and resilience.
Calms and Soothes Irritation
Plankton extract is naturally anti-inflammatory, which can reduce redness, swelling, and sensitivity.
Think of the vitamins and minerals as a support system for your skin’s immune response. They essentially help keep it from overreacting to irritants, environmental stressors, or minor cell damage. The result? A calmer, more resilient barrier.
Improves Skin Tone and Radiance
To even out skin tone and get that bright complexion, you need hydration and antioxidant protection. But there’s one more step. For the best skin ever, you also need healthy cell turnover.
Cell turnover is when your skin ditches old, dull skin cells and replaces them with fresh ones. This makes the skin look more youthful, energized, and radiant. And, as you expected, plankton extract promotes cell turnover from its healthy dose of nutrients and enzymes.
Is Plankton Extract Comedogenic?
No! Plankton extract isn’t comedogenic. Or, in simpler terms, it won’t clog your pores. Plankton extract is mostly water-based, so it’s not thick enough to stick in your pores and cause problems.
However, companies rarely package plankton extract on its own. Normally, it’s an additive in other skincare products alongside other actives and beneficial ingredients.
The problem with that? Some skincare products include comedogenic ingredients in addition to plankton extract.
So, you need a great quality, highly intentional skincare formulation that pairs plankton extract with complementary, non-pore-clogging ingredients to keep its integrity and texture.
What is the Best Plankton Extract Skincare Product?
The Skinny Confidential Caffeinated Sunscreen is one of the best plankton extract skincare products out there.
Its main ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are gentle but effective mineral sunscreen filters. As the name suggests, it also has caffeine, which is actually an incredible antioxidant that helps tighten and firm the skin while protecting against UV radiation.
Of course, TSC Sunscreen also includes plankton extract. But other supportive additions include spirulina maxima extract, rosemary leaf extract, sunflower extract, squalane, vitamin E, and more!
Together, these ingredients make a powerful daily sunscreen that not only offers sun protection but also lifts, tightens, nourishes, and heals the skin. Make it an essential part of your morning skincare routine and watch your skin transform.
And if you’re not sure where to incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine, read our post “Do You Apply Sunscreen Before or After Moisturizer?”
Plankton extract is a beneficial addition to sunscreen and other skincare products.
Plankton extract is used in premium skincare products for a reason. It amplifies every benefit and helps your skin look fresh and healthy all the time.
When included in the right products, plankton extract is a simple and natural way to support your skincare goals and elevate your routine.
For more high-quality skincare products and tools, shop The Skinny Confidential Shop.
