Solazyme Debuts Algae-Based Firming and Lifting Skincare Products

Solazyme Inc. (San Francisco, CA) is introducing firming and lifting skincare products as part of its algae-based skincare brand, Algenist. The products are based around Solazyme’s unique algae extract, Alguronic Acid, which has demonstrated a variety of cosmetic benefits (see the website linked above).

Starting this month, the new Algenist products will retail at more than 1100 locations worldwide, including more than 300 Sephora stores in North America, 308 Sephora locations inside JCPenney stores, and on QVC. An expansion into the United Kingdom is planned for March 2012.

Retailing for $94 and under, the new products (detailed below) are targeted at women between 45 and 60 years old who are looking for skin repair and restructuring benefits.

• Firming & Lifting Cream ($94): made with avocado, olive fruit oils, and alguronic acid. Clinical studies show increased firmness and elasticity in 10 days.

• Firming & Lifting Eye Gel ($68): made with alfalfa seed extract, caffeine, and alguronic acid. Proteins and peptides in the gel are intended to help firm and lift skin around the eyes.

• Firming & Lifting Mask ($52): made with jojoba, green tea, vitamin A, and alguronic acid. Studies have shown “immediate firming, toning, and tightening effects.”