3.1.3. Role of Polysaccharides in Cosmeceuticals

In algal tissues, there are numerous forms of bioactive polysaccharides. These chemicals are often moisturizing and antioxidant substances that are employed in cosmeceuticals as shown in Table 2. They are also commonly employed in emulsions as gelling agents and stabilizers [65]. Agar is a common ingredient in creams, used as an emulsifier and stabilizer, and to control the moisture content in cosmetic products such as hand lotions, deodorants, foundations, exfoliant/scrub, cleansers, shaving creams, anti-aging treatments, facial moisturizer/lotions, liquid soaps, acne treatments, body washes, and face powder [66]. Alginates are commonly used as gelling agents in drugs and cosmetics, as thickeners, protective colloids, or emulsion stabilizers, and are effective for hand gels and lotions, ointment bases, pomades and other hair products, toothpastes, and other products due to their chelating characteristics. Alginates can also be used to make a skin-protecting barrier lotion to avoid dermatitis. This type of cream produces flexible films with increased skin adhesion and is an appropriate component in beauty masks or facial packs [67,68].

Carrageenans are derived from several carrageenophytes, including *Betaphycus gelatinum*, *Chondrus crispus*, *Eucheuma denticulatum*, *Gigartina skottsbergii*, *Kappaphycus alvarezii*, *Hypnea musciformis*, *Mastocarpus stellatus*, *Mazzaella laminaroides*, *Sarcothalia crispata*, from the order Gigartinales (Rhodophyta). This phycocolloid is found in dentifrices, lotions, hair products, lotions, medications, sunscreens, shaving creams, shampoos, deodorants sticks, sprays, and foams. Over 20% of carrageenan manufacture is used in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries [69].

The usage of laminarin in cosmetics is based on its bioactive qualities rather than its physical characteristics. In terms of use, laminarin is commonly found in anticellulite cosmetics [70]. Fucoidan can be effectively "cooked" out of edible seaweed by heating it in water for 20–40 min. It appears to lower the strength of the inflammatory process and facilitate speedier tissue repair after injuring or surgical trauma when ingested. As a result, it is recommended for muscle and joint injuries (such as sports injuries), falls, bruises, deep wounds, and surgery [71]. These sulfated polysaccharides are gaining popularity due to their numerous bioactivities, which include anticoagulant, antithrombotic, anti-inflammatory, skin protection against ultraviolet radiation, tyrosinase receptor, anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-obesity, antidiabetic, antioxidative, and antihyperlipidemic properties [72,73].

According to an ulvans patent, rhamnose and fucose have synergistic skin protecting and therapeutic benefits against skin aging [74]. The technique of ulvan gel production is complex, involving the development of spherically shaped ulvan molecules in the presence of boric acid and calcium ions [75]. Ulvans have moisturizing, protecting, anticancer, and antioxidative effects in addition to their ability to form gels [76]. The chemical and physicochemical features of ulvan make it an appealing choice for innovative functional

and biologically useful polymers in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, agriculture, and food industries [75].
