What Is Parachlorella Sp Bx1.5 Extract?
Parachlorella Sp Bx1.5 Extract comes from a freshwater microalga that belongs to the Parachlorella family. This particular strain, cataloged under the number FERM BP-22318 at Japan’s National Institute of Technology and Evaluation, attracted interest because it grows quickly, keeps a stable nutrient profile and is easy to cultivate in closed tanks. The raw alga is rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and polysaccharides. Once harvested the biomass is washed, milled and put through a gentle water or glycerin extraction process that pulls out these skin-friendly compounds while filtering out cell debris. The finished liquid or powder is then standardized so every batch offers the same performance.
Although microalgae have been used in Asian skincare for decades this specific strain is relatively new. Researchers looking for plant based ingredients that can help stabilize natural emulsions discovered that Parachlorella Sp Bx1.5’s cell wall polymers had just the right balance of hydrophilic and lipophilic groups. Early lab tests showed the extract could thicken lotions, hold water in place and leave a smooth feel on skin, leading to its adoption in creams, masks, serums, after-sun gels and anti-aging formulas.
Parachlorella Sp Bx1.5 Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses
Formulators reach for this algae extract because it multitasks in a single dose
- Emulsion stabilising: Helps oil and water stay blended so creams and milks stay smooth without separating while sitting on the shelf or in your bathroom
- Skin conditioning: The natural sugars and amino acids form a light film that softens rough patches and leaves skin feeling supple
- Skin protecting: Antioxidant pigments and polysaccharides create a mild shield against daily environmental stress helping reduce tightness and irritation
- Viscosity controlling: Adds body to watery formulas letting brands create lightweight gels or richer creams simply by adjusting the dose
Who Can Use Parachlorella Sp Bx1.5 Extract
This algae extract is considered gentle enough for most skin types including dry, normal, combination and oily. Its film-forming sugars add light moisture without leaving a greasy residue so even breakout-prone skin usually tolerates it well. Extremely sensitive or highly reactive skin should still keep an eye on how the product feels since any new botanical can trigger redness in rare cases.
The ingredient is derived entirely from a cultivated microalga with no animal by-products used at any stage, making it suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
Current safety information shows no specific issues for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding when the extract is used topically at standard cosmetic levels. This is not medical advice and anyone expecting or nursing should run their skincare routine past a qualified health professional to be safe.
Parachlorella Sp Bx1.5 Extract does not increase photosensitivity, so it will not make skin more prone to sunburn. Normal daily sun protection is still recommended for overall skin health.
Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions
Reactions to topical Parachlorella Sp Bx1.5 Extract can vary from person to person. The issues listed below are possible but unlikely for the average user when the ingredient is formulated correctly.
- Transient redness or mild stinging
- Localised itching or dryness in very sensitive skin
- Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with an algae allergy
- Breakout flare in those highly prone to fungal acne due to the presence of polysaccharides
If you experience any of these effects stop using the product and seek advice from a healthcare professional.
Comedogenic Rating
Rating: 1/5 – Parachlorella Sp Bx1.5 Extract is mostly made up of water-soluble sugars, amino acids and lightweight polymers that do not sit heavily inside pores. It lacks the thick lipids that typically trigger clogging, so the chance of forming comedones is low. The only caveat is that its polysaccharides can, in rare cases, act as a food source for yeast on skin that is extremely prone to fungal acne, but this is formulation dependent and not a direct pore-blocking risk.
Suitable for acne-prone or breakout-prone skin in most routine strengths.
Keep in mind that a product’s overall comedogenic potential depends on the full ingredient list, so a clean formula featuring this extract could still clog pores if heavier oils are present.
Summary
Parachlorella Sp Bx1.5 Extract works as a handy multitasker: it stabilises emulsions by giving oil and water phases something to cling to, thickens or thins textures depending on dose, softens skin with a breathable sugar film and supplies mild antioxidant protection that helps buffer daily stress. Because these effects come from natural cell wall polymers and micronutrients, formulators can often swap out several synthetic additives for one algae-based option.
Right now the extract is more of a niche player than a household name, showing up mainly in forward-thinking Japanese and Korean lines along with a handful of indie brands focused on clean or vegan claims. Interest is growing as companies hunt for green alternatives to petrochemical thickeners, so you will likely see it pop up in more products over the next few years.
Topically the ingredient has a strong safety profile with no flagged toxicity or photo-reactivity concerns at standard use levels. Still, everyone’s skin is unique so it is wise to patch test a new product containing Parachlorella Sp Bx1.5 Extract before diving into full-face use, especially if you have a history of sensitivities.