Posted by Mandy Hawtin
on March 20, 2026
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is one of the most recognised skincare ingredients. It hydrates the skin by binding water, leaving it plump and dewy. But it is only one-dimensional — all it does is hold water.
Algica®, a silica derived from marine algae, does that and more. It hydrates like HA, but also cleanses, protects, and boosts other ingredients, which is why I chose it as one of the marine actives for my Oceanic Day Cream.
1. Where They Come From
-
Hyaluronic Acid: Produced in factories by fermenting plant sugars like corn.
- Algica®: Extracted from marine algae in Sweden, grown in a process that absorbs carbon dioxide, cleans water, and produces by-products for animal feed and fertiliser.
2. What They Do for the Skin
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Hyaluronic Acid: Binds water to hydrate and plump the skin.
-
Algica®:
- As hydrating as HA, proven in studies.
- Protects against pollution, blocking more particles than HA.
- Boosts SPF by 9–13% when added to sunscreen.
- Enhances the performance of other active ingredients.
3. Environmental Impact
-
Hyaluronic Acid: Relies on agriculture and industrial fermentation.
- Algica®: Produced in a way that reduces global warming and eutrophication, with a fully sustainable process.
Why I Chose Algica® Over Hyaluronic Acid
HA is effective, but Algica® offers more: hydration plus cleansing, protection, and boosting other actives. And it is created in a process that helps the planet. It’s the next step in multifunctional, sustainable skincare.
At-a-Glance: HA vs Algica® Summary
| Aspect | Hyaluronic Acid | Algica® (Silica from algae) |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Industrial fermentation of plant sugars | Marine algae grown in Sweden with carbon-absorbing, water-cleaning methods |
| Skin Benefits | Hydration and plumping | Hydration, cleansing, anti-pollution, SPF boosting, carrier for actives |
| Sustainability | Relies on crop farming | Reduces global warming and eutrophication; multifunctional |
