SEAWEED EXTRACTS: A GREENER ALTERNATIVE FOR COSMETICS

Abstract

As the demand for natural and organic cosmetics increases, the need for environmentally sustainable practices in the cosmetics industry becomes more critical. This study evaluates the environmental impact of using seaweed extracts in cosmetics and compares it to commonly used antioxidants like green tea extract and ascorbic acid. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology assesses the environmental impact of seaweed extract production and compares it with the other two antioxidants. The LCA inventory includes materials, water, and energy consumption while excluding infrastructure. The study finds that seaweed extracts have the lowest environmental load when compared to green tea extracts and ascorbic acid. The study proposes ways to further reduce emissions from seaweed processing, such as using renewable energy sources and valorizing biomass residues as fertilizers in a circular economy approach, while also highlighting the need for environmentally sustainable practices in the cosmetics industry.