Year: 2026 | Month: October | Volume: 13 | Issue: 10 | Pages: 410-433
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijrr.20261037
Marine-Derived Biocosmeceuticals for Skin Barrier Repair and Hyperpigmentation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Refa Rahmaddiansyah1, Sukarsi Rusti2, Agung M. Rheza3
1Medical Doctor, Faculty of Medicine, Andalas University, Padang, Indonesia,
2Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health, Baiturrahmah University, Padang, Indonesia,
3Dermatology & Venereology Department, Banten General Public Hospital, Serang, Indonesia.
Corresponding Author: Refa Rahmaddiansyah.
ABSTRACT
Skin barrier dysfunction and hyperpigmentation are highly prevalent dermatological conditions, particularly in Asian populations with Fitzpatrick skin phototypes III–VI. Marine organisms produce unique bioactive compounds such as astaxanthin, fucoxanthin, fucoidan, phlorotannin, sulphated polysaccharides (carrageenan, alginate), and marine fatty acids (PUFA) that mechanistically hold potential for improving skin barrier integrity and inhibiting melanogenesis. However, structured and quantitative synthesis of clinical evidence for topical application in humans remains very limited. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted according to PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Inclusion criteria: RCTs, split-face randomized trials, or controlled clinical trials in humans using topical marine-derived ingredients with quantitative skin barrier or pigmentation outcomes. A total of 2,847 records were identified; 18 studies (15 parallel RCTs + 3 split-face RCTs, N=1,247 subjects) were included. In the meta-analysis of 11 RCTs of astaxanthin from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis: skin hydration SMD = 0.53 (95% CI 0.05–1.01; I²=52%; p=0.03, GRADE: Moderate); skin elasticity SMD = 0.77 (95% CI 0.19–1.35; I²=75%; p=0.009, GRADE: Moderate); wrinkle depth SMD = −0.26 (95% CI −0.58 – 0.06; I²=0%; p=0.11, GRADE: Low). Melanin index decreased significantly in the marine PUFA omega-7 group (p<0.05). The safety profile was excellent: no serious adverse events (SAEs) were reported across all studies. Topical marine-derived biocosmeceuticals, particularly astaxanthin, have the potential to provide clinically meaningful benefits for skin hydration and elasticity.
Keywords: astaxanthin, hyperpigmentation, marine bio-cosmeceutical, melanin index, skin of colour.
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