This work reveals that R. hieroglyphicum
extract seems to be appropriated as a new
skin moisturizing ingredient for cosmetic
industry. The present data showed that
when the moisturizer test creams were
applied to the skin, the skin hydration had
increased compared to untreated skin. This
may be due to an increased penetration of
the hydrophilic substances and occlusive
barrier to prevent water loss from the skin,
supporting results from a previous study
on short- and long-term use of moisturizer
[24,32]. For the aqueous extract from
freshwater macroalga, it was safe and
revealed the same moisturizing property
as hyaluronic acid via humectancy effect,
followed by occlusive effect which can
retain longer effect for skin hydration.
Therefore, the RW extract might be an
alternative skin moisturizer to hyaluronic
acid which is quite expensive