At ORY®, we believe you should know what’s in your products and why. This page lists the published research behind what we say about spirulina. Each section starts with our claim, then tells you how well the research supports it, then lists the sources so you can read them yourself.
How to read this page Supported — backed by peer-reviewed research or official safety reviews. Supported, with caveats — the research points this way, but mostly from laboratory or animal studies, or at different strengths than ORY® uses. Limited evidence — little or no published research yet. We say so openly. |
1. General Description and Role
Claim: Spirulina is the dried biomass of the blue-green microalga Arthrospira platensis. It contains protein, the blue pigment-protein phycocyanin, carotenoids, and vitamins. In ORY® products, it provides antioxidant support and helps skin and hair feel nourished and conditioned. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Reviews describe antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, mostly from lab and animal studies and from spirulina taken by mouth. Human topical cosmetic trials are few. We found no CIR safety assessment for spirulina.
Citations:
- Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: An overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5
- What it shows: Review of spirulina’s biological activity.
- Ragusa, I., Nardone, G. N., Zanatta, S., Bertin, W., & Amadio, E. (2021). Spirulina for skin care: A bright blue future. Cosmetics, 8(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8010007
- What it shows: Review of spirulina in skin care.
- Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: An overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5
2. Composition and Production
Claim: Spirulina is grown in controlled ponds or tanks, harvested, and dried into powder. Extracts concentrate phycocyanin or other fractions. |
Verification: Supported. Spirulina’s composition is well documented.
Citations:
- Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: An overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5
- What it shows: Describes spirulina’s composition.
- Romay, C., González, R., Ledón, N., Remirez, D., & Rimbau, V. (2003). C-phycocyanin: A biliprotein with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Current Protein and Peptide Science, 4(3), 207–216. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=C-phycocyanin%3A%20a%20biliprotein%20with%20antioxidant%2C%20anti-inflammatory%20and%20neuroprotective%20effects
- What it shows: Review of phycocyanin.
- Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: An overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5
3. Skin Type Suitability
Claim: Spirulina suits most skin types. ORY® uses only spirulina tested for contaminants. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no cosmetic clinical studies by skin type. Because algae products can be contaminated with toxins from other algae or with heavy metals, ORY® requires supplier testing.
Citations:
- Ragusa, I., Nardone, G. N., Zanatta, S., Bertin, W., & Amadio, E. (2021). Spirulina for skin care: A bright blue future. Cosmetics, 8(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8010007
- What it shows: Review of spirulina in skin care.
- Ragusa, I., Nardone, G. N., Zanatta, S., Bertin, W., & Amadio, E. (2021). Spirulina for skin care: A bright blue future. Cosmetics, 8(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8010007
4. Hair and Scalp Suitability
Claim: In haircare, spirulina protein helps hair feel conditioned. |
Verification: Limited evidence. We found no clinical studies of spirulina on hair. ORY® haircare products are not intended to grow hair or treat scalp conditions.
Citations:
- Ragusa, I., Nardone, G. N., Zanatta, S., Bertin, W., & Amadio, E. (2021). Spirulina for skin care: A bright blue future. Cosmetics, 8(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8010007
- What it shows: General review.
- Ragusa, I., Nardone, G. N., Zanatta, S., Bertin, W., & Amadio, E. (2021). Spirulina for skin care: A bright blue future. Cosmetics, 8(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8010007
5. Benefits
Claim: Spirulina provides antioxidant support and helps skin feel nourished and smooth. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Antioxidant effects of spirulina and phycocyanin are supported by lab studies. Wound-healing studies are medical uses, and ORY® does not make wound, acne, or anti-inflammatory claims.
Citations:
- Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: An overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5
- What it shows: Antioxidant evidence.
- Romay, C., González, R., Ledón, N., Remirez, D., & Rimbau, V. (2003). C-phycocyanin: A biliprotein with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Current Protein and Peptide Science, 4(3), 207–216. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=C-phycocyanin%3A%20a%20biliprotein%20with%20antioxidant%2C%20anti-inflammatory%20and%20neuroprotective%20effects
- What it shows: Phycocyanin evidence.
- Ragusa, I., Nardone, G. N., Zanatta, S., Bertin, W., & Amadio, E. (2021). Spirulina for skin care: A bright blue future. Cosmetics, 8(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8010007
- What it shows: Skin-care review.
- Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: An overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5
6. Use Across ORY® Product Lines
Claim: Spirulina is used in all four ORY® product lines. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Spirulina is added for its skin and hair benefits, not for color. FDA has approved spirulina extract as a color additive for certain foods, but not for cosmetics, so ORY® does not use spirulina or phycocyanin to color products.
| Product line | Typical level | How ORY® uses it |
| Skincare | 1–5% powder in rinse-off masks; 0.5–2% extract | Masks, serums, creams, and cleansing balms. |
| Haircare | 1–5% powder in rinse-off masks; 0.5–2% extract | Hair and scalp masks, shampoos, and conditioners. |
| Handmade Soap | About 1 tsp powder per lb of oils | Powder added at trace. |
| Cosmetics | 0.1–2% | Primers and masks (not as a colorant). |
Citations:
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- What it shows: FDA rules: color additives in cosmetics must be approved for that use.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026, February 6). Listing of color additives exempt from certification; spirulina extract (food uses), Federal Register document 2026-02314. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/06/2026-02314
- What it shows: FDA approval of spirulina extract as a food color.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
- What it shows: FDA explains how soap is regulated.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
7. Pros
Claim: Nutrient-rich with antioxidant pigments. |
Verification: Supported, with caveats. Mostly lab and oral evidence.
Citations:
- Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: An overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5
- What it shows: Review.
- Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: An overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5
8. Cons
Claim: Spirulina stains, has a strong odor, varies in quality, and has limited topical evidence. |
Verification: Supported. We list these limits so you have the full picture:
- Staining. Can tint skin, towels, and fabric.
- Odor. Has a marine, grassy smell.
- Quality. Requires testing for algal toxins and heavy metals.
- Limited topical evidence. Few human cosmetic studies.
- Color rules. Not approved as a color additive in cosmetics.
Citations:
- Ragusa, I., Nardone, G. N., Zanatta, S., Bertin, W., & Amadio, E. (2021). Spirulina for skin care: A bright blue future. Cosmetics, 8(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8010007
- What it shows: Review.
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- What it shows: Color rules.
- Ragusa, I., Nardone, G. N., Zanatta, S., Bertin, W., & Amadio, E. (2021). Spirulina for skin care: A bright blue future. Cosmetics, 8(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8010007
9. Safety Notes
Claim: Patch test before use; for external use only. |
Verification: Supported. Follow these precautions:
- Patch test any new product on a small area for 24–48 hours before full use.
- If you are allergic to spirulina or other algae, avoid this product.
- Stop use if redness, burning, itching, or rash occurs, and talk to a healthcare provider.
- For external use only. Avoid the eyes. Do not use on broken or seriously damaged skin.
- If you are pregnant, nursing, have a medical condition, or are buying for a child, ask a healthcare provider before use.
Citations:
- Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: An overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5
- What it shows: Review.
- Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: An overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5
10. Product-line notes
- ORY® Skincare: For external use only. Not for deep or puncture wounds, animal bites, or serious burns.
- ORY® Haircare: Designed for scalp comfort and the look and feel of hair. Not intended to treat dandruff or scalp conditions, or to promote hair growth or prevent hair loss. If you notice sudden shedding or a persistent itchy, flaking scalp, see a dermatologist.
- ORY® Handmade Soap: Handmade soap is naturally alkaline, and each bar may vary slightly in color, scent, and texture. Not intended to treat eczema or any skin condition.
- ORY® Cosmetics: Lip products are not intended to treat or protect chapped or cracked lips. Do not share applicators, and replace any product that changes color, smell, or texture.
11. References
Peer-reviewed research
- Ragusa, I., Nardone, G. N., Zanatta, S., Bertin, W., & Amadio, E. (2021). Spirulina for skin care: A bright blue future. Cosmetics, 8(1), 7. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics8010007
- Romay, C., González, R., Ledón, N., Remirez, D., & Rimbau, V. (2003). C-phycocyanin: A biliprotein with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Current Protein and Peptide Science, 4(3), 207–216. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=C-phycocyanin%3A%20a%20biliprotein%20with%20antioxidant%2C%20anti-inflammatory%20and%20neuroprotective%20effects
- Wu, Q., Liu, L., Miron, A., Klímová, B., Wan, D., & Kuča, K. (2016). The antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory activities of Spirulina: An overview. Archives of Toxicology, 90(8), 1817–1840. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00204-016-1744-5
Government and regulatory sources
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Color Additives and Cosmetics: Fact Sheet; 21 CFR 70.3(g) and Part 73, Subpart C (color additives permitted in cosmetics). https://www.fda.gov/industry/color-additives/color-additives-and-cosmetics-fact-sheet
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2026, February 6). Listing of color additives exempt from certification; spirulina extract (food uses), Federal Register document 2026-02314. https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/02/06/2026-02314
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?) https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-laws-regulations/it-cosmetic-drug-or-both-or-it-soap
