Hyaluronic acid – the unrivaled king of hydration? Thanks to its long, well-studied history, yes… but according to today’s science – not anymore.

Meet the new star: SILICA ALGAE. An ingredient that hydrates just as powerfully, but also shields your skin, gently cleanses, and does it all without making Mother Earth sigh in dismay.

In short: skin-friendly, guilt-free, and far more versatile than good old hyaluronic acid.

This isn’t just an ingredient. It’s an adventure in itself. For us, every new product begins like a little expedition – not behind a lab bench, but right at the source.

ALGICA® X LUMI

Algica® isn’t just fascinated by algae – they grow them. When they first started out, we were among the very first to knock on their door (Okay, fine… we wrote to them. We’re not that crazy).

We visited in person, pulled on lab coats, and dove into the details. We mixed creams in the lab, learned how silica works, and watched those microscopic plant particles grow like future stars of the cosmetics world.

Yes, we do our homework. Because we don’t just want to slap “natural ingredient” on a label and hope no one asks questions. We want to know. To touch. To really understand.

Not just because it sounds nice, but because it’s there – in the sparkle of scientists’ eyes and the enthusiasm of our own team – that the ideas are born which at first seem like Mission Impossible.

And yet, the result is a product with a formula that’s kind to the planet and gentle on your skin.

HOW CONVENTIONAL SILICA WORKS – AND WHY IT’S A PROBLEM

Ever wondered why your cream feels so silky when you put it on? Or how you get that perfectly matte finish, almost as if your pores don’t exist?

Often, that magic comes from ingredients like silicones, microplastics, and amorphous silica — processed materials mined deep from the earth and refined with harsh chemicals. The result: instant effect, yes… but also lasting harm, to both your skin and the planet.

These ingredients can clog pores and disrupt your skin’s natural microbiome, eventually causing sensitivity, dryness, or breakouts.

Nano silica – the invisible risk

Did you know that many cosmetics use silica in nano form? This is ultra-dense silicon dioxide with particles small enough to penetrate the skin and enter the bloodstream.

Research suggests it can damage skin cells, interfere with cell renewal, and trigger inflammation — especially on sensitive or compromised skin.

The European Commission does not consider nano-form silica safe for use in cosmetics.

How to spot it?

On ingredient lists, look for “Silica,” “Hydrated Silica,” or “Silicon Dioxide” – sometimes with [nano] next to it, but not always.

If a brand isn’t transparent, you may never know you’re putting something on your skin that could be doing it harm.

Light on Skin, Heavy on the Earth

That velvety, “weightless” feeling on your skin doesn’t disappear when you rinse it away.

Silicones and other silicon-based compounds that give products their smooth texture and matte finish are washed off into our waterways. Once there, they don’t break down – they accumulate. In sediments, in aquatic life, and, eventually, in all of us.

And silica dioxide?

It’s not just some harmless leftover. The silica used in cosmetics is highly processed, which means extra energy use, CO₂ emissions, and chemical treatments. It’s not something that “just happened to be there” – it’s a deliberately engineered ingredient, with a cost the planet ultimately pays.

Algae – The Future of Beauty Without Compromise

Meet diatom algae: one of Earth’s tiniest but most extraordinary organisms.

Instead of tearing minerals from the earth, we can cultivate these microscopic wonders in controlled, light-filled environments called photobioreactors – where they thrive on nothing more than light, CO₂, and nutrients.

Diatoms naturally weave themselves delicate silica shells, which can be gently harvested and purified using clean biotechnology.

No mines.
No toxic byproducts.
No scars on the earth.

Why Algae Silica is a Game-Changer

This naturally derived silica works in perfect harmony with your skin:

✔ Absorbs excess oil and sweat
✔ Forms a breathable shield against pollution and UV rays
✔ Boosts delivery of other active ingredients
✔ Hydrates as deeply as hyaluronic acid

And for the planet? Every kilo of cultivated algae:

🌱 Captures up to eight times more CO₂ than it produces
🌱 Contains no harmful nanoparticles
🌱 Is 100% safe for your skin and the environment

“Algica prevents air pollution from entering the skin. One study showed a block of at least 24 % of air pollution In a second study Algica blocked 2,5 times more pollution than hyaluronic acid, and 5 times more compared to untreated skin. In Nickel-chelation test, Algica blocked up to 16 times more Nickel compared to hyaluronic acid” – Swedish Algae Factory

The LUMI Promise – Pure Beauty, No Compromise

For us, beauty lives not only in the outcome, but in the journey that leads there. That’s why at LUMI we choose only algae-based silica – nurtured by nature, perfected through innovation, and created in harmony with our planet.

Experience the Difference

Algica® already powers some of LUMI’s most loved creations:

• ICONIC Well-Aging Treatment – Strengthens the microbiome, smooths, protects, and gives that silk-touch finish, no silicone required.

• ICONIC Overnight Peptide Treatment – Works while you sleep, flushing impurities and supporting collagen renewal.

• Sunberry Turmeric Day Serum – A luminous golden glow with protection against UV, pollution, and blue light.

• SENSES CC Clay Moisturiser – A tinted veil that mattifies without masking.

• LOLÁ IN French Riviera ALGICA® Body Oil – Citrus & Lavender – Featherlight hydration with a satin finish, never sticky.

With LUMI, you don’t choose between performance and principle. You choose both — skin that thrives, and a planet that breathes easier.

Naturally. The LUMI way.