Polysaccharides from shell waste of shellfish and their applications in the cosmeceutical industry: A review

• Published in: International journal of biological macromolecules 2024-04, Vol.265 (Pt 2), p.131119-131119, Article 131119
• Main Authors: Nirmal, Nilesh, Demir, Didem, Ceylan, Seda, Ahmad, Sameer, Goksen, Gulden, Koirala, Pankaj, Bono, Gioacchino
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Cosmeceuticals; Green additive; Polysaccharides; Recycling; Shellfish; Sustainability; Waste
• ISSN: 0141-8130; 1879-0003
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.131119

Shell waste from shellfish processing contains valuable natural polysaccharides, including sulfated polysaccharides, acidic polysaccharides, glycosaminoglycans, chitin and their derivatives. These shellfish waste-derived polysaccharides have numerous functional and biological properties that can be applied in various industries, including the cosmeceutical industry. In keeping with global sustainability and green industry trends, the cosmeceuticals industry is transitioning from petrochemical-based ingredients to natural substitutes. In this context, shell waste-derived polysaccharides and their derivatives can play a major role as natural substitutes for petroleum-based components in various cosmeceutical skincare, hair care, oral care and body care products. This review focuses on the presence of polysaccharides and their derivatives in shell waste and discusses their various cosmeceutical applications in skin care, hair care, sun care, oral care and body care products. This indicates that shell waste utilization will help create a circular economy in which extracted polysaccharides are used to produce green cosmeceutical products. •Shellfish waste is a source of natural polysaccharides and their derivatives.•Presence of sulfated, acidic, glycosaminoglycans, chitin polysaccharides reported.•These can be utilized in skin care, hair care, oral care, body care.•Shellfish waste derived polysaccharides could boost green cosmetics.