Between November 2026 and June 2027, the European SMACC+ project will deliver a series of theoretical and practical workshops to showcase the potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria in the development of sustainable cosmetic products.
The European project SMACC+, co-funded by the Interreg Atlantic Area programme, will launch a series of workshops entitled “Sustainable Cosmetics”, aimed at students and teachers from vocational education and training (VET) centres specialising in Personal Image and Healthcare.
The initiative, led by CINBIO at the University of Vigo, the project’s lead partner, aims to bring scientific research closer to the educational sector and showcase new opportunities for developing cosmetic products using sustainable bio-based ingredients derived from microalgae and cyanobacteria.
From Scientific Research to Cosmetic Applications
The workshops will combine theoretical training with hands-on experimentation, enabling participants to explore the potential of these microorganisms as a source of ingredients for the cosmetics industry and their contribution to the development of more sustainable alternatives.
Each workshop will last approximately three hours and will be divided into two sessions:
Theoretical session (30 minutes): an introduction to sustainable cosmetics and the potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria to produce sustainable bio-based ingredients that help reduce marine pollution.
Practical session (2 hours and 30 minutes): a cosmetic laboratory session in which participants will formulate two products: a facial lotion and a moisturising cream.
The activities will be specifically designed for students and teachers enrolled in vocational training programmes related to beauty and aesthetics, hairdressing, cosmetics, and pharmacy and parapharmacy.
Promoting Training and Sustainability in the Cosmetics Sector
Through this series of workshops, SMACC+ aims to raise awareness of the sustainable use of microalgae and strengthen the links between research, innovation and vocational education and training.
The initiative will introduce future professionals in the sector to emerging technologies and bio-based ingredients, highlighting the importance of incorporating sustainability criteria into the development and manufacturing of cosmetic products.
The workshops will take place between November 2026 and June 2027, with scientific expertise and materials provided by CINBIO at the University of Vigo as part of the SMACC+ project. The participating schools are IES de Teis (Vigo) on 13 November 2026; IES A Pinguela (Monforte de Lemos) on 16 December 2026; IES Lamas de Abade (Santiago de Compostela); CIFP Someso (A Coruña) in January 2027; and IES Frei Martín Sarmiento (Pontevedra).
This activity reflects SMACC+’s commitment to knowledge transfer, the valorisation of marine resources and the promotion of a more innovative and sustainable cosmetics industry.
About SMACC+
SMACC+ is co-funded by the Interreg Atlantic Area programme of the European Union, with a total budget of €2,803,068.07, and brings together nine partners: Universidade de Vigo (coordinator), La Rochelle Université, University College Dublin, Instituto Tecnológico de Canarias, A4F-Algae for Future, Instituto Politécnico de Bragança, University of Galway, Alga Biologics, and Finnova Foundation, along with associated partners including AQUALGAE, Cantabria Labs, Cosmetic Valley, Xunta de Galicia, and the Consejo Insular de la Energía de Gran Canaria.
