Solazyme, Inc., a company producing renewable oil and bioproducts from microalgae, has signed agreements with beauty retailer Sephora and global multimedia retailer QVC, to launch Algenist, Solazyme’s microalgae-based prestige anti-aging skincare line, in the U.S. and internationally. Beginning in March 2011, Algenist will be available on QVC in the U.S. and in over 800 Sephora stores in seven countries throughout Europe and in the U.S. before expanding to Asia and the Middle East.

Algenist is a line of advanced anti-aging skincare products formulated with Solazyme’s breakthrough ingredient, alguronic acid. Solazyme’s biotechnology scientists unexpectedly discovered alguronic acid, what the company says is a true breakthrough in the anti-aging market, after studying thousands of microalgae strains for renewable energy solutions. When researched for potential anti-aging benefits, alguronic acid demonstrated significant rejuvenating properties.

“Sephora and QVC both have reputations for providing some of the most advanced skin care products in the world to consumers,” says Frederic Stoeckel, GM of Solazyme Health Sciences. “Since we share their commitment to delivering ground-breaking, high-value innovations, it was a natural step for us to team up.”

“Solazyme’s pioneering work in producing unique microalgae ingredients from its biotechnology platform is extremely promising. Algenist is an innovative addition to our skincare assortment and one that we are confident will be very well received by the discerning customers that visit Sephora stores in Europe,” says Rachel Marouani, SVP marketing and E-commerce general manager of Sephora Europe, Middle East, and Asia.

Sharon Rothstein, SVP marketing of Sephora US, says, “At Sephora, we are relentless in our search for unique and creative product offerings to redefine the beauty landscape. Algenist is this and more, and we are thrilled to be launching the line exclusively at retail and in conjunction with QVC. We have found that availability of a product in Sephora stores and on QVC is a powerful synergy that strengthens both parties’ sales, and we believe that Algenist represents an exciting opportunity to heighten our relationship.”

“QVC is thrilled to join forces with Sephora to launch such an innovative skincare line,” adds Allen Burke, QVC’s senior advisor of beauty strategy and development. “We are constantly looking for the latest groundbreaking products to debut to our beauty customer who is both an early adopter and a beauty enthusiast. Algenist is the perfect addition to our growing assortment of premium beauty products.”