The present invention relates to a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active component for stimulating proteasome activity of skin cells comprising the broth obtained by inoculating a biomass of the algae, Gracilaria spp., particularly the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae, with a yeast culture, and allowing fermentation of the biomass to produce a fermentation broth. Also described is a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active component for stimulating proteasome activity of skin cells comprising an extract of the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae. The present invention also relates to topical compositions comprising as a cosmetic and/or pharmaceutical active component a ferment of the algae, Gracilaria spp., particularly the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae, or an extract of the algae, Gracilaria tikvahiae, or a combination of both.
