The invention relates to a process for the production of 4-aminobutyric acid, also referred to as gamma-aminobutyric acid, in short GABA, to a process for the production of an extract comprising 4-aminobutyric acid, to a process for the preparation of a cosmetic formulation comprising 4-aminobutyric acid, and to the use of Cyanidium caldarium cells or cell components in cosmetic applications.