Researchers from the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will have you know that those mussels are good not only as food but also for skin care. In a study titled “Extraction and Utilization of Mussel Glycogen,” the researchers from UPV and the DOST-Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) used food-grade mussel glycogen extracts to develop cosmetic products like cream, ointment and soap. “Green mussel (Perna viridis) is one of the emerging aquatic commodities that is poised to contribute to the economic output of the fisheries sector in the country,” the DOST-PCAARRD said in an article recently published on its website.

Bautista, J. (2022, May 27). From DOST, skin care with a touch of 'tahong'. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A4.