Native to the cold Antarctic Ocean, Pseudoalteromonas is a genus of marine bacteria with many different species. In 1988, a new species named Pseudoalteromonas Antarctica was isolated from mud samples collected from the inlet Admiralty Bay, on King George Island, Antarctica. During growth, this species of bacteria produces an exopolymer of glycoproteins believed to help the bacteria retain water, adhere to surfaces, and withstand the extreme cold. Its protective function in nature has been applied in beauty products to regenerate and protect the skin.