Marine-based beauty and beauty ingredients from the sea had a big moment in 2014 with research emerging that explained the benefits of natural, sea-based elements like seaweed, sea fennel and sea salt. Brands embraced these naturally beneficial ingredients and sought to add them to everything from hair care to cosmetics.
Now, many brands are looking to different forms of algae to help give their products a boost. The addition of algae to beauty is causing a marine-based beauty resurgence, plus, Friday June 8 is World Oceans Day. With that in mind, below you will find the lowdown on algae and a refresher on the original sea ingredients we’ve come to know:
Sea salt
When ocean water is evaporated, sea salt is left behind. It's a highlighted ingredient in plenty of products because it naturally detoxes skin and is an excellent exfoliant.
Seaweed
Packed with over 65 vitamins and minerals, seaweed is considered a super food for hair. It works to hydrate the scalp and thus improve the condition of dry and brittle locks.
Pearls
Pearls contain nacre, a protein that gives them their luminous sheen – this is often why pearls are included as a key ingredient in products that aim to help whiten and brighten skin.
Caviar
This helps stimulate collagen production to decrease fine lines and wrinkles. While research on caviar is still limited, it has been proven to help strengthen the skin against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Due to caviar’s cellular makeup (similar to most marine-based ingredients) it is known to be seriously hydrating.
Sea fennel
This plant, found growing on ocean-side cliffs and rocks, is a powerful antioxidant containing vitamins A, C and E. Fed by the spray of silica in the sand and the immense amount of nutrients and detoxifying ingredients carried by the ocean, sea fennel is known to soften and hydrate skin, unclog pores, boost collagen, and assist in evening out skin texture.
Algae
Algae in skincare is starting to crop up everywhere, largely in thanks to its protective properties against pollution, its benefits as a binding agent and its moisturising properties. Algae works as a natural humectant providing a reserve of water in the tissues – this locks water in the upper layers of the skin and helps skin retain moisture, as well as its natural functions. There are four main different types of algae:
- Red
Red algae (or rhodophyceae) contains beta carotene and protein. It is most well known for its moisture-retention capabilities. - Green
Green algae (or chlorophycea) contains large amounts of vitamin C and magnesium. - Blue
Blue algae (or cyanophyceae) contains B vitamins, amino acids, polyunsaturated fats, calcium and protein. - Brown
Brown algae (or chrommophyceae) is commonly used in haircare. It contains the highest levels of iodine and fibre, as well as Vitamins C and E.
Above are our picks for sea-based beauty (clockwise L-R): Cremorlab – Marine Hyaluronic Revital Mask; Trilogy Rosapene Radiance Serum; RACINNE Ultimate Hydra Perfection Optimal Fortifying Emulsion; L’Occitane Divine Harmony Cream; Dermaviduals Laminaria Digitata; La Mer The Treatment Lotion; SÉLA Ancient Minerals BLUE SECRET Essential Age Defy Day Cream; The Body Shop Spa of the World Atlantic Seaweed Gel-Cream; Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hydra Marine Nourishing Oil; Alpha-H Liquid Gold Rose; Lush Breath of Fresh Air; Molton Brown Coastal Cypress & Sea Fennel Bath & Shower Gel; jane iredale Botanical Brush Cleaner.