Seaweed & Beauty: The Marine Ingredient Taking Over Our Routines
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When we talk about seaweed, several images immediately come to mind.
If you live in Brittany, it may evoke those uninviting greenish beaches that sometimes prevent swimming. For sushi lovers, seaweed is primarily the nori sheets that wrap around the makis. And if you’re a fan of K-beauty, seaweed opens up an entirely different universe: that of masks, innovative treatments, and the quest for that famous glow.
You guessed it, it’s the seaweed in the beauty world that interests us today. A marine ingredient with multiple facets, still far from having revealed its full potential, and promising wonderful discoveries in our skincare routines.
How Did Seaweed Become Anti-Aging Stars?
If you read everywhere that seaweed is fantastic, well, know that we are seriously behind! Indeed, for decades, the Korean women called Haenyeo have been diving to the ocean floor to bring this precious green gold to the surface.
It’s impossible to overlook: seaweed is establishing itself as one of the star ingredients in current skincare trends. Behind this enthusiasm lies a real scientific logic. Naturally subjected to UV rays, marine pollution, and climate variations, seaweed has developed extremely effective protection mechanisms. They are rich in antioxidants, polyphenols, and minerals, key active ingredients to combat oxidative stress, the main accelerator of skin aging. Some seaweeds, particularly brown seaweeds, contain fucoidans, studied for their ability to support collagen production and improve skin firmness. The result: treatments that are both anti-aging, hydrating, and protective, perfectly aligned with current expectations, featuring effective formulas inspired by science, but also natural, sensory, and oriented toward glow. An ideal balance that explains why seaweed attracts both clean beauty brands and major dermocosmetic laboratories.
The Benefits of Seaweed for the Skin
- Strengthens hair fibers
- Stimulates growth thanks to minerals (notably silicon)
- Regulates the scalp (ideal for oily hair or dandruff)
- Provides volume, shine, and lightness
The Different Types of Seaweed
In the skincare world, not all seaweeds are created equal, and each brings its own benefits to the skin. Brown seaweeds, such as laminaria or fucus, are particularly valued for their anti-aging and firming properties: rich in fucoidans and minerals, they help support skin elasticity and strengthen the skin barrier.
Red seaweeds, often used for their moisturizing and soothing virtues, are ideal for sensitive or dehydrated skin, thanks to their high content of polysaccharides that can retain water.
As for green seaweeds, such as spirulina or chlorella, they are appealing for their detoxifying and radiance-boosting effects: concentrated in vitamins, amino acids, and antioxidants, they help revitalize the complexion and enhance the glow effect. A marine trio that allows brands to formulate targeted, effective treatments perfectly aligned with new beauty expectations.
How to Use Seaweed in Your Beauty Routine
There are several ways to incorporate seaweed into your new beauty routine straight from our oceans.
- As an oily extract: a few drops to add to your day cream.
- As a serum: a seaweed serum to gently tap on your face before your treatment.
- As a day cream (or night cream): a treatment made with seaweed elements to soothe the skin.
- As a dietary supplement: spirulina, chlorella, lithothamne… seaweeds as dietary supplements are perfect for boosting the immune system.
- As food: seaweeds are edible and good for the inside as well as the outside.
My little beauty journalist tip: I love GIMME products that make seaweed in the form of edible sheets and products from the brand Mari Navi made in South Korea.
Seaweeds and ocean plants in general are a very rich resource for cosmetics and health. Rich in powerful natural actives, they inspire today’s most innovative treatments and cutting-edge beauty routines. But this wealth is fragile. Climate change, ocean acidification, and pollution directly threaten these ecosystems, putting at risk the benefits the ocean offers us. In light of this reality, beauty can no longer be disconnected from its impact: prioritizing responsible formulas, sustainable supply chains, and committed brands becomes a true act of consciousness. Because taking care of your skin is also about taking care of the ocean.
Featured image: © Unsplash
