The 5 best seaweed beauty products

You might think seaweed’s best reserved for a sushi platter - and we’d have to agree. 

But seaweed beauty products are a new favourite, thanks to their UV protection properties, super skin hydration, and resource-free growing. 

Seaweed serums, face masks, and even shampoos could leave us looking youthful and hydrated. 

Could one of the most sustainable plants in the world sway us? 

Top 5 seaweed beauty products 

Read on to find out about our favourite seaweed beauty products

1. Oleus Seaweed, Kelp, & Algae Serum 

This smoothing seaweed serum boasts a triple combo with red algae, brown algae, and bio-fermented sea kelp extract. 

While it might not sound like you’d fancy them near your face, these three work alongside hyaluronic acid to offer baby smoothness.

Oleus takes a substance called carrageenan from red seaweed, which is known for its moisture-locking abilities.¹

Carrageenan helps to keep skin looking smooth and moisturised, especially if you’re prone to drying out. 

With help from brown algae and kelp extract, this lightweight serum helps to promote oxygen supply to the skin and is a great source of antioxidant activity.²

Sun seekers will also be pleased to hear that brown algae contains phlorotannins, which help defend against UV rays.^3,4

Of course you should always practise sun safety by using an SPF of at least 30 every day - but a little extra protection is always welcome. 

Use this seaweed serum alone, or dilute using a neutral moisturiser like the Oleus Oil Free Moisturiser.

2. Faith in Nature Seaweed & Citrus Shampoo 

Seaweed isn’t just for your skin - it can moisturise your hair, too.

Faith in Nature is a champion in sustainable beauty, and their 99% natural Seaweed & Citrus Shampoo is a bestseller. 

This refreshing formula uses wild harvested seaweed to nourish and cleanse tired locks. Its antioxidant properties may help with oxidative stress, one of the leading causes of greying and hair loss.⁵

It’s a hydrating, softening shampoo suitable for all hair types. 

Seaweed is rich in both silica and amino acids, which work together to stimulate hair follicles and encourage natural growth.⁶

Want to make your scrub-down even more sustainable? Consider a 5-litre refill carton to minimise the amount of packaging per use.

As Faith in Nature puts it: “refill means less landfill”.  

3. Sea Magik Algimud Active Seaweed Face Mask 

Feeling luxurious? A mask can take your skincare routine up a notch. 

Pop on this combination of Dead Sea Mud, Dead Sea Salt, and digitata seaweed (which you’ll know better as kelp).

Like other types of seaweed, kelp has antioxidant properties and can help protect your skin against the effects of UV rays and everyday pollution.¹⁰

Kelp is a versatile natural aid for all skin types. Its high iodine content is ideal for those with dry, flaky patches of skin - yet it’s also shown to help regulate sebum production for those who are a little more oily.¹¹

The vegan, fragrance-free sachet provides enough for 2 applications. Save it for later or find yourself a mud mask bud. 

4. Q+A Seaweed Peptide Eye Gel 

Pep up your undereyes with a seaweed peptide gel.

Peptides are short strings of amino acids - basically, they’re the “building blocks” of the proteins your body makes. This includes collagen, which is crucial for firming and brightening your delicate undereye area.

A gentle dab of this algae-based gel provides a boost of vitamins A and C, as well as nourishing calcium to help prevent your thin eye skin from drying out.

Add organic aloe vera into the mix and you’re left with a cooling, calming morning gel.

5. Grounded Hyaluronic Acid Blue Algae Facial Serum

This ultra-plumping seaweed serum uses the wonderful properties of blue algae.

Blue algae is high in fatty acids, which help replenish the natural oil barrier that sits on the outermost layer of skin (the epidermis). 

Plus, it’s got hyaluronic acid, which helps to hydrate the skin and retain moisture on the surface.

As well as keeping moisture in, it helps to keep out the dirt and bacteria that contribute to breakouts.

Grounded began in the founders’ kitchens as a coffee scrub for dry skin; today it’s a leading line of hydrating beauty products. 

The result: a super-plumping seaweed serum that’s perfect for thirsty skin. 

The final say

If you’re looking for a super hydrator, your answer might just be under the sea.

Seaweed can:

• Hydrate your skin and hair
• Replenish moisture in your epidermis (outer skin layer)
• Help protect against UV rays (although this doesn’t mean you should skip on SPF, as seaweed will not protect your skin alone)
• Help to protect your body’s collagen for smooth, youthful skin 

Want to get the benefits of seaweed in your daily diet, too? A marine vitamin or mineral might be the answer. 

From growth-boosting iodine to a vegan source of Omega 3, our marine-derived supplements are more than worth their salt. Check them out!

The advice in this article is for information only and should not replace medical care. Please check with your GP or healthcare professional before trying any supplements, treatments or remedies. Food supplements must not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

Last updated: 7 September 2022