Beauty’s new wave of super ingredients
Cosmetic scientists are looking to the oceans for potent skincare solutions. Take a deep dive into the options here… By CHANELLE HO
While we all know about the health benefits of eating seaweed and the detoxing effect that bathing in sea salts can have on our body, it seems we should start using these potent marine ingredients on the face, too. “The sea is such an incredible source of discovery, with a rich choice of plants and organisms in an ecosystem as diverse as that found on dry land,” says Andy Bevacqua, senior VP of research and development at Estée Lauder, parent company to La Mer, who famously look to the oceans for ingredients. “There’s a lot of new research going on as it’s such an untapped resource, mainly because the oceans are such a hostile environment to explore, but new discoveries are being made every year.”
Algaculture (the commercial cultivation of algae) is the new agriculture; as is sea farming, where marine plants are grown in controlled conditions for scientists to work on. These active sea ingredients are all extremely powerful because they naturally survive a harsh environment of extreme and turbulent conditions and temperatures, making our skincare more potent as a result. Scroll down to discover the latest marine skincare buys that contain powerful ingredients sourced from the seas…
THE MASK Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Hyaluronic Marine Hydrating Modeling Mask
This super-hydrating mask comes in two parts: a gel and a powder that mix together to create a rubbery sheet mask. The cooling chemical reaction of the mask turning ‘solid’ gives your skin a plump and dewy finish, as the algin (found in brown seaweed) and hyaluronic acid provide a super-boost of hydration. A top tip is to make sure the edges of your mask are applied a little more thickly so it’s easy to peel off.
THE SERUM Algenist Power Recharging Night Pressed Serum
A creamy, solid serum, this boosts your skin’s overnight repair system with its hero ingredient: alguronic acid. “Alguronic acid is what helps algae to survive in extreme conditions. When used in skincare, it’s shown to boost cell regeneration by up to 55%. Plus, recent studies show that when combined with other widely used skincare ingredients, it can double their effects,” says Tammy Yaiser, VP of product development at Algenist.
THE CREAM La Mer The Moisturizing Cool Gel Cream
This new gel formula of La Mer’s famous Moisturizing Cream is perfect for hot and humid climates – it harnesses the brand’s famous Miracle Broth (a blend of fermented sea kelp, minerals and vitamins), but without the richness of the original cream. Its soothing, jelly-like texture absorbs into the skin quickly and doesn’t leave an oily finish, and the cooling formula helps to deflate any redness, puffiness or irritation.