If your skin is sensitive, easily irritated, dehydrated, or showing early signs of aging, it will feel right at home with marine botanical care. Formulas enriched with sea moss (Chondrus crispus) and sea kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) deliver targeted relief and visible improvement in skin comfort, smoothness, and resilience.
With regular use, expect:
Hydration that lasts — skin feels plump and calm hours after application.
Reduced redness and irritation, even in reactive skin.
More elastic, smoother texture, thanks to collagen-protective antioxidants.
A stronger skin barrier, better able to retain moisture and resist environmental stress.
Marine plants live under constant stress—UV exposure, saltwater dehydration, temperature shifts, and mechanical damage from waves. To survive, they’ve developed complex biochemical defense systems: antioxidant polyphenols, sulfated polysaccharides, and mineral complexes. When applied topically, these same compounds help human skin adapt to environmental stressors such as pollution, UV radiation, and climate-induced dryness.
Sea moss is a red algae species native to the rocky coasts of the Atlantic. Its star compounds are κ- and ι-carrageenans—sulfated galactans that behave similarly to skin’s natural glycosaminoglycans, holding water in the extracellular matrix.
Key skin benefits:
Intense hydration — Carrageenans form a light, invisible mesh on the skin’s surface, trapping water molecules and reducing TEWL (transepidermal water loss).
Nutrient delivery — Sea moss naturally accumulates magnesium, potassium, calcium, and iodine—minerals that help regulate cell hydration and keratinocyte function.
Barrier repair — Its polysaccharides help replenish the lipid matrix, smoothing roughness and restoring suppleness.
Calming action — Reduces visible redness and sensitivity through mild anti-inflammatory activity.
Giant kelp is the fastest-growing marine plant on Earth, producing dense underwater forests rich in fucoidan, laminarin, and phlorotannins.
Key skin benefits:
Collagen protection — Fucoidan inhibits matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-9), enzymes that degrade collagen and elastin after UV exposure.
Antioxidant shield — Phlorotannins, polyphenols unique to brown algae, neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) and protect cell membranes from oxidative damage.
Strengthened barrier — Laminarin and alginate form a soft, breathable film, reducing moisture loss while maintaining skin flexibility.
Even skin tone — Some studies show fucoidan may downregulate melanogenesis, supporting a more even complexion.
The skin microbiome thrives on balance. Both sea moss carrageenans and kelp fucoidans function as prebiotic substrates, selectively nourishing beneficial skin microbes. A well-fed microbiome helps reduce inflammation, protect against pathogenic bacteria, and maintain a healthy skin pH. This is especially important for those prone to acne, eczema, and rosacea.
Modern cosmetic science uses methods like cold-water maceration, enzyme-assisted extraction, and low-temperature vacuum drying to preserve the integrity of delicate marine actives. Low molecular weight fractions penetrate deeper into the epidermis, while higher molecular weight polysaccharides stay on the surface for protective film formation.
Pairing these extracts with compatible humectants (like glycerin and hyaluronic acid) and barrier lipids (like ceramides) creates synergistic hydration—drawing water into the skin and locking it in place.
Coastal Waters Toner with Atlantic Sea Kelp & Irish Moss for Sensitive Skin
This formula combines the soothing, hydrating properties of Irish Moss with the antioxidant and barrier-reinforcing benefits of Atlantic Sea Kelp. The base is minimalist, fragrance-free, and pH-balanced—ideal for reactive and easily irritated skin. Used as a first step after cleansing, it hydrates, calms, and optimizes the skin’s surface for maximum absorption of serums and creams. Small-batch production ensures each bottle retains peak potency.
Sea moss and sea kelp are more than trendy “ocean beauty” ingredients—they’re highly evolved biochemical systems designed to protect, hydrate, and repair under extreme environmental pressure. On the skin, they deliver a rare combination of hydration, antioxidant protection, anti-inflammatory action, and microbiome support—making them ideal for sensitive skin, urban dwellers, and anyone looking to slow visible aging naturally.
References
Fitton, J. H. (2011). Therapies from fucoidan; multifunctional marine polymers. Marine Drugs, 9(10), 1731–1760.
Wijesinghe, W. A. J. P., & Jeon, Y. J. (2012). Biological activities and potential cosmeceutical applications of bioactive components from brown seaweeds: A review. Phytochemistry Reviews, 11(3), 431–443.
Yuan, Y., Macquarrie, D. J. (2015). Microwave-assisted extraction of sulfated polysaccharides (fucoidan) from Ascophyllum nodosum and its antioxidant activity. Carbohydrate Polymers, 129, 101–107.
Vieira, R. P. et al. (2008). Protective effect of polysaccharides from Chondrus crispus on UVB-induced skin damage. Journal of Applied Phycology, 20(3), 367–375.
Zha, X. Q. et al. (2009). Biological activities of polysaccharides from Laminaria japonica. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 44(2), 145–151.
