Marine extracts have earned some serious recognition in the realm of beauty, and with good reason. As the founder and creator of Crème de la Mer Dr. Max Huber discovered, sea kelp has a natural ability to regenerate itself rapidly even in extreme conditions, which is why this seaweed has become one of La Mer’s key ingredients.
Wait, is there a difference between seaweed and kelp?
Seaweed is an incredibly wide term that covers a myriad of marine plants and algae, so kelp is actually a subgroup of seaweed. Fun fact: kelp is also the largest form of seaweed. Ain’t that neat?
How will it benefit my skin?
As seaweed is able to adapt and thrive in ever-changing environments, they contain powerful elements that are beneficial for skin renewal. Hence, the fermentation of seaweed harnesses its potency in an extract, and is able to calm skin sensitivities as well as bathe it in some much needed moisture. It also strengthens and reinforces cell membranes, protecting it against free radicals, thereby slowing down the process of ageing altogether. It’s interesting to note that extract can somehow reverse cell damage and return them to their healthy state by “re-organising” the cell membrane structure. Keep blowing our minds, seaweed.
So whether your skin’s sensitive, blemish-prone, or as parched as the Sahara desert, seaweed can definitely help. In fact, it works beautifully to restore moisture and strength to your hair, too. Here, we’ve gathered some affordable alternatives (yeah, you don’t need to purchase a tub of Crème de la Mer) infused with this wonderful ocean-derived ingredient.
LUSH Cosmetics BB Seaweed Fresh Face Mask
Those with sensitive skin would know that it can be risky finding the right face mask, which is why Lush has formulated one to ease the pain, quite literally. BB Seaweed turns rough patches into a smooth canvas thanks to the finely ground almonds, while seaweed, rose absolute and organic extra virgin olive oil soothes and moisturises the skin.
$29, available at LUSH stores and lushsg.com
The Body Shop Seaweed Oil-Control Lotion SPF 15 PA++
With weather like this, it’s best to reach for a lightweight moisturiser during the day. The Body Shop’s Seaweed Oil-Control Lotion has a cooling gel-like texture that smooths on like a dream, leaving it refreshed, supple, and shine-free. Bladderwrack seaweed also contain plenty of minerals, so skin is infused with antioxidants and nourishing vitamins to purify, balance, and clarify. It even has an SPF of 15 – an all-round winner for daytime hydration.
$32.90, available at The Body Shop stores
Boscia Tsubaki Beauty Oil
Tsubaki oil, better known as camellia oil, contains the omega 6 and 9 – anti-ageing benefits Japanese women have long credited for their porcelain complexions. The beauty oil also features Japanese sea kelp to create visible firmness by boosting the skin’s natural collagen production, delivering instant radiance upon application. You can use this multi-purpose botanical blend on your face, areas of the body, as well as the tips of your hair if it’s looking a little or feeling parched.
$68, available at Sephora and sephora.sg
Byrd Purifying Shampoo
A lovely addition to our list of sulfate-free shampoos is this one by Byrd. Packed with a blend of sea kelp, green tea, aloe vera extracts as well as vegetable-derived glycerin, this Purifying Shampoo nourishes and protects hair from harmful UV rays and environmental damages. If you’re looking to get more volume, the sea salt in the formula helps to create a beach-y texture, while vitamin B5 strengthens strands and prevents breakage.
$33, available at Sephora and sephora.sg
VERB Sea Spray
We here at NYLON love a good texturising sea salt spray. This light, refreshing mist by VERB is formulated with natural sea salt as well as smoothing moisturisers to create waves like the ocean. Seaweed extract helps to cleanse the hair of excess oils as well as provide natural hydration, while quinoa protein conditions and hydrates. There’s also sunflower seed extract to help provide natural UV protection wherever you are.
$12, available at Sephora and sephora.sg
Main image: Lush UK
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