The compelling benefits of algae: results from clinical studies

What does seaweed actually do for your skin?

Clinically Proven + Ocean-approved: Studies are showing that Sea Algae Is the Future of Skincare

Imagine a skincare ingredient that thrives in some of the harshest environments on Earth: sun-scorched tides, freezing depths, and salt-blasted shores, and yet, manages to stay hydrated, plump, and resilient. That ingredient is sea algae, and it's not just hype. It's a clinically backed, bioactive powerhouse that’s poised to reshape the future of skincare and supplements.

At the intersection of marine biology and dermatology, sea algae are making waves in cosmetic science. They're loaded with natural compounds like polysaccharides, polyphenols, and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) that are clinically proven to hydrate skin, reduce wrinkles, smooth texture, and protect against UV damage.

But this isn’t just another trend. It’s a tide-turning moment backed by serious research. From lab to lotion, sea algae have demonstrated real-world results in reducing wrinkle depth, boosting hydration, and shielding skin from photoaging. Here's why these marine marvels inspired us to launch a skin and gut health brand, and why they may be your skin's new best friend.

Can Sea Algae Really Reduce Wrinkles? A Clinical Study Says Yes

"After 28 days of using the sea algae moisturizer + spray, 86% of the subjects noticed improved skin luminosity, 86% felt that their skin was hydrated, 69% observed a reduction in spots, 69% reported smoother wrinkles, and 72% of the subjects felt that their skin appeared plumper."

A 2023 clinical study published in Cosmetics evaluated a seaweed serum spray containing extracts of Fucus vesiculosus (brown algae), Ulva lactuca (green algae), and ectoin. The study shows promising results of the benefits of seaweed for hydration and skin barrier smoothing:

Using scientific imaging and biophysical measurements, researchers tracked the effects on skin hydration and wrinkle depth. The results? Impressive. After just four weeks, participants showed a 17% reduction in wrinkle depth and a 5% increase in skin hydration compared to baseline levels. Notably, no adverse effects were reported — a big win for clean, effective skincare.

This research supports what many clean beauty brands (like Maris Dae) have been championing: nature-based actives can deliver clinically significant results. With sea algae continuing to show anti-aging, hydrating, and barrier-supporting properties, it’s quickly becoming one of the most exciting, science-backed ingredients in skincare. 

Sea Algae Deeply Hydrate the Skin

• 17% increase in skin hydration within 20 minutes after application

• 5% sustained hydration boost after 28 days of use  

These effects are credited to marine polysaccharides like fucoidan and ulvans, which have high water-binding capacity, making them excellent moisturizers (Janssens-Böcker et al., 2023).

Smoother Skin and Fewer Wrinkles? Yes, Please.

The same study showed that the seaweed-based serum also:

• 7% decrease in skin roughness 20 minutes after application
• 17% reduction in skin roughness + wrinkle depth offering a long-term anti-wrinkle effect, after 28 days after continuous product use
• findings demonstrated that the seaweed formulation exhibited a significant anti-wrinkle effect, leading to a reduced skin roughness in comparison to the baseline measurements.

These anti-aging effects are attributed to fucoidan’s ability to inhibit MMP-1, an enzyme that breaks down collagen, as well as its antioxidant properties that protect against oxidative stress.

Natural Sun Shield: UV Protection and Anti-Photoaging

Let’s talk about photoprotection. Compounds like fucoidan, laminarin, carrageenan, and mycosporine-like amino acids (MAAs) found in sea algae act as natural sunscreens and antioxidant shields.

• MAAs absorb UVA and UVB rays and dissipate their energy as heat, preventing damage to skin cells

• Fucoidan and other polysaccharides scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) that trigger photoaging

• These compounds also inhibit enzymes like collagenase and elastase, which degrade skin structure

Bottom Line: Sea Algae Are Your Skin's Best Ally

From hydration to protection to smoother texture, and even gut health, the science is clear: sea algae offer multi-targeted benefits for both internal and external wellness.

Whether you’re battling dryness, aging, or UV damage, these marine botanicals deliver clinically validated results.

This study reinforces the growing potential of marine botanicals, and the potential for our BC seaweed is only just being explored. We know that it far surpasses other active ingredients when it comes to sustainability, safety, and performance, but this is just the start. We intend to continue to research the benefits of algae for your skin barrier and gut health, and continue to lead the conversation on this powerful new ingredient.

Because when it comes to radiant, resilient skin, the sea might just have the final word.

References:

• Janssens-Böcker C., Wiesweg K., Doberenz C. (2023). Cosmetics, 10(3), 93. 

• Pangestuti R., Shin K.-H., Kim S.-K. (2021). Marine Drugs, 19(3), 172. 

• Jesumani V., Du H., Aslam M., Pei P., Huang N. (2019). Marine Drugs, 17(12), 688. 

• Colantonio S., Rivers J.K. (2016). Journal of Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery, 21(4), 299–307.