What's in the bottle? Inside the ingredients in our products.
A few years ago, I sat down with our chemist, Paul to explore botanical ingredients that had the potential to improve the health of our bodies.
I had been making personal care products for years at this point, and I was very focused on naturally derived and safe ingredients, but I wanted to pivot to focus on ingredient performance. What was out there that could actually improve the health of my body?
After exploring some options, he presented the idea of seaweed. Often overlooked and under-utilized, seaweed is a powerful antioxidant and humectant: perfect for improving your skin biome and your gut health. And even better? We live in Vancouver where there is endless coastlines and a budding industry of seaweed farmers collecting some of the best seaweed in the world.
And so we set out to create a high functional skincare brand, sourced locally + sustainably with a unique ingredient and backed by real science.
What followed was a long labour of love. Iterations, reformulations, late nights reading marine biology papers. Paul brought the chemistry. I brought the vision — and the conviction that what goes on your skin should be as considered as what goes in your body.
The result is our first two body care products. I recently sat down with Paul to ask him about the development of this product line. The key takeaway? Seaweed behaves a lot like hyaluronic acid in the skin. The polysaccharides in our red algae draw moisture in and hold it there — leaving skin plumper, softer, and more hydrated than either of us expected from a body product.
Below is the full breakdown of every ingredient — what's in each product, what it is, and what it does for your skin. No marketing language. Just the real story.
It starts with seaweed.
Skin that lives outdoors needs more than surface moisture. It needs infrastructure.
Both products are built around the Maris Element — our dual-species marine complex of mazzaella japonica (red algae) and nereocystis luetkeana (bull kelp), harvested on Vancouver Island through our partners who work with local seaweed farmers who have a history of sustainable cultivation on Vancouver Island, and work with the local Coast Salish indigenous tribes. These aren't generic "seaweed extracts." They're sourced sustainably with a strong emphasis on quality, from specific species that are unique to the Pacific Northwest, and that have unique skin and gut health benefits.
Deep, lasting hydration — Seaweed polysaccharides act similarly to hyaluronic acid, drawing moisture into the skin and holding it there for a visibly plumper result. A 2023 clinical study using marine-derived actives showed a 17% improvement in skin hydration in just 28 days. [1]
Barrier reinforcement — Fucoidan from bull kelp has been known to protect the skin's structure [2], and mazzaella has polysaccharides that support skin barrier integrity.
Antioxidant protection — Both species carry polyphenols, carotenoids, and amino acids that help neutralize free radical damage from sun, pollution, and environmental stress.
We pack our formulas with skin-feeding botanicals
We pack our formulas with skin-feeding botanicals. Jojoba oil mirrors your skin's own sebum so closely it absorbs instantly, locking in moisture and leaving zero greasy residue. Rosehip oil brings a concentrated dose of fatty acids and antioxidants that visibly smooth texture and support your skin's resilience over time. Aloe to soothe and hydrate. Together, they work alongside the Maris Element to leave skin plump, glowing, and genuinely nourished after every use.
We blend in known skin repairing + hydrating ingredients.
Your skin barrier is everything. It's what keeps moisture in, irritants out, and your skin looking strong and radiant. That's why our core actives are built around it. Hyaluronic acid floods skin with hydration at every layer. Niacinamide locks that hydration in and keeps the barrier functioning at its best. The Maris Element brings clinically supported polysaccharides that hydrate, calm, and protect from the inside out. Together, they don't just moisturize. They rebuild.
We add silky-soft emolliants.
Plant-based emolliants give the body serum a very soft, moisturizing texture. Plant-based emollients work with your skin's natural architecture, not against it. Unlike petroleum-derived alternatives, they deliver fatty acids, plant sterols, and lipid-rich compounds that actually integrate into the skin barrier, reducing water loss and leaving skin genuinely plump and resilient.
Our bodywash has a gentle cleanser.
Our body wash uses a gentle coconut surfactant as the cleanser, to clean without stripping. You'll notice it isn't as sudsy as other soaps, and that's because we don't use SLS which is a foaming agent that can leave your skin dry. Fun fact, the suds are not what does the cleansing, it's the polarization of the soap!
Natural, luxurious citrus blossom scent.
We crafted our own unique blend of rose, neroli, sage, sandalwood and grapefruit to give our products a refreshing, citrus flower blend. It's lightweight, and artificial fragrance-free, with a luxurious finish.
BODY SERUM — INGREDIENT TABLE
| Ingredient Name | Common Name | What It Is | What It Does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nereocystis Luetkeana Extract | Bull Kelp Extract | Brown seaweed extract, BC coast sourced | Rich in fucoidan a polysaccharide with documented barrier-protective and antioxidant properties. Supports structural integrity of the skin matrix. |
| Maezzaella Japonica Extract | MJ Red Seaweed Extract | Red seaweed extract, BC coast sourced | Delivers sulfated polysaccharides that behave like hyaluronic acid — drawing moisture in and holding it for visibly plumper skin. Also rich in amino acids and MAAs (natural UV-absorbing compounds). |
| Niacinamide | Vitamin B3 | Water-soluble vitamin | Strengthens the skin barrier by boosting ceramide production. Evens skin tone, reduces redness. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | Hyaluronic Acid | Sodium salt of hyaluronic acid | Draws moisture into the skin and holds it there. Absorbs cleanly with no sticky residue. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate | Vitamin E | Stable, skin-ready form of vitamin E | Neutralizes free radicals from UV and environmental exposure. Reinforces the skin's lipid barrier. |
| Squalane | Squalane | Lightweight plant-derived lipid (sugarcane) | Mimics skin's own sebum. Seals the barrier without occlusion. Non-comedogenic, non-greasy. |
| Glycerin | Glycerin | Skin-identical humectant | Gold standard moisture binder. Draws moisture from the environment into the skin's upper layers. |
| Propanediol | Propanediol | Corn-derived glycol | Hydrates and improves skin feel. Contributes to the non-sticky, fast-absorbing texture. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract | Aloe Vera | Leaf extract with polysaccharides and enzymes | Hydrates and soothes. Especially effective post-sun and post-sweat. Brings a natural cooling feel. |
| Rosa Canina Seed Oil | Rosehip Seed Oil | Cold-pressed seed oil | Rich in linoleic acid and vitamin A precursors. Supports barrier integrity and skin texture over time. |
| Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil | Jojoba Oil | Liquid wax, not a true oil | Closely mimics human sebum. Exceptionally skin-compatible. Works for all skin types including oily and sensitive. |
| Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride | Coconut-derived carrier oil | Lightweight emollient that softens skin and helps deliver other actives. |
| Decyl Oleate | Decyl Oleate | Ester of oleic acid | Lightweight emollient. Contributes to the silky, fast-absorbing skin feel. |
| C13-15 Alkane | C13-15 Alkane | Ultra-lightweight hydrocarbon emollient | Improves spreadability and gives the serum its clean, non-greasy finish. |
| Hydrogenated Polyfarnesene | Hydrogenated Polyfarnesene | Plant-derived polymer | Delivers premium cushion and slip without occlusion. The ingredient behind the serum's luxury skin feel. |
| Aqua | Water | Purified water | The base of the formula. Always listed first — the ingredient present in the highest concentration. |
| Lithium Magnesium Sodium Silicate | Cosmetic Clay | Mineral silicate clay | Gives the serum its gel-like texture and skin-smoothing feel. A natural alternative to synthetic acrylate thickeners. |
| Glyceryl Stearate | Glyceryl Stearate | Plant-derived emulsifier | Keeps oil and water phases stable and uniform. |
| Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate | Polyglyceryl-3 Dicitrate/Stearate | Plant-derived emulsifier | Supports formula stability. Contributes a smooth, even texture. |
| Cetyl Alcohol | Cetyl Alcohol | Plant-derived fatty alcohol | Not drying despite the name. Thickens and conditions. Improves texture and emulsion stability. |
| Xanthan Gum | Xanthan Gum | Fermentation-derived natural thickener | Stabilizes the formula and contributes to its gel texture. |
| Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate | Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate | Plant-derived emulsifier | Improves texture and helps skin feel conditioned after application. |
| Caprylyl Glycol | Caprylyl Glycol | Fatty acid-derived preservative + humectant | Part of the preservative system. No parabens. Also conditions skin. |
| Caprylhydroxamic Acid | Caprylhydroxamic Acid | Fatty acid-derived preservative | Works with Caprylyl Glycol to protect formula integrity. No parabens or formaldehyde-releasing agents. |
| Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate | Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate | Biodegradable chelating agent | Binds metal ions to prevent oxidation and maintain stability. A green alternative to EDTA. |
| Rosa Damascena Flower Oil | Damask Rose EO | Steam-distilled rose essential oil | The heart note. Rich, complex, grounding. Mild anti-inflammatory properties. |
| Citrus Aurantium Flower Oil | Neroli EO | Steam-distilled orange blossom essential oil | Bright, clean, slightly honeyed. Lifts the blend. |
| Fusanus Spicatus Oil | Australian Sandalwood EO | Steam-distilled sandalwood essential oil | Warm, creamy base note. The note that lingers. Mild skin-soothing properties. |
| Salvia Sclarea Oil | Clary Sage EO | Steam-distilled clary sage essential oil | Herbaceous, earthy with a faint floral undertone. Connects the blend to the Pacific Northwest coast. |
| Juniperus Virginiana Oil | Juniper EO | Steam-distilled juniper essential oil | Clean, woody, crisp. The note that makes the blend smell like the outdoors. |
| Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil | Grapefruit EO | Cold-pressed grapefruit peel oil | The top note. Zesty and energizing. Sets the first impression. |
| Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil | Rosemary EO | Steam-distilled rosemary essential oil | Bright and herbal. Bridges the floral and woody notes. Mild antioxidant properties. |
Allergens: Limonene, Linalool, Terpineol, Geraniol, Pinene, Citral, Terpinolene, Geranyl Acetate, Beta-Caryophyllene
BODY WASH — INGREDIENT TABLE
| Ingredient Name | Common Name | What It Is | What It Does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nereocystis Luetkeana Extract | Bull Kelp Extract | Brown seaweed extract, BC coast sourced | Rich in fucoidan with barrier-protective and antioxidant properties. Delivers real skin benefit even in a rinse-off format. |
| Mazzaella Japonica Extract | MJ Red Seaweed Extract | Red seaweed extract, BC coast sourced | Sulfated polysaccharides that act like hyaluronic acid — drawing moisture in for plumper, softer skin — plus amino acids and MAAs for barrier support, even through wash and rinse. |
| Aqua | Water | Purified water | The base of the formula. Always listed first — the ingredient present in the highest concentration. |
| Decyl Glucoside | Decyl Glucoside | Mild surfactant from corn + coconut, COSMOS-approved | Primary cleanser. Gentle enough for sensitive skin. Cleans without stripping the barrier. |
| Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate | Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate | Coconut-derived surfactant | Delivers rich, creamy lather while remaining gentle. Common in sensitive skin and baby formulas. |
| Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate | Sodium Lauroyl Sarcosinate | Amino acid-derived co-surfactant | Cleans gently and leaves a conditioning feel on skin. |
| Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine | Cocamidopropyl Hydroxysultaine | Coconut-derived amphoteric surfactant | Boosts foam and reduces the overall irritancy potential of the surfactant system. |
| Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside | Caprylyl/Capryl Glucoside | Mild co-surfactant from coconut and corn sugars | Contributes gentle cleansing and improves the skin feel during and after use. |
| Lauryl Lactate | Lauryl Lactate | Lactic acid ester | Gives the wash its non-stripping after-feel. Why your skin doesn't feel tight post-shower. |
| Citric Acid | Citric Acid | Organic acid, pH adjuster | Brings the formula to its optimal, slightly acidic pH — matching healthy skin and stabilizing all actives. |
| Niacinamide | Vitamin B3 | Water-soluble vitamin | Strengthens the skin barrier by boosting ceramide production. Works in a rinse-off format to prime skin. |
| Sodium Hyaluronate | Hyaluronic Acid | Sodium salt of hyaluronic acid | Draws and binds moisture at the skin surface. Leaves skin feeling hydrated, not stripped. |
| Tocopheryl Acetate | Vitamin E | Stable form of vitamin E | Antioxidant protection. Reinforces the skin's lipid barrier. |
| Olea Europaea Fruit Oil | Olive Fruit Oil | Cold-pressed olive oil | Rich in oleic acid. Leaves skin soft rather than stripped — the mark of a genuinely nourishing cleanser. |
| Glycerin | Glycerin | Skin-identical humectant | Gold standard moisture binder. Draws moisture in and holds it at the surface. |
| Propanediol | Propanediol | Corn-derived glycol | Hydrates and contributes to the clean, non-sticky skin feel after rinsing. |
| Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract | Aloe Vera | Leaf extract with polysaccharides and enzymes | Hydrates and soothes. Effective on post-sun and post-sweat skin. |
| Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose | Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose | Plant-derived cellulose thickener | Gives the wash its body and consistency. |
| Caprylyl Glycol | Caprylyl Glycol | Fatty acid-derived preservative + humectant | Part of the preservative system. No parabens. Also conditions skin. |
| Caprylhydroxamic Acid | Caprylhydroxamic Acid | Fatty acid-derived preservative | Works with Caprylyl Glycol. No parabens or formaldehyde-releasing agents. |
| Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate | Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate | Biodegradable chelating agent | Prevents oxidation and maintains formula stability. Green alternative to EDTA. |
| Rosa Damascena Flower Oil | Damask Rose EO | Steam-distilled rose essential oil | The heart note. Rich, complex, grounding. |
| Citrus Aurantium Flower Oil | Neroli EO | Steam-distilled orange blossom essential oil | Bright, clean, slightly honeyed. Lifts the blend. |
| Fusanus Spicatus Oil | Australian Sandalwood EO | Steam-distilled sandalwood essential oil | Warm, creamy base note. Mild skin-soothing properties. |
| Salvia Sclarea Oil | Clary Sage EO | Steam-distilled clary sage essential oil | Herbaceous and earthy. Grounds the blend in something coastal and botanical. |
| Juniperus Virginiana Oil | Juniper EO | Steam-distilled juniper essential oil | Clean, woody, crisp. Makes the blend smell like the outdoors. |
| Citrus Paradisi Peel Oil | Grapefruit EO | Cold-pressed grapefruit peel oil | The top note. Zesty and energizing. |
| Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Oil | Rosemary EO | Steam-distilled rosemary essential oil | Herbal and clarifying. Bridges the floral and woody notes. |
Allergens: Limonene, Pinene, Linalool
Sources
[1] Johnson et al. (2023). Tolerability and Effectiveness of Sea Algae Extract. Cosmetics, 10(3), 93. doi: 10.3390/cosmetics10030093
[2] Cherry, P. et al. (2019). Prebiotics from Seaweeds. Marine Drugs, 17, 327. doi: 10.3390/md17060327
