Seaweed
A Marine Botanical for Balanced Skin & Scalp
Seaweed is a broad term for a diverse group of marine algae and aquatic plants found in oceans, rivers, lakes, streams, and ponds. Humans have relied on seaweed for food, medicine, and personal care for thousands of years due to its exceptional mineral content and ability to support skin and hair health.
Seaweed occurs in a range of colors—including green, red, brown, and black—each reflecting how it absorbs light during photosynthesis and how close it grows to the ocean’s surface. These differences influence both its nutrient profile and its traditional uses. Seaweeds range in size from microscopic organisms to large kelp forests stretching many feet long.
We use several types of organic seaweed, each selected for its unique properties.
Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum)
Kelp is a deep green, cold-water seaweed harvested from clean coastal waters. It is exceptionally rich in trace minerals, antioxidants, and polysaccharides that support skin hydration and barrier function.
In skincare, kelp helps:
- Support moisture retention and skin softness
- Calm inflammation and redness associated with acne, eczema, and rosacea
- Deliver essential minerals that help strengthen and replenish stressed skin
- Protect against environmental stressors that can contribute to dryness and irritation
Kelp has long been used in facial creams, masks, natural soaps, and bath products to help soothe, hydrate, and restore balance to the skin.
Dulse (Palmaria palmata)
Dulse is a red seaweed that grows in cool Atlantic waters along the shores of North America, Ireland, and Northern Europe. Traditionally valued for promoting healthy skin, dulse is naturally rich in protein, fiber, and minerals such as calcium, potassium, and iodine.
When dried and ground, dulse provides gentle exfoliation and contributes skin-conditioning minerals, making it especially useful in natural soaps, scrubs, and bath blends designed to refresh and soften the skin without irritation.
General Skin Benefits of Seaweed
Seaweed supports skin health through a combination of minerals, antioxidants, and naturally occurring polysaccharides:
- Moisturizing & Hydrating: Polysaccharides help attract and retain moisture, improving skin softness and elasticity
- Soothing & Anti-inflammatory: Helps calm irritated skin and reduce redness associated with acne, eczema, and rosacea
- Brightening & Renewal: Mineral content supports a more even skin tone while gentle exfoliation promotes cell turnover
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Oil Regulation & Pore Clarity: Helps balance sebum production and cleanse pores, beneficial for oily or blemish-prone skin
- Gentle Exfoliation: Dried seaweed powders can help remove surface impurities when used in natural soaps and scrubs
Seaweed powders are also traditionally used in warm baths, where they are valued for soothing dry skin and easing muscular or joint discomfort.
Benefits of Seaweed for Hair & Scalp
In hair care, mineral-rich seaweeds—especially kelp—help support scalp health and hair strength. Seaweed has long been used to condition the scalp, improve shine, and add body to fine or lackluster hair.
- Nourishing & Strengthening: Amino acids, vitamins, and minerals help fortify hair fibers and support follicles
- Moisturizing: Polysaccharides help reduce moisture loss, improving softness and elasticity
- Shine & Smoothness: Helps smooth the hair cuticle, reducing frizz and enhancing natural shine to help with limp, dull, and lifeless hair
- Scalp Support: Anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties help soothe irritated scalps and support a healthy environment
- Body & Vitality: Nutrients help improve the appearance of limp or lifeless hair
Because healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp, seaweed’s mineral-rich profile makes it a valuable ingredient in natural shampoo bars, natural soap, and hair treatments designed to nourish both scalp and strands.
