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One of the big health and wellness trends for the past year or so has been marine vegetation. Algae, seaweed, kelp – you name it, if it’s an underwater vegetable, we’re supposed to add more of it to our diet. Algae chips have entered the snack aisle. But it’s not just edible marine vegetation taking center stage. You’ll also find ocean greens in the luxury skincare section. Yep, whether it’s in us or on us, algae and seaweed reportedly have a remarkably positive influence on our health. Here’s our roundup of the 12 best new beauty and skincare products with algae or seaweed as key ingredients, including luxury cleansers, serums, lotions, shampoo and sunscreen.

luxury skincare products increasingly contain algae and seaweed

Taking a stroll through the skincare aisle these days seems to require an advanced degree in chemistry. And don’t even get us started on how to pronounce the ingredients. Niacinimide, Hexylresorcinol, Chronocyclin – what???

harnessing the skincare benefits of algae and other sea plants

With the renewed interest in consuming sea plants as part of a healthy and sustainable diet, luxury beauty brands are also harnessing the benefits of algae and seaweed in their topical skincare products. With over 30,000 known species of seaweed in the in the world, a few of them have to work, right? After all, Mother Nature knows best.

best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed, including cleansers, serums and lotions

The best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed, including cleansers, serums and lotions.

Seaweed takes nutrients directly from the ocean and is therefore naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, proteins, and lipids. All of which nurture the skin.

different varieties of marine vegetation target different skincare challenges

Different types of seaweed have been shown to address a variety of skin concerns, from soothing rosacea to reducing fine lines to promoting exfoliation and brightness. And unlike other potentially harsh acids and chemicals, as NYC dermatologist Brendan Camp of Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery told Byrdie, there are no known negative side effects. And the products can be used day or night.

best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed, including cleansers, serums and lotions

The best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed, including cleansers, serums and lotions.

Ahead, we’ve curated a list of the best new skincare products with algae or seaweed as a key ingredient, including cleansers, serums, lotions, shampoo and sunscreen. Ready to dive in, dear reader?

12 best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed

Seaweed Beauty Wraps

1. Dr. Gross Hyaluronic Marina Meltaway Cleanser

We begin our edit of the best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed with a terrific cleanser. Minimalist skincare fans have to try this lightweight cleanser that effectively removes makeup, dirt and oil without having to rinse. Key ingredients include hyaluronic acid, marine algae, kiwi and aloe that provides lasting hydration and nourishes the skin with amino acids.

seaweed-based beauty products to add to your beauty routine including cleansers, serums, lotions and even, shampoo and sunscreen

BUY NOW – $41.50.

2. Mario Badescu Seaweed Cleansing Lotion

Infused with bladderwrack extract — a type of brown algae that grows on the coastlines of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and the North and Baltic Seas – this toner delivers essential vitamins and minerals after cleansing. Aloe vera and witch hazel add hydration benefits and remove any other additional impurities. We’ve been fans of this straightforward, no-frills NYC based brand for years. And we can attest to their well-priced, high-quality products.

best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed, including cleansers, serums and lotions

BUY NOW – $26.00.

3. Mara Plankton + PHA™Flower Acid Algae Serum

One of our favorite pastimes is experimenting with new serums. And this one is next on our list! It’s a three-in-one resurfacing serum with lactic acid, bioactive flower acids, and plankton that works to exfoliate, brighten, firm and protect the skin barrier. An excellent example of one of the best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed as a key ingredient.

seaweed-based beauty products to add to your beauty routine including cleansers, serums, lotions and even, shampoo and sunscreen

BUY NOW $74.00.

4. Josie Maran Argan Beta Retinol Pink Algae Serum

If wrinkles are a concern, check out this new serum from clean beauty brand founded by model Josie Maran. The formula contains 2% Pro-Retinol derived from pink algae (naturally rich in beta carotene) that converts to retinol in the skin to diminish the look of fine lines and wrinkles.

best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed, including cleansers, serums and lotions

BUY NOW – $69.00.

5. Algenist Blue Algae Vitamin C Dark Spot Correcting Peel

This innovative cocktail of alguronic acid and 100% pure Vitamin C sourced from spirulina, a vitamin and mineral-rich form of blue-green algae, forms a potent peel to reduce the appearance of dark spots and hyperpigmentation for refined, even skin. Leave on for 20 minutes and say hello to a new, radiant you.

seaweed-based beauty products to add to your beauty routine including cleansers, serums, lotions and even, shampoo and sunscreen

BUY NOW – $85.00.

6. Missha Time Revolution Red Algae Revitalizing Cream

From one of K-beauty’s most popular brands, this cream is formulated with red algae extract that has been fermented for 100 days to optimize the absorption of active ingredients. Antioxidants help relieve stress and nourish the skin with minerals and protein and rich hydration.

best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed, including cleansers, serums and lotions

BUY NOW – $52.00.

7. Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Firming & Lifting Eye Cream

This award-winning cream contains marine algae complex to visibly lift, firm, and diminish fine lines – all within seven days. As an added bonus, the creamy texture is able to melt into skin and color correct dark circles with a natural pink hue derived from pink algae.

BUY NOW – $56.00.

8. Cay Skin Deepwater Hydrating & Soothing Body Crème

Say goodbye to dryness, uneven texture, and loss of elasticity. This light-as-air formula contains sea moss,  nutrient-rich seaweed that hydrates and protects skin. We also love its signature scent of grapefruit and vanilla extracts that leave you feeling fresh all day long.

best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed, including cleansers, serums and lotions

BUY NOW – $28.00.

9. Anatome Recovery & Sleep Japanese Seaweed Essential Oil

Bring on the zen. Use this oceanic essential oil blend, leading with Japanese seaweed, on sensory points or in a diffuser for maximum therapeutic benefits.

BUY NOW – $62.00.

10. Bumble and Bumble Seaweed Shampoo

For flowing mermaid tresses, consider this shampoo formulated with marine seaweed, spirulina, and kelp to feed hair from its roots.

BUY NOW – $30.00.

11. Colekt Red Algae Hand Soap

Packed with potent plant extracts and minerals, this Stockholm-based brand’s gentle foaming wash not only cleanses but improves skin tone.

BUY NOW – $51.92.

12. Supergoop 100% Mineral Lotion SPF 30 with Green Algae

To end this list of the best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed, including cleansers, serums and lotions, we’re giving a shout-out to our friends at Goop. We’re big fans of Supergoop’s easy to blend mineral sunscreen and they just made it even better with green algae extract to protects against IRA (infrared-A) and reduce visible effects of free radicals.

best luxury skincare products with algae or seaweed, including cleansers, serums and lotions

BUY NOW – $36.00.

12 seaweed-based beauty products to add to your beauty routine

That’s our roundup of the best luxury skincare products containing algae or seaweed, including cleansers, serums and lotions. And even shampoo! Next time you’re at the beach, you just might look at those slimy greenish-brown weeds a little differently. There’s more than meets the eye in this marvelous oceanic plant that’s the secret ingredient behind the latest cleansers, serums, and lotions.

Julie Murphy

Julie began her career in fashion as a design intern at 3.1 Phillip Lim after graduating from Parsons School of Design. As the fashion editor at Dandelion Chandelier, she brings over a decade of experience as a designer and marketing creative to cover trends and styling.