With more and more people taking the time to learn exactly what their skin care products contain, natural marine-based ingredients have soared in popularity. These sea-derived ingredients are nothing new – many Asian cultures have been harvesting different elements from the oceans and using them for cosmetic purposes for centuries.

Now, with science confirming that these marine-based ingredients do actually bring the skin numerous different benefits, skin care brands from all over the world are incorporating them into their formulas.

Of course, with so many different sea-derived ingredients out there, how do you know which ones are worth investing in?

Well, here are seven ingredients for you to begin with, each one proven to bring the skin some truly extraordinary benefits.

Algae

Algae are aquatic organisms that significantly vary when it comes to their complexity, ranging from microscopic, single-celled algae to complex multi-cellular organisms, such as seaweed. There are thousands of different types of algae out there, although the exact number is unknown. Some would place this number at around 30,000, while others estimate it to be closer to one million.

As you can imagine, each type of algae is pretty unique, and this also applies to the properties that they would bring to your skin. Although just about every type of algae used in skin care is fantastic for providing hydration and is packed with vitamins and minerals, each type offers its own additional benefits. So, in order to truly reap the skin-boosting powers of algae, you need to make sure that you are using the correct algae species:

  • Brown Algae – one of the most-researched of algae types, brown algae contains phototannins that act as an antioxidant and absorb UV light, helping to strengthen the quality of your skin’s collagen fibers. It also helps with wound healing by protecting your skin’s elastin fibers, and, thanks to its high vitamin C content, provides a brightening effect too.
  • Red Algae – another type of algae commonly found in cosmetics, red algae is also able to absorb certain UV light wavelengths, helping to promote firmness, tightness and smoothness in the skin. Its red hue is all down to its beta-carotene content, which converts into vitamin A after entering into the skin.
  • Spirulina – a type of blue-green microalgae, spirulina is packed with chlorophyll, which is fantastic for cleansing the skin and boosting moisture retention, giving the skin a plumper and smoother appearance. It also decreases inflammation while increasing cell turnover, giving you brighter and healthier skin.

Want to add algae into your skin care routine?

Try the OROGOLD 24K Kelp Caviar Microbead Serum. In addition to containing kelp extract, which is a form of brown algae, it is also packed with several other botanicals, along with acetyl hexapeptide-8 to provide an immediate softening and smoothing effect.

Sea Salt

Not only has sea salt become such a popular ingredient in the kitchen, but it has been appearing in more and more skin care products as well.

Why?

Well, to begin with, sea salt is a natural detoxifier. It draws toxins out from the skin – toxins that could have otherwise triggered a range of different skin issues.

Sea salt can also be used as an exfoliant, although only salt granules with smooth grains should ever be used on the skin. Any granules with sharper edges could cause micro-tears in the skin, which is something you definitely don’t want.

Sea salt harvesting with salt in bucket

Sea salt is also able to boost circulation, giving the skin a rosy glow, and boasts antiseptic properties too. As an added bonus, sea salt is a fantastic source of several different skin-boosting minerals, including:

  • Zinc
  • Iron
  • Manganese
  • Silicon
  • Copper
  • Phosphorus

Sea Fennel

Although not technically from the sea itself, sea fennel (also known as rock fennel or rock samphire) is a wild plant that grows in coastal areas. It is a popular ingredient in Majorcan cuisine, boasting an intensely aromatic taste. This is a plant that has been used for medicinal properties for centuries, and can be traced all the way back to Ancient Greece.

Sea fennel plant

In addition to being useful in the kitchen, sea fennel can also work wonders when it comes to the skin…

Sea fennel contains some interesting compounds, one of which are peptides. Many botanical extracts contain peptides, but the ones found in sea fennel are much smaller in size, meaning enhanced penetration into the skin.

Sea fennel is also a great source of numerous vitamins and minerals, including vitamins A, C and E. Just like many other botanical extracts out there, you will find plenty of antioxidants in sea fennel, with these being key in protecting the skin from aging. All of these compounds are in a highly bio-available form, meaning that your skin can quickly put them to good use.

Caviar

One of the most luxurious culinary ingredients out there, and one that was once reserved only for royalty, caviar can now also be found in high-end skin care products.

Wondering what caviar does for the skin?

Several different things, with one of the most important being providing protection from UVA and UVB rays. This is all thanks to the potent antioxidants within caviar, with these helping to protect the skin’s collagen and elastin, and therefore having a powerful anti-aging effect. The high amount of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in caviar aid in its anti-aging results too, while also reducing inflammation in the skin.

Do you suffer from dry skin?

Caviar can help with this too…

When applied topically, the compounds within these tiny eggs increase the rate at which the skin produces ceramides. These are the skin’s natural lipids that enable it to retain moisture and stay hydrated, while giving you that natural, healthy glow.

Now, you might be thinking…

Does the skin actually absorb caviar?

Many are surprised to know that yes, both caviar and caviar extract are easily absorbed by the skin. This is because the amino acids that make up caviar are extremely similar to those that can be found in the human body, meaning that your skin readily accepts and absorbs the ingredient.

While caviar extract can certainly be beneficial, there is nothing quite like treating your skin to the real deal. If you live in the USA, then you are lucky enough to be able to purchase the OROGOLD 24K Wild Caviar. This product consists of just three ingredients:

  • Wild American Caviar
  • Tea Tree Oil
  • 24K Gold

It comes with a brush that you can use to break the eggs (in a bowl), before applying to your skin for pure indulgence.

Squalene

Squalene is an interesting marine-derived ingredient, because although it traditionally came from the sea (from shark liver oil, to be precise), its increase in popularity has led to the discovery of plant-based sources of squalene too. This usually comes from olives, amaranth seed and rice bran.

Squalene and amaranth

What’s so great about squalene?

Well, for starters, this is an ingredient that is suitable for all skin types. Its molecular structure pretty much mimics that of the skin’s own sebum, meaning that when the skin absorbs it, it is tricked into thinking that it has produced the squalene itself. This is great news for those with oily skin, as the skin then cuts back on its production of sebum, meaning fewer breakouts and less oiliness in the long run.

Don’t worry if you have dry skin – squalene won’t make this even drier. Instead, squalene will help to boost your skin’s hydration levels, making it look even healthier. It is a good source of antioxidants too, repairing skin damage and fighting the aging process.

Thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties, squalene can help to treat many different skin conditions too, including acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis.

Since squalene is so highly absorbent, all of the improvements it triggers in the skin take place at a deeper, cellular level. This means that results tend to appear much faster than with other ingredients, and will also stick around for the long run.

Marine Collagen

You have probably noticed several skin care products out there that have been formulated with collagen. After all, collagen is the protein that gives the skin its structure, so surely this is an amazing ingredient to use topically?

Not necessarily…

There are two main types of collagen out there:

  • Type I Collagen – supports the joints and tendons
  • Type II Collagen – supports the skin

Many of the skin care products out there containing collagen make use of collagen that comes from chickens, cows or pigs. However, this is mostly Type II Collagen, with very little Type I.

This is where marine collagen is different…

Marine collagen is made up of mostly Type I Collagen, and is also significantly more absorbent than any other form of collagen, since it has a much lower molecular weight.

Where exactly does marine collagen come from?

It comes from fish, and makes use of parts that would have otherwise been discarded.

Deep sea fish

Wondering if it has the same effects on your skin as your skin’s own collagen?

Not quite…

Instead, marine collagen helps to support hydration and elasticity, which, in turn, boosts your skin’s natural production of collagen. Marine collagen also contains peptides that help with cell renewal, while boosting moisture retention. This gives the skin a plumper, smoother and healthier appearance overall.

It is also believed that marine collagen has antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent infection in the skin. This could be particularly useful to those dealing with regular acne breakouts.

Pearl Extract

Many Asian countries have been using pearl as a traditional skin care treatment for centuries now, meaning that this ingredient is nothing new. But, just like with many of the other marine-based ingredients out there, science has now confirmed the many benefits that pearl extract can have when applied topically on the skin.

It all comes down to the individual compounds within pearl extract:

  • Calcium – pearl extract is very high in calcium, which boosts moisture retention and cell regeneration in the skin, while also regulating sebum production
  • Amino acids – these are essential for producing collagen and elastin, which are the proteins that give the skin its smoothness and firmness
  • Nacre – this compound promotes collagen regeneration, while also stimulating fibroblasts to speed up wound healing
  • Magnesium – a key mineral for reducing inflammation in the skin, while also having a detoxifying effect

When applied topically, pearl extract also reduces tyrosinase activity, which is the enzyme that produces your skin’s pigment. When this has been slowed down, your skin will take on a brighter and more luminous appearance, similar to that of a pearl itself!

Of course, pearls are available in different grades, meaning that not every product containing pearl extract will actually be beneficial to your skin. Your skin deserves the very best, so, if you are looking for a quality product containing pearl extract, give the OROGOLD 24K Cryogenic Pearl Revival Elixir a try. In addition to pearl, this silky smooth serum also contains several other beneficial ingredients, including:

  • Acetyl Hexapeptide-8 – provides instant smoothing and anti-wrinkle effects
  • Hyaluronic Acid – immediately plumps up skin cells, giving the skin a brighter and more hydrated look
  • Retinyl Palmitate – an effective form of vitamin A
  • Fruit extracts – everything from olive to goji to aronia can be found in this serum

When it comes to the skin, the sea really does provide well. No matter your skin type or the skin concerns you may be dealing with, you can be guaranteed that there is a marine-based skin care ingredient out there that could truly transform your complexion.