Into the deep: oceanic beauty

Seaweed, kelp, salt and even pearls… the latest beauty innovators are scouring the ocean for healing marine ingredients which provide a host of benefits.

Seaweed used by Haeckels

The sea has long been a source of healing therapies: from the lure of the Red Sea for thalassotherapy to the use of sea salt for detoxifying. With only 5% of our oceans having been explored, there’s still an infinite amount to learn about marine life and it is this allure that is attracting the newest beauty labels.

Haeckel’s Seaweed Cleanser

Brands such as Thalgo, which uses marine algae in its products, and Voya, famous for its seaweed harvested from the Atlantic coast of Ireland, have long tapped into the benefits of the sea. Crème de La Mer, of course, is one of the most famous brands associated with its powers. The luxury skincare label was conceived by Dr Huber after studying the regenerative qualities of Pacific sea kelp.

“Rich in minerals and with the ability to regenerate itself, sea kelp is the basis of La Mer’s Miracle Broth™, which is at the heart of every product, including our new Moisturising Gel Cream,” he says. “Importantly, we harvest the sea kelp by hand during peak growth seasons so as not to disturb the underwater ecosystem it supports.”

The Margate Coastline where Haeckels is based and inspired by (Credit: Sam Scales/Haeckels)

Based in Margate, Haeckels’ natural products, based around seaweed and local botanicals, also have sustainability as a core value. Created by volunteer beach warden Dom Bridges, his beautifully-crafted products for skin, body and hair, have captured the zeitgeist.

Haeckels Seaweed Bath

“Natural products are every bit as effective as chemical-derived alternatives. Seaweed hydrates; it’s rich with valuable vitamins, minerals and amino acids,’ he says. “There’s an abundance of goodness on our coastlines and I’m passionate about getting the message out. We still harvest our seaweed by hand from the beach, just steps away from our shop.”

Kerluxe’s Luminage products

Extracted from fish scales and oils, marine collagen is another ingredient with intense beauty powers. Rich in amino acids, it is famously used in Elemis’ award-winning Pro-Collagen Marine line, while latest supplement brand Vidaglow takes an inside-out approach.

Vidaglow Original

Its range of natural powders harness the power of French marine collagen, which helps firm skin, strengthens nails and aids muscle toning. Meanwhile, new luxury haircare range Kerluxe, uses marine collagen throughout its Luminage collection to strengthen and protect hair.

Th latest beauty products, like those made by Haeckel’s, are inspired by the sea (Credit: Haeckel’s)

Anna-Maire Solowij, former Vogue beauty editor and co-founder of BeautyMart, which champions cult brands from across the globe, agrees that oceanic beauty is a rising trend. “Under the sea is as rich a source of ingredients as on land,” she says. “It ties in with a rising quest for natural beauty. We’re seeing a lot of sea plants used for their nourishing and protective properties.”

Blithe’s Sea Cucumber Mask at Melon & Starfish

Sourcing the latest trend-led products from Korea, Melon + Starfish stocks a range of marine themed goodies. Blithe’s Abalone and Sea Cucumber Face Masks, for instance, are rich in amino acids and protein. While Etude House’s Pearl Sheet Mask, has a skin brightening effect. “The use of pearl in products is a rising trend,” says Gloria Pei, Melon + Starfish’s founder. “I’ll soon be stocking Klavuu, a new South Korean beauty brand, which infuses natural marine pearl, essential oils, and marine plant extracts into its signature formulas. Natural pearls are said to enrich, hydrate, and firm the skin, for a luminous complexion.”

BOD’s Mermaid Salts

For the closest thing to a magical ocean dip, try BOD’s Mermaid Salts, which use Dead Sea salt, with added shimmer, to detoxify and re-energise the body.

Salt, sea kelp and bladderwrack is also the basis of Mr Smith’s new Sea Salt spray for hair. Spritz it on for that just-off-the-beach look.

See Marin by Heeley

As well as being the inspiration for a whole host of skincare ranges, the ocean is also making a splash when it comes to the fragrance industry, with cult brands using marine notes to transport you to seaside idylls. From Linari’s exquisite Mare Pacifico – which captures the scent of the Pacific Ocean – to Sel Marin by Heeley – an aqueous creation with lemons and Italian bergamot to evoke the sea breeze – the perfect marine perfume captures the spirit of holidays.

Linari’s Mare Pacifico

Michael Donovan, fragrance expert, has the last word: “The ‘marine’ family of fragrances is perhaps the most joyous, entwined as it is with holiday memories. The scents of the sea have a commonality but also extraordinary difference – fragrances inspired by the Mediterranean have a totally different nuance to those of the Indian Ocean, for example, and it is these glorious subtleties that really connect with our stored scent experiences.”

SPLASH IT ON

Top three cult oceanic fragrances