Derms Agree: A Mermaid-Inspired Skincare Routine Can Help You Achieve a Near Mythological Complexion
They're a must for adding instant hydration and luminosity.
Perhaps it's the fact that over half of Who What Wear's Beauty Team lives within a few miles of a body of water, or we're finally smelling spring and summer coming our way on the breeze, but we're certain marine-infused skincare has been on the rise over the past couple of months. Brands like Elemis, Oak Essentials, and Mara have drawn inspiration for their products from churning ocean waves, tangled seaweed forests, and algae that can be found just below the surface.
While the idea of using ocean additives in skincare is far from a new thing, the ways in which these ingredients are used has transformed majorly throughout time, and we're finally taking a deep dive into what makes them such a game-changer. To learn more about why marine skincare is having a moment right now, and the best ways to tap into the trend, we reached out to a dermatologist and the CEO and co-founder of one of the skincare brands that have been making major waves in the beauty space. Scroll on to learn what you've been missing about the skincare trend mermaids, sirens, and intrepid sailors can vouch for.
What is marine skincare?
When it comes to understanding how adding marine ingredients into your skincare routine can support everything from cellular turnover to luminosity, its helpful to understand how it can be used. Connie Yang, MD, FAAD and Dermstore medical Advisory Board member, explains marine skincare refers to ingredients sourced from the ocean as well as marine organisms included in formulations for their skin-supporting properties. "Some of the most common examples include algae and seaweed extracts, marine collagen, sea minerals, plankton extracts, and ingredients derived from marine fermentation," says Yang. Many of these marine ingredients are rich in antioxidants, amino acids, and trace minerals that can help support overall skin health.
Article continues belowElemis, an award-winning British luxury skincare brand that champions marine skincare. Its C.E.O. and co-founder, Noella Gabriel says marine science is at the heart of its brand, as it seeks to use, "the resilience of ocean-derived ingredients, particularly algae, and translate that into visibly, clinically proven results." She adds the marine organism thrive in challenging environments, and have the ability to adapt to constant environmental stressors. The natural adaptability of marine actives is what makes them so effective in supporting hydration, firmness, and overall skin vitality.
According to Gabriel, algae serves as the cornerstone of Elemis' approach, with each species offering benefits. "Padina Pavonica, our signature Mediterranean brown algae and the hero of the Pro-Collagen range, is rich in moisture-binding components that help maintain hydration while improving the appearance of firmness and elasticity," she adds. Likewise, Laminaria Digitata, a mineral-rich kelp, deeply hydrates and conditions the skin. Red algae (including Porphyridium and Chondrus Crispus), help support the skin barrier while boosting hydration.
Elemis' launch of Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum ($99) marked the continued evolution of the brand's expertise with the help of advanced biotechnology, since its formula had an exclusive marine algae complex with advanced cultivation methods. The same innovation mindset was also used for Pro-Collagen Hydrating Cleansing Mousse ($60), which she says has heritage Padina Pavonica Ferment, "enhanced by biotechnology to boost its antioxidant properties while delivering intense hydration." The brand's effort to select and combine different algae species has delivered multi-dimensional benefits with a single formula.
Are there benefits to marine ingredients?
We've named some marine ingredients that are worthy of your attention, but the main thing to know about them is that they are naturally rich in antioxidants and minerals that help hydrate skin and support the skin barrier. "Certain algae and seaweed extracts can also have soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, which makes them great ingredients for sensitive skin," continues Yang. "I see these ingredients as supportive ingredients that can help improve hydration, reinforce the skin barrier, and provide antioxidant protection against environmental stressors."
Yang explains that algae offers a unique balance of high-performance efficacy and skin compatibility, as being rich in essential minerals and antioxidants for skin hydration. Advancements in marine biotechnology have also enhanced the benefits of marine ingredients. "From optimized algae complexes that support visible firmness and resilience to biotechnology-enhanced Padina Pavonica Ferment that boosts antioxidant performance, [Elemis'] approach combines marine sourcing with scientific precision," Gabriel says. Its this combination of marine sourcing and scientific innovation that paves the way for Elemis products to support skin health while addressing visible signs of aging.
How can marine skincare be used?
If you're hesitant about adding marine ingredients to your skincare lineup, don't be—Yang tells us they're generally well tolerated and can easily be added to most routines. "They often found in hydrating serums, essences, and moisturizers, so I typically recommend applying them after cleansing and before heavier creams or oils," explains Yang. Additionally, she says that since many of these ingredients focus on hydration and barrier support, they layer well with active ingredients like retinoids, vitamin C, or exfoliating acids, "to help balance and support the skin."
Gabriel echoes this sentiment, adding that they can be added seamlessly into a skincare routine starting with the morning essentials. Elemis is all about beginning with a hydrating step (such as an essence or serum) followed by a moisturizer like Pro-Collagen Marine Cream ($145) to lock in moisture before ending with an SPF for UVA/UVB ray protection. "In the evening, after cleansing, marine-powered serums and creams help replenish hydration and support overnight recovery when the skin naturally undergoes renewal," Gabriel continues.
How should I choose marine skincare?
Choosing your marine-infused skincare can be challenging without any helpful tips and tricks, but our experts have you covered. Yang gravitates towards products that combines marine ingredients with strong clinical formulations. "I love Elemis and their pro-collagen line which uses padina pavonica, a type of marine algae that helps support hydration and improve the appearance of firmness," she says. "I also like the brand Osea which uses sustainably sourced seaweed-based ingredients, which are naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that help hydrate and support the skin barrier."
Of Elemis' best-selling skincare products powered by marine additives, Gabriel has a few favorites that deserve a spot in your morning and night routines. She reveres the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, for example, as truly iconic. "It perfectly captures our marine philosophy, clinically proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines while delivering 24-hour hydration in a lightweight, luxurious texture," she says. She's also a huge fan of the Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum, as it not only represents the evolution of the brand's marine expertise, but the combination of sustainably sourced marine actives with biotech algae complex.
Ready to dive into more of our marine-powered skincare favorites? Keep scrolling to see which brands and products are designed to make a splash in your skincare lineup with everything from red algae to Blue Lagoon water.
The Best Marine Skincare, Listed
- Best Firming Serum: Elemis Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum
- Best Hydrating Face Mask: Blue Lagoon Mineral Mask
- Best Soothing Moisturizer: Mara SeaDream Algae Crème
- Best Gentle Exfoliator: Oak Essentials Renew Face Polish
- Best Nourishing Cleanser: Osea Ocean Cleanser
1. Elemis
Elemis is a British global skincare brand with thirty years of cutting-edge research and development. Their commitment to supporting your skin longevity is evident in each product's ability to promote collagen health using award-wining formulas backed by clinical trials. All products are developed in London and manufactured in England, with responsibly-sourced active plant extracts and what Elemis refers to as, "bio-engineered nature identicals," such as Opal Skin Algae Complex and marine cellular lipids.
Key Ingredients: Opal Skin Algae Complex, marine cellular lipids, marine bacillus ferment, padina pavonica ferment
This fast-working serum is clinically proven to firm, smooth, and illuminate the skin by targeting the impact of collagen decline with a restorative blend of Opal Skin Algae Complex (a trio of marine microalgae diatoms), and powerful marine algae.
Customer Review: "I’ve been using the Pro-Collagen Future Restore Serum daily and love how weightless and silky it feels on the skin. It absorbs quickly and instantly boosts hydration without leaving any residue. After a few days, my skin looked firmer, smoother, and noticeably more radiant. The serum has a rich, spa-like scent, which I enjoy, though it might be strong for those sensitive to fragrance. While it’s on the pricier side, a little goes a long way, and the visible results make it worth the investment."
Key Ingredients: Mimosa, Padina Pavonica, Chlorella, Ginko Biloba, rose
Elemis' award-winning anti-wrinkle cream visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in weeks while delivering a wave of hydration to the skin with marine and plant actives (including the moisture-boosting algae, Padina Pavonica) underscored by refreshing rose.
Customer Review: "This is such a wonderful moisturizer wherein I feel I have seen an improvement in the moisture levels in my skin as well as a smoothing effect. Upon applying, this cream blends effortlessly into my skin. Truly a very, very cosmetically elegant product! I feel an immediate decrease in dryness on my dry skin type, and it is a very comfortable product to wear. No pilling, no issues stacking this with the rest of my skincare routine. Lives up to the hype!"
2. Allies of Skin
Created in 2016 by founder and formulator Nicholas Travis, Allies of Skin offers effective products that continuously improve and repair skin using multifunctional formulas. Products are enriched with highly concentrated and what Travis says are, "supercharged clinicals," to simplify your skincare routine with minimal steps and maximum benefits. Using ingredients like an algae complex, copper tripeptide, and silk amino acids, products are designed to promote skin regeneration.
Key Ingredients: Seven firming peptides, 5% teprenone and ferulic complex, 3% biotech algae complex, ceramide NP, hyaluronic acid
Designed for morning and evening use on all skin types (including ultra- sensitive, fatigued, and dehydrated skin), this 5-in-1 treatment quenches the skin with the brand's blend of three brighteners, nine antioxidants, seven firming peptides, and more to reduce signs of aging in one easy step.
Customer Review: "This moisturizer has been a total game changer for my skin. I’ve struggled with extremely dry skin for years, and this is the first product that truly made a difference. My skin feels deeply hydrated all day long, not just right after application. Over time, I’ve also noticed a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles—my skin looks smoother, healthier, and more radiant. It absorbs beautifully and leaves my skin feeling nourished, not greasy. I honestly can’t be without it now."
Key Ingredients: 3% Tranexamic Acid, 2% Alpha Arbutin, red algae and pea complex, lactobacillus ferment, ganoderma lucidum extract (reishi mushroom)
If a brighter complexion is what you're after, don't skip this effective Allies of Skin serum. It combines brighteners with clinically backed antioxidants for luminous skin without abrasive exfoliants or irritation. It also has two types of complexes to combat dullness while increasing luminosity.
Customer Review: "I am enjoying this serum very much. I’ve been using it for about a month now, and it’s comfortable and soothing on my skin after cleansing and toning, and I do feel it is enhancing my glow. Every product I’ve purchased from AOS so far makes me feel that I’m feeding my skin healthy things that it’s been craving. So glad to have found this line."
3. Blue Lagoon
In 2012, Iceland's Blue Lagoon was named one of the 25 wonders of the world by National Geographic due to its geothermal seawater rich in silica, microalgae, and minerals. The unique water originates 2,000 meters within the earth where ocean water and freshwater merge. In the early 1980s, locals began to bathe in its waters and scientists began researching its qualities in 1991. Blue Lagoon Skin Science was launched four years later, leading to its buzzy BL+ Complex (Blue Lagoon Microalgae with Silica).
Key Ingredients: Blue lagoon water, aloe barbadensis leaf juice, hyaluronic acid
This hydrating face mask that will boost your skin's moisture levels and revitalize the complexion using a refreshing, lightweight formula infused with geothermal bioactive Blue Lagoon Seawater, hyaluronic acid, jojoba seed oil, and a splash of aloe barbadensis leaf juice.
Customer Review: "On my most recent trip to the BL I had the chance to try this mask. Am I glad I did! My skin was left so soft, smooth and hydrated like no other product. I picked up a 100ml tube and now using it at home in NY. I am not sure if being in the lagoon helps activate the mask or if going into a steam room or sauna will amplify its effect, but I’m looking forward to finding out. This stuff works. I rarely spend this much money on a cream/mask, but if I can get the results I got after my visit? I’ll be returning for more!"
Key Ingredients: BL+ Complex, Blue Lagoon seawater, vitamin C, three hyaluronic acid
Powered by BL+ Complex, vitamin C, and there hyaluronic acids, this is a serum designed to target signs of aging while promoting skin health over time. Its unique formula has bioactives that hydrates skin and increases collagen production. Plus, it prevents UV-induced collagen degradation. With regular use, your skin will be basically glowing.
Customer Review: "The depth of the detail and planning that has gone into this product is incredible and the results are fantastic. High-quality technical skincare, from the wonderful forces of nature within the blue lagoon. The unique properties within the Blue Lagoon complex makes this one of the best serums you can buy."
4. Eminence Organic Skin Care
Since its launch in 1985, Hungarian-born brand Eminence Organic Skin Care has been tapping into the power of nature using the world's finest botanicals, cutting edge craftsmanship, and cultural healing traditions. Products offer nature-inspired and derived formulas rooted in modern science and backed by extensive clinical trials. They're powered by between 70% and 95% organic ingredients such as blue-green algae extract, sage leaf extract, seabuckthorn oil, and Botanical Hyaluronic Acid Complex.
Key Ingredients: Red algae extract, botanical peptides (from rice protein), smart collagen+ complex, blue-green algae extract
Created with all skin types in mind, this fast-absorbing, potent gel serum is infused with concentrated plant peptides and botanicals to combat fine lines and wrinkles. The serum is infused with Smart Collagen+ Complex which rejuvenates skin while algae extracts increase firmness and hydration in the skin.
Customer Review: ""The Eminence Marine Flower Peptide Serum is a wonderful compliment to this series. This applied after serum and before moisturizer gives my skin a dewy glow without being heavy at all. Plus my skin responds well to peptides by guving it that extra added nourishment. Eminence feeds the skin!"
Key Ingredients: Blue-green algae extract, botanical peptides (from sacha inchi), botanical peptides (from rice protein)
When it comes to rich night creams, we're partial to this red algae-infused option. Using a velvety, rich formula designed for delicate, crepey skin, the cream locks in moisture while smoothing fine lines and wrinkles while you catch some shut eye thanks to the addition of botanical peptides from sacha inchi and rice protein.
Customer Review: "I've gone through so many night creams over the years, and Eminence Marine Peptide Overnight Cream is the one I keep coming back to. It's rich enough to feel like it's doing the job overnight but absorbs so well that I can use it during the day too. My skin feels smooth, hydrated, and healthy [with] no greasiness or heavy residue. Definitely a favorite in my routine."
5. Mara
Inspired by the Sea of Marmara and the “mara” in founder Allison McNamara's name (Gaelic for “sea"), this algae-infused skincare line uses a proprietary algae blend hand-collected in Ireland and France. Two years after launching, the brand created a clinically proven mix of brown algae and plankton to smooth wrinkles, boost elasticity and firmness, and deep hydration using antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids. Mara combines the algae blend with effective ingredients like vegan retinol, marine collagen peptides, and more skin-supporting goodness.
Key Ingredients: vegan stem cells, bioactive peptides, nutrient-rich sea moss
Another rice, firming moisturizer powered by sea additives worth adding to your nigh time skincare rotation, SeaDream Algae Crème has officially caught our eye. Perhaps it's the buttery rich texture, or the fact its formula tightens the skin with vegan stem cells, peptides, and sea moss, but we're hooked.
Customer Review: "I have been using the Mara SeaDream Firming Algae Creme consistently for a few weeks and I am genuinely impressed with both the texture and the results. The cream has a rich, cushiony feel but it absorbs beautifully into the skin without leaving any heaviness or greasy residue. My skin feels instantly more hydrated, smoother, and noticeably calmer after application, which is something I really value, especially during seasonal changes."
Key Ingredients: vitamin C, 15% THD Ascorbate, adaptogens (chlorella, reishi, and ginseng), algae
Brightening and fading dark spots is easy on all skin tones as long as you have this vitamin C serum within reach. Powered by algae, superfoods, and adaptogens, the serum uses stable 15% vitamin C to brighten, even tones, and hydrate skin while targeting dark spots, hyperpigmentation, and redness.
Customer Review: "Looking forward to using my new Mara products, especially the vitamin C serum. Since I have barely used for a week now, I can really only speak to how it feels which I like because it spreads like an oil yet not too greasy. The packaging is lovely. Time will tell if it delivers as many reviewers say but so far so good!"
6. Oak Essentials
Oak Essentials is a clean skincare line created by Jenni Kayne, a fashion designer and lifestyle entrepreneur known for her signature minimalist, Californian-inspired aesthetic. Inspired by Kayne's desire to support skin longevity, It was launched in 2021 as an extension of her lifestyle brand using hydrating and effective formulas with natural ingredients to support skin health and promote self-care rituals. Their products have clean formulas, minimal waste packaging, and ingredients such as safflower seed oil, blue tansy, and red sea algae extract.
Key Ingredients: Upcycled pineapple exfoliants, red sea algae extract, potato extract
Oak Essentials' vitamin-rich face scrub works to support your natural skin barrier using upcycled pineapple exfoliants, red sea algae extract, and gentle polishing beads to smooth dry, uneven skin. Your complexion will be left glowy, smooth, and ready for anything. It can be used AM or PM on clean, damp skin for long-lasting results.
Customer Review: "I use this three times a week to polish my skin and it helps keep my skin texture feeling soft while giving my skin the feeling of being deeply cleaned. I've tried other scrubs before that have felt too harsh or grainy but just a little bit of this goes a long way."
Key Ingredients: Deep-sea-derived actives, blue tansy, ceramide and b-Vitamin Complex
If you have textured skin that changes with the seasons, get your hands on this air-whipped mask. In just ten minutes, it significantly reduces the look of pores while balancing oil levels, smoothing texture and imperfections with 99% naturally-derived ingredients. The best part? It also leaves skin lightly scented with notes of blue tansy and chamomile.
Customer Review: "This mask is silky with a soft refreshing botanical scent. After using once, my skin was smoother and more hydrated. This mask is perfect to brighten, smooth, and soothe skin—it feels very refreshing, too. I love using it in the morning before makeup to prep my skin. It’s a great addition to boost my skincare routine."
7. Osea
Born in 1996 in Malibu, California, Osea offers safe and effective seaweed-based skincare with what they describe as their, "holistic approach to wellness and self-care." With the ocean serving as Osea's biggest source of inspiration, marine plants and algae (Undaria, red seaweed, brown seaweed, and Japanese miru seaweed), are sourced from around the world to support skin health with vitamins, amino acids, antioxidants, and other ocean minerals. Best-selling products also use hyaluronic acid, shea butter, and castor seed oil.
Key Ingredients: Undaria seaweed, bentionite, lactic acid, glycerin and jojoba oil blend
An easy way to deliver the nutrients your skin needs is by adding Osea's seaweed-infused gel cleanser to the mix. The formula has lactic acid to remove impurities and visibly refine pores, while also offering gentle exfoliation that delivers clear, radiant skin without stripping it of essential oils. It also has an energizing scent: sweet jasmine and bright bergamot.
Customer Review: "I really like this product. I have been looking for a new facial cleanser for quite some time now. This product really caught my eye and had a great reviews. It smells like citrus in the summer and it’s such a nice formula… it’s milky and creamy and doesn’t foam like crazy, just cleanse well and doesn’t dry you out at all. A very nice calm cleanser that gets the job done."
Key Ingredients: Prebiotic and seaweed, Undaria seaweed, squalane, bisabolol
No moisturizer delivers 72 hours of deep hydration like this nutrient-rich water cream infused with seaweed. Clinically shown to decrease dryness, it leaves the skin smooth and radiant while also promoting a healthy microbiome using this weightless formula featuring seaweed, squalane, and bisabolol.
Customer Review: "A friend gave me a sample of this and it only took a couple uses to convince me I had to get the real deal. I have never spent this much money on skincare before and it was a little scary for me but I’m so glad I did it and have never once regretted it. I’m hooked! My skin has never felt so nurtured, hydrated and soft. I have since also bought the hyaluronic serum and will be getting the night routine soon too!"
