Big Kelp Hydration - A Deep Dive into Skincare's Sustainable Star

In the dynamic world of natural skincare, the quest for effective and eco-friendly ingredients has revitalized interest in ancient botanicals like Sugar Kelp (Saccharina latissima). This seaweed has deep historical roots in the diets and medicinal practices of coastal communities, particularly among ancient Norse cultures. Today, it's celebrated in skincare for its hydrating properties and rich nutritional content, including vitamins and iodine. Sugar Kelp is particularly valued for its ability to enhance skin elasticity and hydration through its polysaccharides, such as alginic acid. It also offers antioxidant benefits, helping protect against environmental damage and premature aging. The sustainable cultivation of Sugar Kelp aligns with current market trends favouring transparency and ethical sourcing, positioning it as a key ingredient for future skincare innovations.

Macro Oceans, a pioneering biotech company, is revolutionizing personal care with innovative ingredients derived from the ocean. Their flagship product, Big Kelp Hydration, is crafted from sugar kelp, a powerhouse marine ingredient celebrated for its remarkable benefits in skincare. The resurgence of sugar kelp is supported by extensive scientific research highlighting its unique composition and efficacy. Rich in essential vitamins A, B, C, D, and E, sugar kelp is packed with nutrients crucial for maintaining healthy, radiant skin. What sets it apart are two key compounds, fucoidanand laminarin, which protect the kelp from drying out, repair environmental damage, and shield it from UV exposure. These same compounds deliver unparalleled benefits to skincare, promoting hydration, repairing skin, and providing natural UV protection.
In addition to these bioactive compounds, sugar kelp contains fucoxanthin, a potent antioxidant that combats free radicals, reducing the signs of aging while protecting the skin from harmful UV radiation and pollution. Macro Oceans has conducted third-party clinical testing on Big Kelp Hydration, demonstrating an 80% improvement in skin hydrationcompared to a placebo, further validating its efficacy. These results make sugar kelp an ideal ingredient for addressing fine lines, wrinkles, and environmental stressors, solidifying its role as a versatile addition to modern skincare.
Sustainability is at the core of Macro Oceans’ mission, and the environmentally friendly harvesting of sugar kelp ensures that Big Kelp Hydration aligns with the values of eco-conscious consumers and brands. The ingredient’s versatility allows it to be incorporated into various skincare products, including moisturizers for lasting hydration, serums for targeted anti-aging benefits, masks for revitalization, and exfoliants for gentle yet effective skin renewal. Its multifunctional nature makes it a valuable addition to clean and sustainable beauty formulations.
Big Kelp Hydration also meets the highest industry standards for sustainability, quality, and ethics. It holds certifications such as Ecocert and COSMOS Natural, ensuring adherence to natural and organic cosmetic standards, as well as The Vegan Society certification, emphasizing its cruelty-free and animal-free formulation. Additionally, it meets Credo Clean, Clean at Sephora, and Conscious Beauty at Ulta Beauty standards, highlighting its safety and suitability for clean beauty applications.
The unique environment of the ocean, with its specific stressors, drives the development of sugar kelp’s exceptional bioactive compounds. These natural stressors help the kelp thrive by preventing dehydration, aiding in self-repair, and protecting against UV radiation. In turn, these same properties offer profound benefits for skincare. Macro Oceans continues to lead the charge in advancing marine-based ingredients with Big Kelp Hydration, providing solutions that are both scientifically validated and aligned with sustainability goals, making it a cornerstone for the future of clean beauty.

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Matthew is Founder and CEO of Macro Oceans, a startup transforming seaweed into low-carbon chemicals for use in materials, food, cosmetics and many other applications. He is an experienced entrepreneur, having built and sold his first company, Yield Pop, to The Climate Corporation. He has more than a decade of experience in terrestrial agriculture and was the first business hire at Inari, a gene editing technology company, where he helped raise >$100M in venture capital. When he isn’t working, he’s outside: skiing, hiking, climbing, or surfing.

Macro Oceans

Macro Oceans sources from the a few different farmers and one of them is Seagrove Kelp Co. This aquaculture farm stands out as a pioneer in the sustainable cultivation of Sugar Kelp, which is crucial for the production of innovative skincare products like Big Kelp Hydration. Located in the pristine waters of Alaska, Seagrove is committed to environmentally responsible farming practices that ensure the health and sustainability of marine ecosystems. Their methods help maintain biodiversity and reduce environmental impact, aligning with the growing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients.

By focusing on renewable aquaculture, Seagrove Kelp Co. not only supports the local economy but also contributes to the global movement towards more sustainable cosmetic ingredients. Their harvested kelp is rich in essential nutrients, making it an ideal component for hydrating skincare products. 

Seagrove

For effective use in cosmetic formulations, it's recommended to incorporate Big Kelp Hydration into the water phase of your formulation. Heat should be avoided as it's best to incorporate during the cool-down phase below 60°C. The typical usage level ranges from 2-4%, with clinical results showcasing efficacy at 3%. This product, rich in beneficial properties, is ideal for enhancing hydration and texture in skincare products.

Examples of Formulating Skincare and Haircare Products with Big Kelp Hydration

Serums: To leverage the moisturizing benefits of Big Kelp Hydration in a serum, blend it into the water phase of the formulation at a concentration of 1-4%. The polysaccharides in Big Kelp Hydration provide hydration and skin barrier enhancement, ideal for a face serum that aims to impart a plumping and smoothing effect. Incorporate this ingredient during the cool-down phase to preserve its efficacy.

Facial Mist: Create a refreshing facial mist by incorporating 2-10% Big Kelp Hydration. Its hydrating properties make it perfect for a mist intended to soothe and revitalize skin throughout the day. Mix it with thermal or rose water and essential oils for added benefits, ensuring all components are soluble and stable together.

Haircare Products: Big Kelp Hydration can also be used in hair care formulations such as conditioners and leave-in treatments. Its hydrating and film-forming properties help to increase hair's moisture retention, reduce frizz, and enhance shine. For best results, include it in the water phase of hair conditioners or styling products at 1-4% to improve hair texture and manageability.