Sea Forest Collection - Marine Ingredients Guide
Sea Forest Collection - Ingredient Education FAQ
Discover the science and tradition behind our ocean-powered skincare ingredients. Each marine botanical in our Sea Forest Collection is carefully selected for its unique benefits and sustainable sourcing.
What are Marine Plant Peptides and why are they in the Sea Forest Collection?
Marine Plant Peptides are chains of amino acids derived from ocean botanicals like seaweed, algae, and other marine plants. These peptides are naturally rich in minerals, vitamins, and amino acids that help nourish, moisturize, and condition mature skin. We include them in our Sea Forest Collection because they provide concentrated botanical nutrition from the ocean's most resilient plants.
What is Bakuchiol and how does it work in skincare?
Bakuchiol is a plant-derived ingredient extracted from the seeds and leaves of the Psoralea corylifolia plant. It's often called a "botanical retinol alternative" because it shares similar skin-conditioning properties without the sensitivity that some people experience with retinol. Bakuchiol is known for its antioxidant properties and ability to help visibly smooth and soften skin texture. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin and can be used day or night.
What makes Sea Moss special for skincare?
Sea Moss (also called Irish Moss or Chondrus crispus) is a red algae that's incredibly mineral-dense, containing up to 92 of the 102 minerals found in the human body. These include calcium, magnesium, zinc, iodine, and sulfur. In skincare, Sea Moss is valued for its ability to:
- Lock in moisture with its natural mucilage (gel-like substance)
- Provide minerals that help condition and nourish skin
- Create a protective barrier that helps maintain skin's natural moisture balance
- Soften and smooth skin texture
What is Astaxanthin and why is it in the Face Hydrating Lotion?
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid (pigment) found in microalgae, giving it a distinctive pink-red color. It's one of nature's most potent antioxidants—up to 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C in laboratory tests. In skincare, Astaxanthin helps:
- Protect skin from environmental stressors
- Condition and moisturize
- Support skin's natural radiance
- Provide antioxidant benefits that help maintain healthy-looking skin
What are the benefits of Freshwater Pearl Powder in skincare?
Freshwater Pearl Powder has been used in traditional Asian skincare for centuries. It contains:
- Amino acids - The building blocks of proteins that help condition skin
- Minerals - Including calcium, magnesium, and zinc that nourish skin
- Conchiolin - A protein unique to pearls that helps moisturize and soften skin
- Natural luster - Helps brighten skin's appearance
Pearl powder is traditionally valued for helping to even skin tone and create a luminous, conditioned complexion.
What is Blue-green Algae and what does it do for skin?
Blue-green Algae (Spirulina) is one of the oldest life forms on Earth and is packed with nutrients. It contains:
- Complete protein - All essential amino acids that help nourish skin
- B vitamins - Including B12, which helps condition skin
- Beta-carotene - An antioxidant that helps protect skin
- Chlorophyll - Helps purify and refresh skin's appearance
In our Sea Forest Collection, blue-green algae provides concentrated botanical nutrition to help soften, nourish, and condition mature skin.
What is Sea Kelp and how does it benefit skin?
Sea Kelp (Laminaria) is a brown seaweed that grows in nutrient-rich ocean waters. It's exceptionally rich in:
- Iodine - Helps condition and moisturize skin
- Vitamins A, B, C, and E - Antioxidants that help protect and nourish skin
- Minerals - Including calcium, magnesium, and potassium
- Amino acids - Help condition and soften skin
- Alginates - Natural compounds that help hydrate and form a protective film on skin
Sea Kelp is traditionally valued for its ability to deeply moisturize, condition, and help maintain skin's natural moisture balance.
What is Hyaluronic Acid and why is it in the Face Hydrating Lotion?
Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a naturally occurring substance found in human skin that acts like a moisture magnet. It can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water, making it one of the most effective hydrating ingredients in skincare. As we age, our skin's natural HA levels decrease, which can contribute to dryness and loss of plumpness.
In our Face Hydrating Lotion, HA helps:
- Attract and retain moisture in skin
- Visibly plump and smooth fine lines caused by dehydration
- Create a smooth, hydrated base for other products
- Provide lightweight, non-greasy hydration
What is Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and what does it do?
Niacinamide, also known as Vitamin B3, is one of the most versatile and well-researched skincare ingredients. It's water-soluble and gentle enough for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
Benefits of Niacinamide include:
- Strengthens skin barrier - Helps improve skin's natural protective barrier
- Minimizes pore appearance - Helps visibly reduce the appearance of enlarged pores
- Evens skin tone - Helps brighten and even skin's appearance
- Moisturizes - Helps prevent moisture loss
- Soothes - Calms the appearance of redness
We include it in our Face Calming Mist to provide multi-benefit skin conditioning.
What makes Blue Chamomile different from regular Chamomile?
Blue Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) gets its distinctive blue color from a compound called chamazulene, which forms during the steam distillation process. While both Blue Chamomile and German Chamomile contain chamazulene, Blue Chamomile has a higher concentration.
Blue Chamomile is traditionally valued for:
- Its gentle, soothing properties—especially for sensitive skin
- Helping calm the appearance of redness
- Providing a cooling, calming aromatherapy experience
- Conditioning and softening skin
It's particularly prized in natural skincare for its gentle nature and beautiful blue hue.
Why do you use multiple types of seaweed in the Sea Forest Collection?
Each type of seaweed offers unique benefits and mineral profiles. By combining different marine botanicals—Sea Moss, Sea Kelp, Blue-green Algae, and others—we create a more comprehensive spectrum of ocean nutrients. Think of it like eating a variety of vegetables rather than just one type. Each seaweed contributes different:
- Mineral compositions
- Amino acid profiles
- Vitamin content
- Moisturizing properties
- Antioxidant benefits
This synergistic approach provides more complete nourishment for mature skin.
Are the marine ingredients sustainably sourced?
Yes! We're committed to ocean health and sustainable sourcing. Our marine ingredients are:
- Harvested from renewable seaweed farms or wild-harvested sustainably
- Sourced from suppliers who follow responsible harvesting practices
- Never sourced from endangered or threatened marine ecosystems
- Part of our commitment to ocean conservation—every purchase removes one pound of ocean-bound plastic
We believe in taking from the ocean responsibly while giving back through our plastic removal program.
Can I use Sea Forest Collection products if I have sensitive skin?
Yes! The Sea Forest Collection is formulated to be gentle and suitable for sensitive skin. Key features that make it sensitive-skin friendly:
- pH-balanced formulas that respect skin's natural pH
- Marine ingredients known for their gentle, soothing properties
- Free from harsh sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances
- Blue Chamomile and Bisabolol traditionally valued for calming sensitive skin
- Fragrance-free or lightly scented with skin-safe essential oils
As with any new skincare product, we recommend patch testing first, especially if you have very reactive skin.
How should I store my Sea Forest Collection products?
To maintain the quality and performance of your Sea Forest products:
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
- Keep lids tightly closed to prevent oxidation
- Avoid extreme temperatures (don't leave in hot car or freezing conditions)
- Use within 12 months of opening for optimal freshness
- The Face Cleansing Powder should be kept dry—use the included abalone spoon and avoid getting water in the bottle
Our products contain natural, plant-based ingredients without harsh preservatives, so proper storage helps maintain their effectiveness.
Have more questions? Contact us - we're here to help!
