DISCOVER THE BENEFITS OF ALGAE IN YOUR SKINCARE 

As far as natural skincare ingredients go, Algae is really up there. Renowned for a multitude of skin benefits, humble Seaweed, aka Algae or Microalgae, is a must-try for every skincare routine, regardless of your skin type. 

While there are countless different species of Algae, all with a unique composition of active ingredients and nutrients, they have one thing in common – they must develop remarkable coping strategies to survive and thrive in extreme ocean habitats. It’s this natural resilience to extreme eco-systems, think harsh UV light or strong salt water, that makes Algae of particular interest to skincare formulators. 

Read on to discover more about the best Algae-powered formulas to include in your routine. 

One of these is Red Algae, also known as Furcellaria Lumbricalis, and shown in trials to be three times more powerful than Hyaluronic Acid. It’s also faster and better at drawing moisture into the deeper layers of the skin when compared with traditional HA – the humectant (water-binding substance) commonly used in most moisturisers. Plus, you’ll find the brown Algae Padina Pavonica. This Mediterranean kelp is rich in water-attracting sugars called polysaccharides, plus beneficial fatty acids that can help skin repair itself more quickly - sign us up. 

By Sephora UK Skincare Editorial Team in collaboration with ELEMIS
Writers and experts

Updated: 20 March 2024

Easy Ways to Incorporate Algae into Your Skincare Routine

Ready to supercharge your routine with Algae? It couldn’t be simpler. Starting with the first step: cleanser. All Pro-Collagen cleansers, including Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, include the hydrating Algae Padina Pavonica. You’ll also find it in Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser, a revitalising gel cleanser that’s enriched with a trio of beneficial acids to brighten and leave skin velvety soft.

Lock in Moisture  

After cleansing, refresh and lock in moisture with Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Essence. It also contains hydration hero Algae Padina Pavonica, as well as Sea Spring Water that’s rich in Magnesium, Copper and Zinc, to deliver both instant and lasting hydration (win, win). 

Try a Seaweed Serum for a Fresh-Faced Glow 

Now for the skin-savers - Algae-infused serums (side note: it’s never too early to start using a serum, so don’t wait another moment to add these powerhouses to your routine). 

There are multiple Seaweed-enriched serums to choose from, each with their own specific skin concern in mind. While Pro-Collagen Rose Micro Serum is ultra hydrating for dry or dehydrated skin, Pro-Collagen Renewal Serum delivers a Retinol-like action that plumps the skin. There’s even a Pro-Collagen Marine Facial Oil with a super lightweight texture and three, repeat three, different kinds of Algae – Padina Pavonica, Golden Seaweed and Roaring Water Kelp – if you prefer the nourishing texture of an oil to a serum. 

Get Plump, Hydrated Skin with an Algae-Infused Moisturiser

Last, but by no means least, pile on moisture. Pro-Collagen Marine Cream comes in several iterations – Original, Ultra-Rich, with SPF 30, or even infused with calming Rose – so you really can personalise your hydration according to your skin’s unique needs. All are formulated with the same powerful marine and plant actives (including that moisture-boosting superhero Padina Pavonica). You could even add a final touch with a replenishing eye treatment in the shape of Pro-Collagen Vitality Eye Cream, or a dose of intense moisture with Pro-Collagen Marine Mask. When it comes to Algae in skincare, more is most definitely more.

*Independent Clinical Trials 2020. Based on average results of 33 people over four weeks.