Written by OSEA Staff | Published July 20, 2026.
Since 1996, OSEA has been inspired by the ocean and the remarkable marine ingredients it provides. We thoughtfully source seaweed from around the world for its exceptional mineral content and pair it with active botanicals to create clean, clinically tested skincare that delivers results you can sea. Among the many marine ingredients we've explored over the past 30 years, one has become the heart of our story: Undaria seaweed. Ahead, discover how Undaria became an OSEA icon, what makes it so beneficial for skin and the best ways to experience it from head to toe.
The Discovery of a Lifetime
In the 1990s, while traveling the world in search of the most effective marine ingredients, our founder Jenefer Palmer arrived in Ushuaia, Argentina, also known as El Fin del Mundo ("The End of the World").
At the southernmost inhabited tip of South America, the clean coastal waters of Patagonia sit at the confluence of the southward-flowing Brazil Current and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current, creating one of the most dynamic and energetic regions of the world’s oceans. It was here, where massive glaciers, thick forests and mountains meet the sea, that Jenefer discovered the marine algae that would become one of the defining ingredients of OSEA: Undaria pinnatifida.
Exceptionally rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids and antioxidants, Undaria stood out for its incredible ability to leave skin feeling soft, smooth and nourished. Jenefer partnered with a local team in Argentina to harvest the seaweed by hand using sustainable methods that honored the surrounding ecosystem.
"The first time I pulled seaweed directly from these waters, I knew I had found the key ingredient for OSEA. Sorting through the seaweed, you get to see results really fast. My hands felt incredibly soft and smooth, it was instant gratification," says Jenefer.
The Benefits of Undaria for Skin
So what makes Undaria such a skincare powerhouse?
Here are just a few more reasons why we love it:
- It helps replenish moisture. Undaria is rich in polysaccharides, including fucoidan and alginates, which help lock in moisture and prevent water loss to reduce dryness.
- It's packed with antioxidants including fucoxanthin, a carotenoid with powerful free-radical-fighting properties.
- It’s rich in vitamins A, C and E to help neutralize oxidative stress.
- It contains bioactive compounds such as fucoidan and phlorotannins to help soothe sensitive skin.
- It absorbs minerals from the ocean like iodine, magnesium and calcium, which help draw out impurities from the skin for a more radiant complexion.
- It’s recognized as an invasive species. By responsibly harvesting it from affected areas, we help mitigate its ecological impact while creating effective skincare solutions.
Ready to dive in? Here are a few of our community’s favorite ways to experience the benefits of Undaria seaweed.
Undaria Algae™ Body Oil
If there's one product that epitomizes the magic of Undaria seaweed, it's our bestselling Undaria Algae™ Body Oil. Launched in 2010, our founder Jenefer took everything she'd learned from decades of creating clean, clinically tested face and body care and channeled it into a first-of-its-kind, seaweed-infused body oil that delivers visible results and a glow that keeps you coming back for more. To create it, we soak hand-harvested Undaria in barrels of botanical oils, allowing its nutrients to infuse slowly over time. This artisanal process gives our body oil its signature silky, non-greasy texture.
In a third-party clinical study, 100% of participants showed an improvement in skin elasticity and moisturization after just 10 minutes.* And then there's the scent: an uplifting blend of grapefruit, lime and cypress layered with notes of sweet mango-mandarin. It's the iconic scent of the Undaria collection.
*Based on an independent third-party clinical study after 1 use.
Undaria Cleansing Body Polish
The perfect complement to our bestselling body oil, Undaria Cleansing Body Polish brings the power of Undaria seaweed into your shower. This three-in-one body-care breakthrough exfoliates, cleanses and moisturizes in one step. A potent blend of Undaria seaweed and finely ground natural pumice sweeps away dirt, grime and impurities, while glycerin and nourishing sunflower seed oil moisturize. Just as magical? The unique whipped-oil texture transforms into a milky lather as it's worked into skin, while our signature Undaria fragrance subtly lingers long after you step out of the shower.
Undaria-Powered Face Cleansers
The benefits of Undaria seaweed don't stop at body care. This nutrient-rich ingredient also powers our cleansing rituals, bringing its signature blend of amino acids, antioxidants and vitamins to your daily face wash.
For dry skin, reach for Ocean Cleansing Milk. This soothing, milky cleanser is packed with hydrating glycerin and Undaria seaweed to gently cleanse while leaving skin feeling soft, smooth and comforted.
Our bestselling Ocean Cleanser is your go-to for normal, combination and oily skin types. Formulated with Undaria seaweed and lactic acid, this lightweight gel cleanser gently exfoliates without stripping skin. The bright citrus blend of lime, jasmine and bergamot is completely transporting.
To melt away the day, start with Ocean Wave Cleanser. This lightweight bi-phase makeup remover + cleansing oil gently dissolves every trace of makeup, impurities and excess sebum without stripping skin. Infused with Undaria seaweed, camelina oil and soothing bisabolol, it nourishes and balances while leaving skin unbelievably soft.
Ocean Eyes® Serum
You know how a shot of espresso perks you right up? Our Ocean Eyes® Age-Defying Serum does that for tired eyes. Seconds after you roll it on, this Undaria-infused eye treatment wakes up your entire face. It deposits all of its visibly brightening, firming, depuffing, wrinkle-smoothing and hydrating ingredients—including seaweed, a biomimetic peptide, clinically tested quinoa extract and hyaluronic acid—through a rollerball that cools skin upon contact and makes you look instantly bright-eyed.
Atmosphere Protection® Cream
Undaria seaweed also powers our cult-favorite featherweight moisturizer. Launched in 1996, Atmosphere Protection® Cream is clinically shown to counteract the visible signs of aging from pollution and preserve skin’s youthful appearance. Powerful elfdock (a plant hailing from the sunflower family) combines with Undaria seaweed to visibly reduce damage caused by environmental stressors while improving skin elasticity.
Marine Screen SPF 50
Meet the essential final step in your Undaria-powered ritual. Marine Screen SPF 50 is a daily mineral sunscreen designed for the sun you live in. This lightweight, fragrance-free formula delivers broad-spectrum protection to help prevent visible signs of aging while nourishing skin. Non-nano zinc oxide, a clean, eco-friendly mineral filter, shields against both UVA and UVB rays, while Undaria seaweed and hyaluronic acid hydrate skin.
Ready to sea the difference™? Discover even more Undaria-powered essentials here.
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