Ingredient Encyclopedia

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Discover what’s inside your skincare — from retinol to aloe vera — with clear guides on benefits, uses, and safety.

Ingredient Encyclopedia

Sea Kelp Extract – Benefits, Side Effects & Uses

by ThankMeNow Editors on Sep 10, 2025
The distinct advantage of Sea Kelp Extract (specifically from the Laminaria family) lies in its high concentration of Fucoidan, a complex sulfated polysaccharide. While land-based humectants like glycerin simply attract water, Fucoidan acts as a structural hydrator. It forms a micro-viscous, non-occlusive network on the skin’s surface that mimics the protective slime layer the kelp uses to prevent desiccation during low tide. This "marine film" is unique because it is rich in organic iodine and magnesium, which act as enzymatic co-factors for skin repair. In 2026, Sea Kelp is valued not just as a "soother," but as a metabolic support agent—it provides the mineral environment necessary for the skin’s own barrier-building enzymes to function at peak efficiency, especially after exposure to harsh surfactants or hard water.