OSEA Plant-Based Seaweed Skincare | Review

There are those special brands that I come across that capture my attention not only for their rave reviews or pretty packaging, but also whose inspiring stories have to be told, and OSEA is definitely one of them. I've been familiar with the brand for a couple of years now after reading about their products on social media from fellow bloggers and YouTubers, and it isn't until recently that I had the chance to dive into the world of plant-based seaweed skincare (I couldn't resist the pun)! OSEA's roots go back nearly a century, when founder Jenefer Palmer's grandmother, Elsa Reuschle, suffered a terrible fall and healed her leg by swimming in the Long Island Sound in NY. She strongly believe that the minerals and trace elements present in this seaweed-rich water are what contributed to her speedy recovery as she would head out for a swim in the early morning daily despite the cold winter temperatures. Fast forward a few decades, granddaughter Jenefer Palmer decided to pursue a career in holistic healing, and after establishing her own private practice and developing treatments for spas in California, the idea came to her to create her own seaweed skin care line in 1996, which she named OSEA (pronouned "OH-SEE-UH"), which stands for the core elements of wellness: Ocean, Sun, Earth and Atmosphere. To this day, the company is entirely run by Jenefer, her husband and three children, which is fascinating to say the least!

The organic seaweed used (three different species to be exact) is hand-harvested from the Sea Of Patagonia in South America (that's right, penguin land!) and sun-dried by a local family. The remote region means that the seaweed is not only one of the purest in the world, but also the most rich in bioavailable nutrients and high in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, antioxidants and essentially fatty acids - all of which translate to a more glowing complexion, reduced redness (including from sun damage) and acne, and even tightening of the skin. OSEA uses this powerful sea plant in whole, powder and extract forms. Now I know what you're thinking... seaweed skin care - am I going to smell like nori sheets? I can assure you, you will not! Instead, the products are blended with a variety of natural oils and plant extracts, giving them a light, invigorating citrus scent. All OSEA products are vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free and non-GMO, with most of them being packaged in recycled glass bottles.

The OSEA Ocean Cleanser* is suitable for all skin types including normal, combination and oily. Not only is it packed with organic algae extract, but it also contains other ingredients such as sesame seed oil, lime oil, orange oil, juniper fruit oil and cypress seed oil. This gel cleanser does not foam, but instead emulsifies when mixed with water to remove impurities from the skin, including from makeup. I massage it in circular motions on my face and down my neck, and give my skin a good rinse after letting it sit on my skin for about a minute. I love how light and non-greasy the formula is, and 2-3 pumps goes a long way.

Think of the OSEA Essential Hydrating Oil* as a hydration boost packed into a rollerball bottle, making it perfect for on the go. I've previously tried a blemish touch stick in similar packaging, but what distinguishes this one from the rest is that the roller provides a cooling effect since is is made from metal and not plastic. I don't know about you, but I just love the concept of rolling an oil blend onto my face - just imagine how soothing it is when applied under the eyes! You don't have to worry about squirting out too much as it often occurs with a dropper or pump - just swipe and pat onto your skin and you are done. Roman chamomile, lavender and geranium calm and reduce inflammation, while macadamia seed oil and jojoba oil hydrate and replenish the skin by smoothing fine lines and wrinkles.

The OSEA Atmosphere Protection Cream* is my new favourite daytime moisturizer. Not only does it absorb within seconds, making it the perfect base to apply under makeup as it does not leave an oily film, but it also works to protect your skin from environmental aggressors including pollution, wind and dry climates - now how can you say no to that? This light matte cream has a silky texture, with key ingredients including seaweed extract, avocado oil, macadamia oil, jojoba seed oil and shea butter to make your skin appear supple and rejuvenated. No wonder it's one of their bestsellers!

I had a feeling OSEA would not disappoint, and I am beyond impressed with the products I have been trying over the last few weeks. Trust me, you will never look at seaweed the same way after welcoming their products into your life!

You can purchase OSEA products online - they offer free shipping on orders US$75+ and free samples with every order, too!

What OSEA product do you have your eyes on?

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*Disclaimer: Products were provided and reviewed in accordance with my Disclosure Policy. Some affiliate links provided.