Cold Current Kelp is a safe, minimally processed, multitasking ingredient. It appeals to customers who are increasingly focused on product safety and environmental sustainability. Our story of locally and sustainably grown Maine kelp becomes part of the product’s story.
From a scientific perspective, why kelp?
Kelp is a nutrient-rich macroalgae. Like a plant, it absorbs sunlight through photosynthesis and produces its own energy. Unlike most plants however, kelp contains an incredible array of nutrients that makes it a unique and powerful ingredient in skincare and beauty:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants like fucoidan, carotenoids, and some vitamins help protect the skin against damaging free radicals, improve the tone and texture of skin, and reduce signs of aging and inflammation. Carotenoids are particularly beneficial in protecting the skin against UVA and UVB damage.
Vitamins
Vitamins including A, B, D, E and K help to hydrate, repair, and protect the skin from UV damage.
Minerals
Kelp is the richest source of iodine on the planet. Iodine is an essential mineral and helps to repair, soothe, and hydrate skin while having natural antibacterial properties. Kelp also contains magnesium, iron, selenium, potassium, calcium, and zinc which support skin and body health.
Polysaccharides
By mimicking the protective properties of the skin’s outermost layer, polysaccharides strengthen the skin barrier and help to soothe sensitive skin. Polysaccharides are known to replenish the skin and have antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties.
Prebiotics
Not to be confused with probiotics, prebiotics are specialized plant fibers found in natural foods that nourish the beneficial microorganisms (like healthy bacteria) in our bodies. In addition to improving gut health, when applied to skin, prebiotics help reduce skin inflammation, protect the skin barrier, and promote healing of irritation and blemishes.
Essential Fatty Acids
Fatty acids help maintain the skin barrier through hydration, protecting it from environmental irritants that may cause dryness and breakouts.
Why Maine kelp vs imported kelp?
Did you know that by far most of the seaweed used in the United States is imported from Asia? But there are so many reasons to keep it local:
Sustainable
Our Maine kelp is sustainably grown with no land, water or fertilizer inputs.
Traceable
We grow where we live. Our kelp is traceable, hand-harvested, and processed naturally without chemicals.
Clean water
Maine has a reputation for high quality seafood, pristine coastline, and fresh, sustainably produced products—for a reason.
Made in USA
Support American ocean farmers, enjoy high standards of safety and quality control, take pride in being part of a new, blue movement.
Reduced carbon footprint
Kelp grown in the U.S. travels a shorter distance to U.S. manufacturers, which decreases carbon emissions.
Local environmental benefits
Growing kelp improves the marine environment: it stimulates biodiversity, buffers nearby water from ocean acidification and deoxygenation, draws carbon out of the water, and removes excess nutrients due to runoff.
Why Cold Current Kelp?
Few regions of the United States have a marine environment ideal for farming seaweed. Of those that do, most produce kelp for the food industry.
Cold Current Kelp is one of the few companies focused on meeting the needs of the beauty and personal care industry.
We are ocean farmers. We are women. We want safe, sustainable beauty products, too.
