Kelp is a macroalgae that has evolved to grow and thrive in harsh and variable conditions with exposure to extreme changes in sunlight and temperature. Kelp produces secondary metabolites that act as antioxidants to help protect its tissues. Studies* have shown that when these compounds are applied to human skin, they have the same antioxidant benefits. These bioactive compounds include polysaccharides, polyphenols, amino acids, UV-absorbing pigments, vitamins, and minerals. Studies have shown that kelp’s benefits to skin include the following properties: antioxidant, age-defying, soothing, hydrating, and brightening. 

*Sources

Aslam et al. 2021. Algae as an attractive source for cosmetics to counter environmental stress. Sci Total Environ. Jun 10;772:144905. doi: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.144905. Epub 2021 Jan 29. PMID: 33770892.

Jesumani et al. 2019. Potential Use of Seaweed Bioactive Compounds in Skincare-A Review. Mar Drugs Dec 6;17(12):688. doi: 10.3390/md17120688. PMID: 31817709; PMCID: PMC6950024.

Oma, I. 2018. Isolation and Characterisation of Bioactive Components from Saccharina latissimi and Alaria esculenta and their Effect on Proliferation and Migration of Intestinal Epithelial Cells (RTgutGC) in vitro. Master’s Thesis; Department of Animal and Aquacultural Sciences; Liv Torunn Mydland

Holdt, S.L. and Kraan, S. 2011. Bioactive Compounds in Seaweed: Functional Food Applications and Legislation. Journal of Applied Phycology, 23, 543-597. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10811-010-9632-5

El Gamal AA. 2010. Biological importance of marine algae. Saudi Pharm J. Jan;18(1):1-25. doi: 10.1016/j.jsps.2009.12.001. PMID: 23960716; PMCID: PMC3731014.

Kelp is a type of seaweed. It is a macroalgae, meaning it grows into long, large blades. 

We grow sugar kelp, Saccharina latissima, for use in our KelpGlow® formula. Because of its nutrient-rich properties, sugar kelp is used as an ingredient in food, healthcare and beauty products.  

Our kelp is farmed, not wild harvested. The kelp we use is grown at our farm in Kittery, Maine. In the winter, we ‘plant’ our kelp line in the ocean where it grows from tiny seeds to long blades, and then we harvest it in the spring to use in our products. Wild harvested kelp is not planted, but can be harvested from beaches and rocks. We only use kelp that we grow on our farm, eliminating any sustainability concerns.

We harvest and dry our kelp in a greenhouse. Once it is dried, using a proprietary green extraction method, we infuse select nourishing oils with our sugar kelp extract. We create the oil in small batches to ensure freshness. 

Kelp absorbs excess carbon dioxide, nitrogen and phosphorous from our oceans.  Because of its rapid growth rate, kelp is 20 times more efficient at absorbing carbon dioxide from our atmosphere than terrestrial forests. As a result, at scale, kelp can play a role in reducing the effects of global warming.  Read more at Carbonplan.org and Oceans2050.com.

Also, unlike land-based crops, kelp requires zero inputs to grow.  No added fertilizer.  No pesticides.  No fresh water.  No soil.  Where kelp can replace other agricultural products, it frees up land and fresh water for other uses.  Where kelp can replace industrial products like single-use plastic (e.g. Sway and Notpla), the environmental benefits are undeniably compelling.

While growing, kelp provides habitat for marine organisms, protects coastlines from storms, and deacidifies the immediate ocean environment. Kelp farming also allows waterfront communities to economically diversify, mitigate climate change effects, and supplement incomes. 

We grow kelp on our coastal farm in Kittery, Maine; our products are handcrafted in small batches just a couple miles from our farm.

Congratulations!  We recommend that pregnant individuals consult with their healthcare provider before incorporating any new supplement or product into their routine, including KelpGlow Facial Oil. Ingredients are listed on each of our product pages.

KelpGlow® is suited for all skin types including sensitive, mature, acne, or allergy-prone skin. For those who are sensitive to essential oils, we recommend KelpGlow® Fragrance Free.

We purposely formulated KelpGlow® using oils that score low on the comedogenic scale, meaning they are unlikely to cause breakouts. KelpGlow® can be used on all types of skin, including dry, mature, normal, oily, and acne-prone.

Yes, KelpGlow® can be used in place of moisturizer! This is how our Co-Founder Krista prefers to wear it. However, during the coldest, driest months (January in Maine, for example), you may prefer to first apply a thin layer of a water-based moisturizer. Another alternative is to mix KelpGlow® with your current moisturizer (a method preferred by our Co-Founder Inga!). Remember that oil-based products are great at “locking in” moisture, so it’s best to use KelpGlow® within the first couple minutes after drying your face.

KelpGlow® is gender neutral and used and loved by people of all genders!

We use organic essential oils that naturally degrade over time. Unopened KelpGlow® has a shelf life of 12 months. After opening, please use within 6 months. If you use KelpGlow® regularly, a 1-ounce bottle should last about 2-4 months. 

For website sales we accept all major credit cards (we see you, Diners Club), Amazon Pay, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Meta Pay and Shop Pay.

Currently we ship only within the United States; and we offer free shipping for orders over $50!

We accept returns of unopened product only. Please see our return policy for more information. 

Please email us at hello@coldcurrentkelp.com to cancel an order.