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What is Biofermented Sea Kelp, and Why Should You Pay It Attention?

May 04, 2024

What is Biofermented Sea Kelp, and Why Should You Pay It Attention?

Kelp for your skincare? If that sounds gross or bizarre to you, listen up. Sea kelp bioferment just might be your new favourite skincare item. I can say this confidently because I’m now a fan of it, too!

First, know that this doesn’t involve slapping seaweed on your face regularly. Unless you’re a mermaid who really loves kelp, I don’t think you should do that. 😄 In reality, biofermented sea kelp is an ingredient in newer skincare products such as moisturizers and toners. It’s scientifically known as safe and beneficial. If your goal is clear, supple skin with a fine texture, you should give it a try!

Let’s get to know sea kelp bioferment and how it’s amazing for the skin.

What is Sea Kelp Bioferment/Biofermented Sea Kelp?

Biofermented sea kelp, also known as sea kelp bioferment, is a natural extract from sea kelp that’s been fermented with probiotics. In simple terms, the biofermentation process involves adding probiotic microorganisms (such as Lactobacillus) onto the kelp, then letting these friendly microorganisms break down the plant material into a beneficial substance.

The resulting bioferment looks like any other natural extract: a clear, water-soluble liquid that can be viscous or gel-like at lower temperatures. But don’t be fooled: this simple-looking substance is packed with antioxidants and skin-moisturizing power! In fact, seaweeds have long been known to be rich in vitamins A, B, C, D, and E – all of which are nourishing to the skin.

If you’ve been following beauty updates, you’ll notice that fermented skincare products are a hit in Asian countries, especially South Korea. Dare I say, South Koreans’ immaculate complexion is living proof of effectiveness! Read on to learn more about sea kelp skincare benefits.

Benefits of Sea Kelp Bioferment for Your Skin

Oil-free moisturizer

More and more scientific studies are coming out supporting the moisturizing effect of biofermented sea kelp. In recent years, research out of South Korea and elsewhere in Asia found that such seaweed extracts help the skin absorb – and retain! – moisture.

As you may know, this hydration is important to prevent the skin from going dry and saggy.

The best part about this is that biofermented sea kelp is oil-free, so you don’t have to worry about greasy skin or acne breakouts!

 

Anti-aging properties

I know you’re wary of beauty products that promise anti-aging effects (and you should be), but biofermented sea kelp is one natural ingredient worth trying.

According to multiple studies, marine plant extracts are anti-photoaging, meaning they fight the ageing effects of the sun’s UV rays.

For one, the seaweed compound fucoxanthin helps reduce skin cell death due to sun exposure, according to a 2021 research. Another study shows that fermented kelp does more than that: it may actually promote the growth of new cells, helping repair fine lines and other signs of ageing.

Sea kelp bioferment also has an overall antioxidant property, which means it protects the skin from oxidative stress from the environment. Oxidative stress is a major factor in the degradation of the skin as we grow older. Thankfully, biofermented sea kelp has loads of antioxidant compounds such as fucose, fucoidan, and fucoxanthin.

Don’t forget, this bioferment moisturizes your skin, too, so it stays smooth, plump, and resistant to wrinkles!

Minimizes pores

Various patent papers in Asia have focused on seaweed formulations for shrinking pores. According to one of them, a formula with seaweed polysaccharides refines the pores from inside out while giving the skin a soft, smooth look.

In addition, the probiotics in bioferment could themselves decrease our skin’s pore size. US scientists have found that certain Lactobacillus strains may promote collagen secretions in the skin, refining its texture and reducing pores.

And because sea kelp bioferment is water-soluble (not oil-based or powder-based), it doesn’t clog our pores like other beauty products do. Your pores get deep nourishment without getting stretched out by so much gunk. How amazing is that?

Brightens the skin

In some parts of Asia, biofermented marine plants are prized for their skin-brightening abilities. But even if you’re not aiming for fairer complexion, the fermented product may still be useful in fading skin pigmentation issues such as age spots, sun spots, and erythema (abnormal redness).

One South Korean study highlights that the sea kelp compound fucoidan inhibits the overproduction of melanin, the skin’s main pigmentation. An even newer study, published by Italian researchers in 2023, supports the potential of seaweed extracts in slowing uneven skin pigmentation.

So imagine: supple, youthful skin with an even complexion, all from one natural product. I’m totally convinced that biofermented sea kelp deserves a place in my skincare routine.

Is Sea Kelp Bioferment Safe for the Skin?

Yes, biofermented sea kelp is generally safe for all skin types. Most of the studies on this extract found negligible toxicity levels. Still, it’s good practice to spot-test any new skincare item you’re trying. Whether it’s a cream, mask, or toner, apply it on a small patch of your skin first. Wait a few hours and observe how your skin reacts to it.

What Makes Sea Kelp Bioferment a Superior Skincare Ingredient?

There are endless products out there that promise skincare benefits, so what makes biofermented sea kelp better? Three things: it’s oil-free, highly absorbable, and genuinely clean and natural.

We’ve discussed above how sea kelp bioferment is an oil-free moisturizer that doesn’t clog pores. This is great news for anyone who’s skin-conscious, but especially for those with oily or combination skin.

I also love that the nourishment of biofermented sea kelp is easily absorbed by the skin. In the fermentation process, probiotics work at a molecular level: they break down macromolecules and release vitamins, amino acids, and other compounds as smaller, more absorbable compounds.

Finally – and this is the cherry on top for me – biofermentation is environmentally sustainable. The raw materials themselves are abundant in nature – you’ll probably find lots of kelp at your nearest coast. The fermentation process itself has an incredibly low carbon footprint because it makes use of living microorganisms that are friendly to humans.

Clean Beauty: How to Use Sea Kelp Bioferment in Your Skincare

To try biofermented sea kelp on your skin, get started with Glowing Orchid’s Revitalizing Facial Toner. This is the ideal product to start with because it’s a naturally derived formulation suited for all skin types. No harsh chemicals to worry about! Plus it’s so easy to use – just spritz it on your face before applying anything else.

To commit to sustainability, we’ve made sure our toner is Ecocert-certified. Our bioferment is extracted from bull kelp sourced from the North American Atlantic coast, helping reduce transport degradation and carbon emissions. The fermentation uses Lactobacillus bacteria – the very same bacteria used to make yogurt and sourdough breads. That’s how safe and natural our toner is!

A toner is also the perfect stepping stone for better skincare. During the day, it’s like a primer for your skin to better absorb your other favourite products. At night, you can simply apply toner and nothing else – it’s a clean, nourishing bedtime routine. To learn more about the importance of toners, you can read our blog post here.

I hope this helps you explore the goodness of plant-based products like biofermented sea kelp! Do you have other habits for clean beauty and great skin? Do share in the comments!

xx

Judit

 



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