Ask Naomi Campbell, Mandy Moore, Alexandria Daddario and Victoria Beckham for their skin and body must-haves and they’ll tell you that OSEA Malibu is at the top of their list. Known for their all-natural ingredients, and cruelty-free, vegan and gluten-free products using their proprietary seaweed formulation, they’ve been producing clean and green cult favorites since before those buzzy words were in our lexicon. They were also the first first-ever company to sign the Environmental Working Group’s Compact for Safe Cosmetics pledge.
As their latest launch, the microbiome-friendly Seabiotic Water Cream, hits the shelves, one half of the mother-daughter duo responsible for so much goodness took a moment to share their brand history and ethos with us. Throughout it’s 25 year history—35 if you count from the moment they created their first jar in a kitchen sink—founder Jenefer Palmer and her daughter, CEO Melissa Palmer, have maintained the brand’s vision of clean, sustainable and nutrient-rich skin care that is as good for your skin as it is for the earth.
What was your vision when starting the brand?
“OSEA began in my kitchen sink in the early 80s, after helping to run the spa at the historic Murrieta Hot Springs. At the time, almost everything in the skin care world seemed to be made with artificial fragrances, dyes and filler ingredients and none of it worked very well. I knew I could do better. OSEA was born from my desire to create clean, vegan and seaweed-infused skin care. Seaweed is a superfood rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients. Our diverse species of algae can provide a broad range of benefits, including anti-aging and deep hydration. I formulated my first product 35 years ago and launched OSEA in 1996!”
What are some non-negotiables in terms of what you want or don’t want in your products?
“For 25 years, we have been committed to clean, vegan and cruelty-free skin care. This commitment is the foundation that informs every single ingredient decision that we make about what goes into our products.”
If there was one thing or collection in your line you think everyone should try, what would it be?
“Our best-selling Undaria Algae Body Oil is beloved by many, including celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Sophia Bush, Maggie Grace and others. If I could bathe in this stuff, I would! It softens, firms and nourishes like no other. I love how it leaves skin hydrated and unbelievably glowing. To create this one-of-a-kind oil, we soak hand harvested Undaria pinnatifida algae in barrels of oils for up to six months. Did I mention that it smells like vacation? A kind of citrusy, botanical blend that’s even better than perfume!”
Seaweed is your hero ingredient, what other ingredients are anti-aging powerhouses in your line?
“In addition to seaweed, we also formulate with hyaluronic acid, an iconic hydrating ingredient. Our Hyaluronic Sea Serum combines three molecular weights of hyaluronic acid with three superfood seaweeds to smooth the appearance of fine lines and maintain optimal moisture levels. DPHP (Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline) is another innovative ingredient that I use in our Advanced Protection Cream and Firming Eye Cream. It’s a plant-derived amino acid that moisturizes and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles.”
What new discoveries or formulations are you most excited about?
“I’m currently most excited about our clinically and dermatologist-tested Seabiotic Water Cream. It was a labor of love that took me two years to perfect! Seabiotic Water Cream is nourishing for all skin types and is free of fragrance and essential oils. We are also launching a few new amazing products this fall. They’re so good! Stay tuned.”
How does it help maintain a healthy microbiome?
“It’s a nutrient-rich, weightless moisturizer that is clinically proven to deliver up to 72 hours of deep hydration. It combines seaweed with a pre + a non-viable probiotic to visibly promote skin radiance. The seaweed also works to replenish your skin’s moisture barrier and keeps skin looking healthy by fighting free radicals. It’s super nourishing to the microbiome and great for all skin types! I love that it hydrates as effectively as your go-to rich cream. There’s not much that this water-based cream can’t do!”
How important is ingredient sourcing for you? What is that process like?
“We’ve been involved in our supply chain on multiple levels and have focused on innovative ways to reduce our environmental impact since our launch in the 90s. We have always chosen glass for our bottles, and post-consumer materials for our box packaging whenever possible to minimize our impact. As a pioneer of clean beauty, it’s inspiring to see how the personal-care landscape is adapting to incorporate more sustainable ingredients and practices. We are now a Climate Neutral Certified brand which has helped us offset our carbon emissions and given us even deeper insights into our supply chain.”
