Nutrient-rich Hebridean seaweed is at the core of our skincare range. We use four different types; Fucus Serratus, Fucus Vesiculosis, Pelvetia Canaliculata, and Ascophyllum Nodosum. Each type of seaweed brings its own unique benefits. The two types that go into most of our products are Fucus Serratus and Fucus Vesiculosis.

Let’s find out more about Fucus Serratus, and Fucus Vesiculosis and the multiple healing and regenerative properties they hold. 

Fucus Serratus (Serrated wrack)

Fucus serratus is a brown leafy seaweed that’s rich in fucoidan and alginate. It’s used in our water and oil extracts, which are formulated into ishga products to deliver maximum impact without the natural seaweed odour.

Environmental damage can lead to premature ageing of skin, caused by free radicals in the air which damage skin cells. Antioxidants found in Fucus Serratus have demonstrated the ability to neutralise free radicals, helping to protect the skin from damage, while accelerating skin renewal and repair.

Collagen and elastin are two natural occurring proteins found in our bodies. Collagen helps to keep skin plump and toned, while elastin is responsible for the elasticity in the skin. Studies have demonstrated the potential for fucoidan to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. High levels of these proteins provide structure and integrity to the skin, helping to promote a healthy glow.

Studies have also shown that brown seaweeds contain antimicrobial properties which help to kill the bacteria associated with acne, without stripping the skin of its oils.

Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladder wrack)

Fucus Vesiculosus is another type of brown algae, with small air sacs that enable the seaweed to float upright in water which assists with nutrient absorption.

Hyaluronic acid is a substance that is naturally produced by our bodies. It plays an important part in skin health, as it helps to maintain the extracellular space between the dermis (middle skin layer) and the epidermis (outer skin layer). This allows for nutrients to pass through and replenish the skin. The benefits of hyaluronic acid to the skin can be limited by the levels of hyaluronidase, an enzyme responsible for the breakdown of hyaluronic acid. By blocking the action of hyaluronidase, it prevents such damage happening. Studies have shown that bioactives in Fucus Vesiculosus and Fucus serratus reduce the activity of the hyaluronidase enzyme, which allows higher levels of hyaluronic acid in the skin.

Polysaccharides (large molecules) found in the seaweed further promote hydration and water retention in the skin. They assist with healthy maintenance of the skin’s structure to help nutrients to pass through the skin barrier and into the deeper layers of the skin which stimulates skin repair and cell renewal. These polysaccharides also help to promote the production of natural hyaluronic acid and collagen production in the skin, resulting in a supple, smooth appearance.

Pelvetia Canaliculata (Channelled wrack)

This is an olive-green seaweed with smooth leaves. If out of the water for a long time, the fronds become darker and brittle. Pelvetia canaliculata contains higrow, fucous, mannatol and volemitol which maintain hydration during periods of dryness. These components make pelvetia a great ingredient in haircare to protect the hair against dehydration by locking in moisture.

Compounds in the seaweed also bind to metal residues left by chemical treatments and hard water, reducing damage to the hair structure. The seaweed contains alginate and fucoidan and can isolate and remove metal ions such as zinc, iron, copper, trivalent chromium, lead and nickel deposits in the hair further promoting a healthy glossy appearance. The seaweed's ability to bind to these ions therefore reduces structural damage to the cuticle and promotes stronger and healthier hair.

Pelvetia canaliculata seaweed extract in used on our Shampoo and Conditioner.

Ascophyllum Nodosum (Knotted wrack seaweed)

This is a large brown, long leafed seaweed that has egg-shaped air sacs. Ascophyllum nodosum is the only seaweed that we do not create an extract from. Instead, it is ground into a powder and then added to the product for its exfoliating properties, while also delivering antioxidant and hydrating elements to the skin in the process. Ascophyllum has high levels of potent antioxidant activity, which protects the skin. It also reduces water loss through the skin, reinforcing a healthy barrier function leading to raised hydration levels which is essential for healthy skin cell regeneration.

Ascophyllum nodosum granules are used in our Exfoliating Face Mask and Exfoliating Face Wash.