Sunday, April 5, 2020
Seafoam green and ocean blue are not just storming the runways, they're also the colors du jour in the world of beauty. A tidal wave of marine ingredients—from algae to kelp, caviar to seawater—is cropping up in serums, hair conditioners, supplements, and spa treatments. "Algae have been around for billions of years," says Mike Rohlfsen, director of business development for Heliae, an Arizona company that harvests the organism. "Because they've had to adapt to survive, they are packed with minerals, proteins, peptides, and anti-aging oils," he explains, adding that they have incredible cell-renewal, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.
However, the technology for harvesting algae on a massive scale didn't exist until quite recently. New advances have made it easier to collect and extract the desired ingredients. Plastic surgeon Dimitry Rabkin, director of Minimally Invasive Facial Rejuvenation at New York's Lenox Hill Hospital, shares Rohlfsen's convictions that algae help cells function better. "We're at the forefront of marine-based beauty," he says. "The possibilities are limitless."
The sea's healing powers have long been the stuff of beauty lore. According to Elana Drell Szyfer, former CEO of the skin-care company Ahava, Marc Antony tried to impress Cleopatra by bestowing the Dead Sea upon her as her personal spa. His gift may predate Ahava, which has been cultivating ingredients from the Dead Sea for 26 years, but the company has modern technology on its side: Its best-selling Extreme Night Treatment ($74) includes both the Osmoter, Ahava's exclusive concentrate of Dead Sea minerals, and "Dunaliella salina, an algae that is the only thing that can live in the Dead Sea," says Szyfer. "Because it's so resistant, it helps strengthen and protect skin."
The scent of rose calls to mind something special for everyone, whether it's the comfort of a grandmother, the rejuvenating reminder of spring, or the sensuality of a lover, it conjures a strong sense of connection. On a day that often prioritizes romantic love, be sure to set aside a few moments to connect with yourself. Taking five minutes for self-care ritual, treating yourself to a new product, or even simply going the extra step to feel pampered is a great way to show yourself some love. Not all of these rose-inspired products have strong scents, but they're just as indulgent as they are therapeutic—functional beauty at its best.
1. Origins RitualiTea™ Feeling Rosy™ Comforting Powder Face Mask With Rooibos Tea & Rose
When teas are incorporated into skincare, plant medicine has a chance to work from the outside in. This paraben-, phthalate-, sulfate-free mask made with pulverized tea leaves and rose botanicals is gentle enough for dry skin but the scent has the power to transport you to another land. It's not just a face mask, but 10 full minutes of other-worldly aromatherapeutics.
2. W3LL People Bio Booster Serum
This botanical blend is a powerhouse serum for all skin types. Rosehip oil strengthens and hydrates skin while pomegranate brightens the complexion. It's ideal as a base under makeup as it evens out the skin tone, and is free from parabens, coal, tar, phenoxeythanol, pertoleum, synthetic fragrance, propylene glycol, phthalates, formaldehydes, and other chemicals, too.
3. Biossance Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil
Using an oil soluble form of vitamin C allows the potent antioxidant to be delivered 50 times better than normal ascorbic acid, which means brighter, more even-toned skin. This 5-ingredient oil is good for dry, normal, or oily skin, with squalane oil as a base that helps keep the skin's barrier in-tact. Damascus rose extract is the cherry on top—it's a treat for the senses and helps melt stress away.
4. Lano Rose Hand Cream
Formulated with rose oil, Lano's rose hand cream is a delight for the skin and the senses. Vitamin E, shea butter, and cocoa seed butter moisturize intensely while jojoba seed oil, grapeseed oil, and rose flower oil absorb quickly into the skin—striking just the right balance.
5. EiR Active Face Wash
Made especially for active people who wear balms, sunscreens, and other physical barriers on the skin, this face wash infused with shea and cocoa butters, cocoa pod ash, and rose and geranium essential oils thoroughly cleanses the skin without stripping it of its natural oils. Use this for a refreshing and relaxing experience removing makeup, sunscreen, or as a gentle pick-me-up in the morning.
6. Herbivore Rose Quartz Illuminating Body Oil
Rose quartz, the gemstone for which this body oil is named, is associated with the heart chakra. With a base of quick-absorbing jojoba oil and emollient coconut oil, it absorbs into the skinwithout making it look too "oiled up." The scent is subtle but noticeable, and so is the shimmer—making it one of those prize products that becomes both an everyday essential and also a favorite for a night out. The rose quartz oil is a limited edition run, so get it while you can!
7. Grown Alchemist Intensive Hand Cream: Persian Rose & Argan Extract
This hand cream from Grown Alchemist is as intoxicating as it is reparative—made with beautiful Persian rose, argan extract, vitamin A, tamamu oil, and omegas, it's an extra rich, super hydrating formula that can be used on any dry patches like elbows, knees, and feet.
8. Pacifica Rose Water Makeup Removing Wipes
Aloe, coconut water, calendula, and rose make these wipes a gentle, hydrating treat for the skin. Subtle notes of papaya and rose whisk away the day's makeup and worries simultaneously. Made without parabens, phthalates, mineral oil, sulfates, synthetic fragrance or petroleum, the formula is a perfect addition to your non-toxic beauty routine.
9. Schmidt's Rose + Vanilla Deodorant
Schmidt's deodorant is made without aluminum, propylene glycol, parabens, phthalates, and artificial fragrance, and uses natural alternatives like arrowroot powder, baking soda, and coconut oil to absorb wetness and neutralize odor. Rose and vanilla invoke the smell of a lush bouquet, giving the wearer a very subtle floral scent.
10. REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil
REN's bath oil utilizes both rose and geranium for their skin and mind-soothing properties. With a base of sesame seed oil and aloe, adding it to a bath (or even using it after the shower) locks in hydration and leaves the skin lightly scented for a few hours afterward.