Osea Malibu is a vegan skin care brand that formulates their products with seaweed extracts as the key ingredients. The inspiration to use seaweed in their formulations comes from the family’s great grandmother Elsa Reuschle, who healed several torn tendons in her leg by swimming in the Long Island Sound. She attributed her recovery to the full spectrum of minerals and trace elements present in the saltwater and the abundance of seaweed found in the sea.
Elsa’s granddaughter, Jenefer Palmer, founded Osea Malibu in 1996 after more than a decade of formulating the products. Today, the family is still involved in every aspect of the company, continuing to share their deep love for the sea with the world. In this review, we’ll discuss the brand’s best selling products, key ingredients, Osea Malibu reviews from real customers, and more.
OUR TOP SKINCARE PICKS
| Rank | Brand | Link | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Carrot & Stick | Review | |||||
| 2 | Formulyst | Review | |||||
| 3 | Skinceuticals | Review | |||||
| - | Osea Malibu Skin Care |
What’s Inside OSEA Malibu Skin Care?
As we’ve already mentioned, the OSEA Malibu brand was built on the concept of using nutrient-dense seaweed extracts to heal the skin. Thus, the brand uses quite a few different seaweed extracts to formulate the OSEA Malibu skin care products. Let’s take a closer look at how these seaweed extracts may benefit your skin.
Undaria Pinnatifida
First up is Undaria Pinnatifida, a brown marine algae rich in minerals like sodium, iron, potassium, iodine, and calcium, as well as vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12.
According to a 2013 publication in the journal Marine Drugs, brown algae contains phlorotannins which absorb certain UV light to act as an antioxidant and therefore protect collagen.
Another component of brown algae called fucoidan can help with wound healing by protecting elastic fibers in the skin from breaking down over time. Fucoidan also improves skin hydration and promotes a youthful, plump appearance.
You can find this ingredient in the OSEA Malibu Undaria Algae Body Oil, Vitamin Sea Serum, and Sea Minerals Mist.
One of our favorite antioxidant-rich moisturizers is Carrot & Stick The Moisturizer.
Gigartina Skottsbergii
The next algae extract you’ll find in several Osea Malibu skin care products is Gigartina Skottsbergii, a red marine algae with hydrophilic (water-binding) properties that make it an excellent moisturizing agent.
It helps protect skin against external aggressors such as extreme dry climates, wind, and air pollution. Gigartina is rich in iodine and bromine, as well as sulfated polysaccharides, which are known to hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
This ingredient can be found in the OSEA Malibu Advanced Protection Cream, Gigartina Therapy Bath, and Ocean Cleansing Milk.
Macrocystis Pyrifera
Another key ingredient in Osea Malibu skin care products is Macrocystis Pyrifera, the largest of all marine algae. Like all seaweed, Macrocystis is a rich source of iodine, as well as several other vitamins and minerals.
When applied to the skin, Macrocystis helps reduce the appearance of blemishes and surface redness, while improving skin texture and tone. It has a gelatinous quality which helps to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while giving the skin a healthy glow.
You can find this ingredient in the OSEA Malibu Blemish Balm, White Algae Mask, and Hyaluronic Sea Serum.
So besides these three seaweed extracts, what other ingredients can you expect to find in OSEA Malibu skin care products? We noticed that the brand includes skincare staples, like vitamin C and peptides. Both of these ingredients should be part of your skincare routine. Here’s why:
The Top 5 Osea Malibu Skin Care Products
Undaria Algae Body Oil
This top selling Osea Malibu oil is derived from organic Undaria Algae that has been soaked in a blend of seed oils – acai, babassu, and passion fruit – for 6 months to naturally distill the vitamins and minerals into their purest, most potent forms. For example, this brown marine algae is rich in iodine, iron, potassium, calcium and vitamins B1, B2, B3, B6 and B12. The Undaria Algae Body Oil is said to firm the skin in order to eliminate the look of sagging skin and reduce the appearance of stretch marks.
Hyaluronic Sea Serum
The Osea Hyaluronic Sea Serum is a fragrance-free hydration serum for all skin types. It is said to visibly improve signs of aging, increase facial volume, and encourage brighter, firmer skin. The key ingredients you’ll find in this serum include three organic seaweeds and multiple molecular weights of hyaluronic acid.
BEST ALTERNATIVES: Carrot & Stick The Repair Serum.
Atmosphere Protection Cream
The Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream is a lightweight facial moisturizer that provides barrier protection against extreme climates, wind, and air pollution. In addition to containing algae extract as the key ingredient, the formula includes several natural emollients, including shea butter, macadamia seed oil, and avocado oil. This cream is said to leave a silky finish on the skin, making it an ideal primer for makeup.
Blemish Balm
If you’re struggling with acne-prone skin, you may want to consider the Osea Blemish Balm. Key ingredients in this formula include three varieties of organic seaweed combined with tea tree oil, juniper oil, and thyme oil. The Blemish Balm is said to minimize shine, calm blemishes, and soothe surface redness. It is also said to be ideal for sensitive skin or those who cannot tolerate heavy moisturizers.
Advanced Protection Cream
The Osea Advanced Protection Cream is an anti-aging facial moisturizer that is said to plump fine lines, blur wrinkles, and reduce the appearance of dark spots. One of the key anti-aging ingredients in this formula is dipalmitoyl hydroxyproline, which consists of two palmitic acids attached to hydroxyproline, an amino acid. It is absorbed through the skin where it promotes collagen synthesis and plays a role in the three-dimensional folding of collagen fibers. This may result in stronger, firmer skin that is less susceptible to wrinkle formation. The Osea Advanced Protection Cream is recommended for drier skins and climates.
BEST ALTERNATIVES: Carrot & Stick The Defence Serum.
Where Are Osea Malibu Skin Care Products Sold?
Osea Malibu skin care products are sold on the brand’s website, as well as several third party online retailers such as The Detox Market, Credo Beauty, Ulta, Amazon, and more.
What is The Osea Malibu Return Policy?
The Osea Malibu return policy states, “If you are not completely satisfied with your OSEA products you may send them back within 30 days of purchase for a full refund or credit (minus the shipping charges). For a refund, approximately 60% or more of the product must be remaining in the original container. We only process returns for products purchased at www.oseamalibu.com.”
Is Osea Malibu Cruelty Free?
Osea Malibu is cruelty free and the products are officially Leaping Bunny Certified. Leaping Bunny Certification means Osea Malibu skin care products are free of animal testing at every stage of product development.
Osea Malibu Reviews
Osea Malibu reviews on the brand’s website are very positive, with most products receiving four and five star ratings. The product with the most reviews is the Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream, which has almost 400 five-star reviews.
The positive Osea Malibu reviews for the Atmosphere Protection Cream comment that this cream effectively hydrates the skin without being greasy or heavy. Many reviews mention that it is a great option for those with oily and/or acne prone skin. One Osea Malibu review says, “I’ve been using this lotion every morning for a year and I love it! I use it at the end of my skin care routine (all Osea products) and it’s the perfect daytime moisturizer! Leaves my oily skin feeling soft and hydrated without being too heavy and soaks into my skin very quickly so I can immediately follow up with my non-toxic makeup routine. My skin feels great throughout the day and I end the night without any excess oil production. A little goes a long way too as you only need 1.5 pumps to cover your whole face and neck, so one bottle lasts me nearly 6 months.”
What’s impressive about the Osea Atmosphere Protection Cream is that there is currently just one 1-star review for this product. And this negative review doesn’t even have to do with the product itself, but rather the brand’s customer service. The review says, “While I adore the Atmosphere Protection Cream, it arrived to me smashed. I sent an email immediately and it has been a week with no response. I am disappointed at the level of customer service and truly expected more.”
What Are Some Alternatives to Osea Malibu Skin Care?
There’s no need to compromise when it comes to finding skincare that’s effective and safe.
If you’re looking for effective skincare products that skip harmful toxins, one brand we recommend is Carrot & Stick.
Carrot & Stick is committed to creating plant-derived formulas that deliver extraordinary results without relying on toxic chemicals or standard preservatives.
Carrot & Stick takes a tough love approach to skincare, perfectly balancing the gentle nurturing of plants with innovative science.
References:
1. Mar Drugs. 2013 Jan; 11(1): 146–164.
2. de Groot AC, Schmidt E. Essential Oils, Part IV: Contact Allergy. Dermatitis. 2016;27(4):170-175. doi:10.1097/DER.0000000000000197
