What it is
Fucus vesiculosus, commonly called bladderwrack, is a brown seaweed harvested from cold coastal waters and used in skin care as a marine botanical. It contains polysaccharides, minerals, and other constituents that help condition and hydrate the skin. It is typically incorporated at low levels and is associated with marine-themed formulations.
Safety & warnings
Bladderwrack-derived ingredients are generally well tolerated topically at cosmetic levels. Seaweeds can naturally contain iodine and trace minerals, and individuals with seaweed or iodine sensitivities may wish to patch test. It is not a recognized fragrance allergen and, as a water-based marine extract, comedogenicity is not a typical concern.
Origin & sourcing
Natural; derived from the brown alga Fucus vesiculosus, harvested from rocky shorelines of the North Atlantic and other temperate coasts.
Questions everyone asks
What is bladderwrack?
It is a brown seaweed (Fucus vesiculosus) used in cosmetics as a conditioning marine botanical that contributes polysaccharides and minerals.
Why include seaweed in a sunscreen?
It is used mainly for skin conditioning and hydration and to support a marine-botanical positioning, not as a UV filter.