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There are a few ingredients that I am very drawn to, one of them is seaweed (or marine algae). My skin loves this ingredient and I always see positive results from it. When I learnt that Osea’s signature ingredient in their products is seaweed, I just had to try them.
What’s Osea Malibu story?
Pronounced as ‘Ooh-sea-yah’, OSEA stands for Ocean, Sun, Earth, Atmosphere. Osea Malibu is a family run business, owned by mother Jenefer Palmer and daughter Melissa Palmer. Jenefer was inspired by her grandmother Elsa Reuschle who healed several torn tendons in her leg by swimming in the Long Island and 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. As confirmed by science, seaweed is a nutrient-dense superfood that is packed with minerals, antioxidants, amino acids and omega-3 fats, and are readily absorbed and utilised to transform, nourish and rejuvenate skin cells. After more than a decade of formulating the products, Jenefer Palmer founded Osea Malibu in 1996.
Today, the family is involved in every aspect of the company from searching for new naturally derived ingredients, running our social media campaigns to sourcing the most eco-responsible packaging.
OSEA products are all plant-based, gluten-free, cruelty-free and vegan-friendly, they do not contain animal-derived ingredients such as lanolin, beeswax, carmine and beyond. All OSEA products are PETA vegan certified and Leaping Bunny cruelty-free certified. Also, the ingredients that you won’t find in Osea products include Benzoyl Peroxide, Hydroquinone, Silicone-Based Polymers, Parabens, Propylene Glycol, Fragrance or Parfum, Phthalates, Ethanolamines, Sodium Laureth Sulfate, and PEG Compounds (Polyethylene glycol).
What about sustainability?
OSEA is now officially Climate Neutral Certified. Climate Neutral is a nonprofit that helps brands to offset greenhouse gas emissions. With the support of Climate Neutral, they were able to measure, offset and reduce 100% of our carbon footprint for the year 2020.
At every touchpoint, they aim to minimise our carbon emissions from the recyclability of their packaging to using renewable energy for our office and skincare studio, as well as supporting organisations that work hard to protect the planet for future generations.
Most of their products are packaged in recyclable glass (except their body scrubs which are packaged in HDPE plastic for safety reasons). As part of their Reduction Action Plan to reduce their 2021 emissions, excess packaging is minimised by removing paper inserts from their product unit boxes.
Ocean Cleansing Milk
A very nourishing cleanser that’s fragrance-free and pH balanced formulated. It’s good for first cleanse (removing makeups) as well as second cleanse (cleaning dirt and grimes). This is suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin. Formulated with key ingredients including:
- Gigartina seaweed: Restores natural hydration to your skin.
- Safflower seed oil: Rich in nourishing and moisturizing fatty acids, high in linoleic acid (70%) and has only smaller amounts of oleic acid (11%), good for acne-prone skin. It also contains antioxidant vitamin E .
- DPHP (Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline): May help with anti-aging by supporting collagen production and stability.
- Water lily (Nymphaea Alba): Provides instant hydration to the skin, has anti-oxidant, soothing and anti-inflammatory properties, good for calming irritated or sensitive skin.
- Witch Hazel, Chamomile: Soothing and anti-inflammatory
Ingredients
Aqua, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil, Nymphaea Alba Flower (White Water Lily) Extract, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sorbitan Olivate, Glycerin, Decyl Glucoside, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Gigartina Skottsbergii Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Alkyl Glucoside, Glyceryl Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Stearic Acid, Dipalmitoyl Hydroxyproline (Amino Acid Compound), Sodium Lauroyl Oat Amino Acids, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Peel Oil, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Citric Acid, Sodium Palmitoyl Proline, Capryloyl Glycine, Undecylenoyl Glycine, Acacia Farnesiana (Cassie) Flower Wax, Rosa Centifolia (Rose) Flower Wax, Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile) Flower Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Verdict
My skin is oily blemish-prone but can also get sensitive and dehydrated from time to time, so this cleanser is just perfect for my finicky skin. Instructions say ‘apply face cleanser to damp skin and rinse with warm water.’ I typically apply a couple of pumps directly to my dry skin and massage a bit, the cleanser is so milky and easy to spread, I don’t have any issues working with it on dry skin, sometimes I add a few drops of water directly to my face and then remove with a damp cotton pad if I use this as first cleanse; for a second cleanse, I remove with a damp washcloth. Is this cleanser really good for removing makeup? Well, it all depends on how much makeup you wear. I consider myself a moderate makeup wear gal and it seems to do the job. However, I think if you have heavy eye looks or loaded with layers of mascara or multiple layers of face base, then I’d recommend using something more heavy-duty.
Ocean cleansing milk is not a thick cleanser, just hydrating and lightweight. It doesn’t foam up or lather up at all, when it comes into contact with water, it turns into watery milk and rinse off very easily. There’s no noticeable scent, making this perfect for sensitive skin. It feels soothing, very gentle and comfortable on the skin. Once it’s removed, my skin always feels clean, refreshed but still very moisturised. Biologique Recherche Lait U cleanser is my HG, also a hydrating and nourishing milky cleanser for sensitive skin; I always compare others to it and I think we have a serious contender here!
Available: $54/5 oz
Sea Minerals Mist
Balance and soothe skin with this supercharged toning mist. It’s enriched with:
- A proprietary trio of seaweeds (Gigartina, Macrocystis, Undaria): Packed full of nutrient-rich minerals providing moisturising, anti-aging and toning benefits (Check out Osea website for details on this trio)
- Aloe Vera Leaf Juice: Cooling and refreshing, helps wound healing and skin regeneration in general.
- Dead Sea Salt: It has great antibacterial properties and helps to balance oil production while retaining moisture from within.
Suitable for all skin types, especially oily/combo skin.
Ingredients
Aqua, Dead Sea Salt, Gigartina Skottsbergii Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Manganese Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment (Mineral Peptides), Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Juice, Montmorillonite, Lonicera Caprifolium Extract, Lonicera Japonica Extract, Melia Azadirachta (Neem) Extract, Chlorophyll, Glycerin, Citric Acid
Verdict
I use this as a toner after I cleanse in the morning and sometimes, at night. It feels more than just cooling and hydrating, it actually feels ‘toning’ on my skin as in plumping and tightening in a very subtle way. My skin feels balanced and worths taking this extra step in the routine, unlike some mists you get the hydration and the effect is very short-lived. Overall, I like the ingredients for oil-balancing and what they do to my skin without any irritations.
Now, I always say the sprayer can make or break a mist product, so what do I think about the sprayer? It’s definitely an energetic one, it comes out more like a gentle stream than a super-fine fairy dust mist, I consider this right on the edge of a balanced sprayer but not aggressive so I’m happy with it. I use 4 -5 pumps all over my face and I don’t think this will work as a setting spray or throughout the day over makeup, you’ll see small droplets and generally quite a damp experience, but not drenched though. I enjoy this product, it has no scent and it works well as a toning step.
Available: $38/3.4 oz
Atmosphere Protection Cream
An everyday lightweight moisturiser hydrates while providing barrier protection against environmental pollutants. In addition to their signature, minerals-rich algae extract, this cream is blended with:
- Avocado oil: It’s a very rich, highly moisturising oil with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory benefits that makes the skin smooth and nourished, good for drier skin type.
- Macadamia seed oil: This has a close match to the naturally occurring sebum of the skin (other than jojoba oil). This oil is particularly useful for dry or chapped skin as it softens and moisturises due to the squalene and oleic acid content but it also contains omega 6 linoleic acid which is useful for balancing sebum production in oily skin and creates a natural protective barrier.
- Shea butter: High concentrations of fatty acids and vitamins for softening skin. Also has anti-inflammatory and healing properties.
Ingredients
Aqua, Algae Extract, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate (Vegetable Glycerides), Macadamia Ternifolia (Macadamia) Seed Oil, Sorbitan Olivate (Emulsifier from Olive Oil), Cetearyl Glucoside (Sugar & Coconut Glycolipid), Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) (Shea Butter), Simmondsia Chinensis Seed (Jojoba) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E), Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, L-Lysine Lauroyl Methionate (Amino Acid from Plants), Xanthan Gum, Laminaria Algae Extract, Gingko Biloba Leaf Extract, Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium) Oil, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate (Natural Smectite Clay), Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Potassium Sorbate, Glycine
Verdict
This cream goes on velvety smooth and is quick to absorb into the skin. It does not leave any greasy residues or feel heavy on my oily blemish-prone skin, it feels just perfect especially I also get dehydrated from time to time with some visible dry patches. I mostly use this cream in the daytime, only occasionally I use it in the evenings when I’m having an actives night, for example, AHAs leave-on serum. This sits very nicely under makeup or sunscreen, it’s a perfect daytime hydrating lotion. For night time, I use this when I want to reach for something simple but nourishing so it wouldn’t contradict any actives or overload my skin. This has a light fresh green scent, mostly coming from a couple of the essential oils towards the back of the ingredients list, nothing overwhelming. It’s so subtle and almost dissipates within seconds.
While the website doesn’t specify the skin types that are suitable for this cream, in my opinions, this one is suitable for all skin types. I’m genuinely surprised at how balancing this feels on the skin, I was slightly worried that it’s more suitable for dry skin type (because of the types of oils used) but the way this is formulated, it feels lightweight and most importantly it hasn’t caused any clogged pores or breakouts. Also, when I do get those dry red patches, this cream soothes them and almost instantaneously reduce the redness. If you are looking for a nice basic (but in a good way!), no silicones, no bells and whistles everyday moisturiser, this is definitely one to check out.
Available: $48/2 oz
Vitamin C Probiotic Polish
A powder physical exfoliator formulate with:
- 50% Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid): Fades the appearance of hyperpigmentation, dark spots and uneven skin tone.
- Pomegranate (Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum) Enzyme: Increases cell renewal and can be an alternative to acid exfoliation
- Rice (Oryza Sativa) Powder: Gently remove surface build-up
Ingredients
Ascorbic Acid, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Powder, Bambusa Arundinacea Stem Extract, Lactobacillus/Punica Granatum Fruit Ferment Extract, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Gigartina Skottsbergii Extract, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Undaria Pinnatifida Extract
Verdict
This water-activated powder exfoliant works like microdermabrasion. The instruction says ‘dispense ¼ tsp. of powder into hands, then activate by adding a few drops of water and gently swirl with fingers until creamy paste forms.’ and ‘those with sensitive skin can mix the powder with Ocean Cleansing Milk instead of water.’ My experience with this is somewhat ok, first of all, it’s hard to use without spilling too much or too little in my hand which makes it difficult to gauge my use every time. Also, I haven’t been able to turn the powder into a creamy paste, although the granules are super-fine and micro-sized they never dissolve, it feels more like massaging the skin with soft white sand that’s a bit damp. If I add too much water, it’ll just wash the powder away. I can’t say the experience is comfortable because of how scratchy it feels on my skin but it’s definitely better when mixing with the Ocean Cleansing Milk, it’s softer on the skin and also easier to move the product around. I use it only once a week because I want to avoid over-exfoliating my skin when its barrier was once compromised. Despite the fiddly user experience, I love how soft and smooth my skin feels afterwards. There’s no irritations or redness which is a good indication for me that the product hasn’t gone overboard to what my skin could tolerate.
Again on the website doesn’t specify the skin types that are suitable for this, but because of how gritty it stays throughout, I think those with very sensitive, reactive skin, open wounds or active acne might want to avoid this or be extra careful and gentle with it.
Available: $72/1 oz
White Algae Mask
A brightening mask with, of course, none other than their signature ingredient, algae extract but it includes other star ingredients such as:
- Mineral Peptides: Make skin feels plumped and firm
- Hyaluronic Acid: Draws in moisture for lasting hydration.
- Resveratrol: With potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticarcinogenic abilities and offers a protective effect against UV-caused oxidative stress.
Ingredients
Aqua, Algae Extract, Saccharomyces/Copper Ferment, Saccharomyces/Manganese Ferment, Saccharomyces/Zinc Ferment (Mineral Peptides), Glycerin, Resveratrol, Titanium Dioxide, Sodium Hyaluronate, Macrocystis Pyrifera Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Sesamum Indicum Seed Oil, Hesperidin Methyl Chalcone, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-3, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Rubus Coreanus (Raspberry) Fruit Extract, Lycium Chinensis Fruit Extract, Prunus Mume Fruit Extract, Uuron-cha Ekisu (Oolong Tea) Extract, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran, Pyrus Communis (Pear) Fruit Extract, Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Leaf Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Undecylenoyl Glycine, Citric Acid, Sorbic Acid, Potassium Sorbate
Verdict
This smooth and creamy mask claims to provide age-defying, brightening and smoothing benefits as well as reduce redness and I’m pleased to say though I’m not sure what age-defying benefits actually mean, I do agree with the rest of the claims. There’s a slight tingling sensation upon application, it goes away within 1 minute or less. Osea recommends to ‘leave on for 10-20 minutes, rinse with warm water and pat dry;’ or ‘for additional brightening, apply before bed in place of moisturising and leave on overnight.’ I’ve been doing it somewhere in-between, I like having my mask on for about 60 minutes, it dries to a bit of a powdery feel so while it’s ok to leave it on for a bit longer, I don’t want this to rub around the pillows overnight. This takes little to no efforts to remove, whether it’s a warm washcloth (my preferred way) or rinse with water. Skin feels and looks like new, so smooth, even-tone and clean which for some reasons I wasn’t expecting because usually, it’s a clay mask that gives me that very clean feeling. I like having this in my stash because as I’m tackling blemishes from wearing a mask, the scarring keeps appearing so this is a good one to have that under control while at the same time clear any redness and blotchiness.
Available: $48/1.7 oz
Final thoughts
I really enjoy all the products, they are beautifully presented as well as carefully formulated. My very top pick is the Ocean Cleansing Milk, an absolutely stunning product. Osea has a variety of products for different skin concerns and if the products I’ve tried so far are anything to go by, then I’m sure their other products are just as effective and lovely. I’m definitely interested in exploring more from the brand.