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Is Chondrus crispus good for your skin?
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What is Chondrus crispus extract?
Does Chondrus crispus contain carrageenan?
Jul 21, 2023 · Sea moss (also known as Irish moss or by its scientific term, Chondrus crispus) is a type of red algae that grows on rocks in deep ocean water. "Like other forms of seaweed, it is rich in bioactive antioxidants, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory compounds that have potential benefits for skin care," notes board-certified dermatologist ...
- Overview
- Suggested benefits of sea moss
- Other benefits
- How to use it
- Can you make your own sea moss products?
- Choosing a product
- Potential risks
- The bottom line
Sea moss, formally known as Chondrus crispus, is a spiny sea plant that people living in Ireland and Jamaica have used for decades.
It comes in a variety of colors, but the most common is red. This red algae is also known as Irish moss.
People commonly add a gel form of the plant to food and drink, citing its healing and health-boosting potential. Some even use it to boost libido, though to date no scientific evidence backs this up.
And thanks to its thickening abilities, you can find it in the likes of ice cream and cottage cheese as the extract carrageenan.
If you’ve come across some of the potential skin care benefits of sea moss, you might wonder whether there’s any truth to them.
Read on to learn more about the possible benefits and risks of using sea moss, plus tips on incorporating it into your routine.
“Sea moss has been gaining popularity online as an ingredient to add to smoothies and juice, but many are starting to incorporate it into their skin care routine,” notes Dr. Paul Jarrod Frank, a cosmetic dermatologist based in New York City.
The ingredient has a long list of potential skin care benefits, thanks to its high vitamin and mineral content.
“It is suspected to help maintain and lock in moisture,” says Frank.
According to Dr. Erum Ilyas, a board certified dermatologist outside of Philadelphia, its “sulfur content gives it antimicrobial properties which can assist with balancing the skin’s bioflora. This has the potential to help acne, seborrhea, and rosacea-related changes to the skin.”
Sea moss even contains vitamins A and K, along with potassium, which could help combat environmental stressors.
However, Frank states, “research is still quite limited.”
Sea moss could also have some benefits for other parts of the body.
“There are some small studies that have demonstrated an immune boost from extracts,” explains Ilyas.
Many studies focus on the broader seaweed and algae category, rather than sea moss specifically. Still, sea moss could offer the following health advantages:
•Its antioxidants may help protect the body from damage that leads to disease. (Antioxidants are also great for skin health.)
•Its iodine content may help promote healthy thyroid function.
•Its prebiotic levels may improve gut health.
Sea moss tends to come in a gel form, but you’ll find it in skin care products ranging from lightweight serums and mists to thicker masks and moisturizers.
If you’re hoping for hydration and anti-aging benefits, creams and serums are often a good choice.
Exfoliators and masks, on the other hand, tend to target specific issues such as acne breakouts and inflammation.
Ilyas advises simply using sea moss formulas as directed.
“I would not suggest grabbing this from the ocean and rubbing [it] on your face,” she adds.
Keep in mind it can take several weeks to notice a difference with any skin care product, particularly when treating conditions like acne.
While you may love a bit of creativity in your everyday routine, sea moss is one DIY area you should steer clear of.
“I don’t recommend making any beauty products at home that could potentially have side effects,” Frank says.
“Sea moss can contain high levels of toxic metals such as mercury and, like all beauty products, should be tested and regulated before ingesting or applying it onto the skin.”
Plus, Ilyas adds, “given the high sulfur content, it’s also important to verify you do not have sensitivities or allergies to sulfur before use.”
Due to the risk of chemicals, pesticides, and metals that can accumulate on shorelines where sea moss grows, Frank recommends looking for products containing organic sea moss or organic Irish moss.
As overharvesting can have a detrimental effect on the algae population, it’s also worth reviewing information about whether the moss was harvested with sustainability in mind.
But, as Ilyas explains, “the real challenge in finding a skin care product to use is that there’s not a great chance of finding a product with ‘sea moss’ on the ingredient label.”
Instead, you’ll often notice vague claims that mention moss, algae, or seaweed.
“Since there are no percentages or specific extracts that are consistently linked to specific benefits, simply seeking products that reference moss, algae, or seaweed is reasonable,” she says.
Most products include sea moss as part of a long list of ingredients.
The high levels of iodine and sulfur found in sea moss could pose a problem for people with sensitive skin or those who have allergies to shellfish or sulfur.
If you fall into either of those categories, you may want to proceed with caution. Speaking to a dermatologist and carrying out a patch test are both good ideas before trying any new skin care product.
Signs of an adverse reaction to topical sea moss can include a burning or stinging sensation along with redness.
If you have any concerns about severe or long-lasting skin issues, it’s generally wise to book an appointment with a specialist.
More research is needed before sea moss can really be touted as a new skin care wonder, but it could well have a number of benefits.
If you do want to try it safely, skip the DIY route and opt for premade products instead.
Dec 7, 2022 · The reason Chondrus Crispus can survive in extreme conditions is by accumulating several metabolites. This is important—and exciting—for skincare because the unique composition of the seaweed extract "reinforces and stimulates keratinization of the epidermis," explains Koestline.
Oct 15, 2021 · "Sea moss, often called Irish moss, carrageen moss, or scientifically, Chondrus crispus, is a species of red algae," explains New York City-based board-certified dermatologist Anthony Rossi,...
- Elizabeth Denton
Jun 21, 2021 · INCI name: CHONDRUS CRISPUS EXTRACT; Quick facts. Also known as Carrageenan Extract and Seaweed Extract; Able to regulate oil production, exfoliates and brightens the skin; Contains a lot of hydrating benefits and can be used to help those suffering from acne and rosacea flare-ups
Chondrus crispus, also known as red algae, is a type of seaweed that’s a rich source of many nutrients for skin, including the pigment beta-carotene and potent antioxidants zeaxanthin, lutein, which help protect skin from the visible effects of blue light exposure.
Sea moss, also known as Irish moss or Chondrus crispus, is a natural skin care ingredient that has been used for centuries due to its numerous health benefits. It is a type of red algae that grows along the Atlantic coastlines of Europe and North America.
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