Saaren Taika launches Finland’s first skincare line based on bladderwrack, using wild seaweed detached by storms
The power of bladderwrack in skincare
Bladderwrack is one of the most nutrient-rich treasures of the marine environment. Its naturally high content of fucoidan, polyphenols, and antioxidants makes it an effective ingredient even for demanding skin.
According to research, these compounds have been shown to soothe the skin, reduce redness, and protect it from environmental stressors such as air pollution and free radicals. In addition, the minerals and polysaccharides contained in bladderwrack help bind moisture deep into the skin, support the skin’s natural protective barrier, and promote skin cell renewal, which helps prevent premature aging.
Saaren Taika uses only pure, wild-grown bladderwrack, which is hand-harvested and extracted with our own developed methods into highly effective extracts. This ensures that every drop retains its maximum potency and provides your skin with genuinely effective care.
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Is bladderwrack extract a neurocosmetic ingredient?
Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a well-known and extensively researched skincare ingredient worldwide, especially because of its fucoidan, polyphenols, and antioxidants.
Studies show that fucoidan may inhibit UVB-induced collagen breakdown and support the formation of new type I collagen [1], helping to prevent premature aging.
When used topically, bladderwrack extract has been found to increase skin elasticity and thickness [2], which strengthens the skin’s structure and makes it more resistant to damage and dryness. This is especially important for aging skin, where thinning can lead to fine lines and wrinkles.
Clinical studies have shown that a combination of bladderwrack extract and other seaweed extracts can reduce cellulite and fat deposits and improve skin elasticity [3].
The polyphenols and antioxidants in bladderwrack neutralize free radicals and protect the skin’s collagen and elastin [4], while its natural polysaccharides help maintain moisture balance and strengthen the skin’s protective barrier [5].
Thanks to all this, bladderwrack is an exceptionally versatile and scientifically proven ingredient that effectively supports your skin’s youthfulness, structure, and vitality.
Our own product development. Our own active ingredient. Visible results.
At the heart of Saaren Taika’s bladderwrack line are our own combination extracts developed in our laboratory. These are completely new and unique combinations in Finland, utilizing the full potential of bladderwrack for your skin in a way that has never been done here before.
In our combination extracts, we use extraction methods we have developed ourselves, enabling us to efficiently capture bladderwrack’s diverse nutrients and bioactive compounds.
This is the first time that such an effective, scientifically based skincare product has been made from Finnish bladderwrack, produced from start to finish in our own factory in Perniö.
Saaren Taika is one of the few Finnish cosmetics brands with its own lab-based product development and production under the same roof. We develop and manufacture the majority of our products ourselves, based on our own research and vision.
Discover Saaren Taika’s new bladderwrack series in our online store.
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Product development and production
Our innovative combinations: deep-acting seaweed extract technology
The combination extracts developed by Saaren Taika:
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Fucus DuoActive®
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Fucus Fusion®
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Marine Dual Extract™
use our special extraction methods to efficiently capture the most valuable nutrients and bioactive compounds from bladderwrack.
These extracts work by helping to minimize enlarged pores, calm redness, support skin moisture balance, and strengthen the skin’s natural barrier.
We develop all our products to be genuinely effective and contain scientifically proven amounts of active ingredients.
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Pure and responsible bladderwrack
The bladderwrack we use grows in the clean, oxygen-rich coastal waters of the Bothnian Sea, right next to a Natura 2000 area. The coastline and archipelago of the Bothnian Sea provide exceptionally clean, well-circulating waters for bladderwrack.
Bladderwrack is always harvested by hand and only when storms naturally detach it. Never before, never by force. Most of the detached seaweed is left on the shore zone to support nutrient cycling and maintain natural balance.
Every batch collected is carefully cleaned and dried, and each batch is tested by an independent laboratory for heavy metals, environmental toxins, and microbiological purity. This ensures that the bladderwrack is safe and pure for use in skincare products.
Is our bladderwrack clean and safe?
Using storm-detached bladderwrack
Our bladderwrack skincare line does not use farmed or intensively cultivated seaweed; instead, we only use bladderwrack naturally detached by storms and the sea. We collect it by hand or by diving along the shores of the Bothnian Sea, only when nature provides it.
This means that the availability of the raw material is limited, and production cannot be scaled up according to demand. This is exactly what makes the line genuinely exclusive and unique.
How does bladderwrack become effective and pleasant skincare?
We extract the most valuable bioactive compounds from bladderwrack – such as fucoidans, alginates, carotenoids, and phytosterols – using our own extraction methods.
This results in our unique active ingredients:
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Fucus Fusion® utilizes bladderwrack’s carotenoids and phytosterols. It is designed to support the skin’s barrier function, restore elasticity, and calm sensitive skin.
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Fucus DuoActive® focuses on fucoidan and alginate. Its purpose is to moisturize, strengthen the skin’s structure, and support its natural renewal.
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Marine Dual Extract™ combines the benefits of both. It has been developed especially to prevent signs of aging, support skin elasticity, and protect against oxidative stress.
What about the scent?
Because bladderwrack extract can have a naturally strong scent that may intensify when combined with other active ingredients, we have developed soft and fresh unisex fragrances for our products. In some products, we use synthetic fragrance to ensure the final result is pleasant and balanced, without leaving a marine after-smell.
The scent and texture of our bladderwrack products
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Brown algae in skincare
Your skin is exposed daily to external stressors such as air pollution and UV radiation, which can weaken its defenses and accelerate signs of aging. Active compounds from brown algae, such as fucoidan, alginate, phlorotannins, and fucoxanthin, provide natural protection against these harmful factors.
Brown algae have evolved to withstand extreme conditions such as large temperature variations and intense sunlight. They retain moisture and protect their cells from the harmful effects of free radicals. These same properties make them ideal ingredients for maintaining skin moisture balance and protection.
Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) is a key cause of dry and sensitized skin, as well as the development of atopic skin. Fucoidan and alginate help prevent moisture loss and support your skin’s natural defense mechanisms. Phlorotannins and fucoxanthin, in turn, help combat oxidative stress and UV-induced damage, promoting the skin’s youthfulness and elasticity.
As you age, your skin’s production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid slows down, leading to decreased firmness and the formation of lines. Brown algae extracts support your skin’s renewal, deeply moisturize, and help maintain the skin’s firmness and radiance naturally.
Fucoidan – a moisturizing and skin-renewing polysaccharide
Fucoidan helps bind moisture to your skin by forming a protective film that prevents water loss. It also supports skin renewal and wound healing by stimulating fibroblast activity. Its anti-inflammatory properties help reduce redness and calm your skin. As an anti-aging compound, it prevents the breakdown of elastin and supports your skin’s firmness.
Alginate – a moisture-binding and protective ingredient
Alginate is a polysaccharide derived from the cell walls of brown algae, which effectively binds water. In cosmetics, it is used as a gelling agent to help maintain skin moisture balance. Alginate can also improve your skin’s barrier function and make it more resistant to external stressors.
Phlorotannins – powerful antioxidants and UV protectors
Phlorotannins are phenolic compounds known for their strong antioxidant effect. They neutralize harmful free radicals that can accelerate skin aging.
Fucoxanthin – a brightening and anti-inflammatory pigment
Fucoxanthin is a carotenoid that gives brown algae their characteristic orange-brown hue. It acts as a powerful antioxidant and helps protect your skin from photo damage. It can also reduce melanin production and UV-induced pigmentation, making it a useful ingredient for brightening skin tone and evening out discoloration. Fucoxanthin also has anti-inflammatory properties that help calm irritated skin.
Scientifically studied
[4] Anti-collagenase, anti-elastase and anti-oxidant activities of extracts from 21 plants
[5] Anti-Inflammatory and Skin Barrier Repair Effects of Topical Application of Some Plant Oils
Skin Barrier Function: The Interplay of Physical, Chemical, and Immunologic Properties
Impaired skin barrier function in dermatologic disease and repair with moisturization
Role of topical emollients and moisturizers in the treatment of dry skin barrier disorders
The use of therapeutic moisturizers in various dermatologic disorders
