Before there was MARA, there was algae. And if there’s one thing you know about us, it’s that algae is kind of our thing.
While everyone else cycles through new microtrends, we’ve stayed loyal to an ingredient that’s been quietly thriving for billions of years. There’s a reason why it’s played such a key role in our story!
In honor of the secret ingredient that’s been with us since day one, we’re deep diving into what makes algae so remarkable…because who knew hiding in the waves was an ocean superfood that can do such wonders for your skin?
Algae is cooler than you think
If algae had its own résumé, it would be pretty impressive. According to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Hadley King, algae is actually one of the most biologically diverse ingredient sources in skincare.
“Living in harsh marine environments, algae has evolved to produce a wide range of protective compounds—including antioxidants, polysaccharides, amino acids, peptides, minerals, and vitamins—that help it survive UV exposure, oxidative stress, and dehydration.”
These protective compounds are what make algae such a win in skincare. It supports hydration, defends against environmental stressors, soothes visible irritation, and improves skin texture and elasticity.
Fun fact: Out of over 70,000 known algae species, no two are exactly alike. Dr. King explains how the great thing about having different bioactive profiles is that each can be used for “targeted skincare benefits rather than serving as a one-size-fits-all ingredient.”
In other words, algae is anything but ordinary. It’s resilient and endlessly adaptable (which if you ask us, are qualities worth bottling).
Why MARA chooses algae
Hear it from founder Allison McNamara who shares that it wasn’t a single lightning-bolt moment that made her realize algae would become the heart of MARA.
After deep research, Allison explains how while most skincare brands looked to land, she wanted to look to the sea: “I kept coming back to the same fact: algae is one of the oldest life forms on Earth. It has survived billions of years by adapting to some of the planet's harshest environments, and that resilience is exactly what I wanted to bottle for skin.”
Unlike what’s found in terrestrial plants, marine algae has unique components of antioxidants, essential minerals, amino acids, and bioactives. At MARA, our Proprietary Algae Blend (PAB) is sourced from two different types of brown algae: Alaria Esculenta Extract and a microalgae Plankton Extract. What we like to call our “living fountain of youth,” it can be found in each MARA product and is clinically tested to plump, firm, and smooth skin. Our PAB is sustainably harvested by wild collection in Europe to ensure that algae colonies are not over harvested and that they remain alive and healthy over time.
We use PAB to give you a healthy skin barrier, rich hydration, and to free oxidative stress, and add extra algae and marine superfoods which are intentionally chosen for each formula.
MARA: What surprised you most while researching marine ingredients?
Allison: “I was blown away by how little of the ocean we've actually explored. We know more about the surface of Mars than we do about our own oceans, yet the sea is home to an incredible diversity of ingredients with remarkable skincare potential. The more I learned, the more I realized marine biotechnology isn't just a trend—it's the future. Many marine organisms have evolved powerful ways to protect themselves from UV exposure, oxidative stress, dehydration, and pollution, and those same survival mechanisms can be harnessed to help strengthen and support our skin.”
MARA: What misconceptions do you feel that people have about algae?
Allison: “The biggest misconception is that algae is just "seaweed." In reality, algae is an entire kingdom of incredibly diverse organisms, and different species have vastly different benefits. Another misconception is that because it's ocean-derived, it must smell "fishy" or be overly niche. In reality, marine algae are some of the most sophisticated, clinically studied ingredients in skincare today. They're incredibly elegant, highly effective, and one of the most exciting frontiers in beauty science.”
The future is marine
As we continue to understand the beauty of the ocean, the future is about learning why these ingredients work, how they’re responsibly sourced, and how innovation can uncover even more of their potential.
“I think we're moving beyond simply saying an ingredient is "marine-derived" and toward identifying the specific bioactive compounds that deliver measurable results. We'll likely see more precision extraction techniques, biotechnology that sustainably produces marine actives without overharvesting natural ecosystems, and stronger clinical studies supporting efficacy,” says Dr. King.
This belief in oceanic power continues to inspire every formula we create. With that being said, here’s to diving deeper and glowy skin forever—thanks to algae!
xx, MARA team
Produits apparentés
Essence hydratante visage au peptide de perle
€56,95
Huile Nettoyante Enzymatique aux Algues
€61,95
Essence hydratante visage au peptide de perle
€56,95
Huile Nettoyante Enzymatique aux Algues
€61,95
