Our Story

kelp underwater kelp underwater
About MARA

Behind the Brand

At MARA, luxury skincare meets clinical precision. Our wild-collected algae from the coasts of Ireland and France is infused with scientifically validated actives to deliver visible results.

Each clean formula is a study in balance: potent yet sensorial, natural yet high-performance. Powered by the sea and guided by science, get ready to simplify your skincare and Sea the Glow®.

Allison McNamara in MARA Office

Behind the Brand With Allison

Sit down with our founder to learn about the making of MARA, including the creation of our proprietary algae blend and the ethos behind our world class formulas.

Our Values

swatch of flower acid algae serum
swatch of flower acid algae serum
I. Efficacy

We reinvent what’s possible in clean skincare by pairing clinically proven actives with innovative delivery systems that transform skin while strengthening its natural barrier. We challenge convention, creating first-to-market formats and category-defining formulas that set a new standard for results-driven beauty.

allison mcnamara desk founder
allison mcnamara desk founder
III. Passion

Our passion fuels everything we do—from the creativity behind every formula to the care poured into each launch. We celebrate collaboration, champion excellence, and approach every task with joy and purpose. No role is too small, no idea too bold.

mara skincare cabinet with hand
mara skincare cabinet with hand
V. Elegance

We hold ourselves to the same high standards as our skincare: thoughtful, refined, and purposeful. We lead with grace, uplift one another, and create products—and relationships—that embody true beauty, inside and out.

universal oil and cleansing oil
universal oil and cleansing oil
II. Simplicity

We believe great skin shouldn’t be complicated. Whether you have three minutes or three hours, our products are designed to blend seamlessly into your ritual. With formulas rooted in intention and performance, your best skin is just three steps—or less—away.

girl applying clear skin mineral milk to skin
girl applying clear skin mineral milk to skin
IV. Community

MARA began with a single product and a devoted community who believed in our vision. Every innovation since has been inspired by you—your feedback, your glow, your stories. We listen closely, evolve intentionally, and create products that reflect the people who love them.

allison mcnamara founder shot allison mcnamara founder shot
From the Founder

Welcome to the World of MARA

Hi! I'm Allison McNamara. MARA began on a trip abroad, inspired by the Sea of Marmara and the “mara” in my own name—Gaelic for “sea.” That moment sparked the idea for a luxe, algae-infused skincare line rooted in oceanic power.

At the heart of MARA is our proprietary algae blend, wild-collected by hand in Ireland and France to protect the integrity of the colonies. After two years of development, we created a clinically proven mix of brown algae and plankton that visibly smooths wrinkles, boosts elasticity and firmness, and deeply hydrates while delivering antioxidants, vitamins, and amino acids for radiant skin. We bottle this living fountain of youth in every formula, layering in complementary algae extracts and marine superfoods for even greater results.

I started formulating Universal Face Oil in 2016, when “more is more” dominated skincare. I believed the opposite—that simplicity is powerful. MARA launched with one hero product, Universal Face Oil, still my go-to for bouncy, glowing skin nearly a decade later.

MARA is your modern, chic edit of tried-and-true skincare essentials—thoughtfully crafted, clinically backed, and inspired by the sea.

our clinically proven algae

Sustainable Results with Marine Botanicals

Our Science