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Discover Fucoidan: The Skin Barrier Hero

Discover Fucoidan: The Skin Barrier Hero

January 24, 2025

Science Corner with Terrance

The results are in from my 2024 Science Corner e-newsletter eight-week fucoidan challenge! This incredible compound, found in select seaweeds like Laminaria digitata, has many potential benefits: supporting the immune system, reducing inflammation, and acting as a powerful antioxidant to protect the skin barrier.

Have you ever encountered a scientific marvel that’s as complex as it is fascinating? That's precisely how I feel about fucoidan.

It's an extraordinary compound found in seaweed that showcases many incredible properties. It is the subject of over a thousand studies!

Fucoidan is a natural powerhouse for skin barrier protection, offering anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisture-retention benefits.

See our bioactive precipitation process in action—scroll down to watch the video!

What is Fucoidan?

Fucoidan is a bioactive compound found in the cell walls of Laminaria digitata and other brown seaweeds. To be precise, it is a long-chain, natural sugar made up of fucose units. Unlike fructose (from land plants), fucose is highly sulphated, giving fucoidan its unique properties.

This sulphation enhances its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, fortifying the skin barrier against environmental stressors. Research has shown that the level of sulphation directly correlates with fucoidan’s ability to reduce inflammation and strengthen the skin. A study conducted by Memorial University of Newfoundland showed our extracts are highly sulphated compared to commercial samples.

Interestingly, fucoidan is not identical across all seaweed species. Factors such as species type, growth environment, harvesting season, and maturity influence its composition and bioactivity, making it unique to each source.

Fucoidan’s uniqueness makes it an essential component of our seaweed skincare formulations, driving both its effectiveness and natural appeal.

Liquid Gold - Fucoidan Extract Why do we use whole seaweed extracts?

At 7 Fathoms, we take a holistic approach. Rather than isolating fucoidan, we preserve the full range of bioactive compounds in our extracts, ensuring they work together synergistically.

This means that fucoidan, beta-glucans and polyphenols, all contribute to protecting and nourishing the skin barrier.

Our nature-inspired process respects the integrity of the bioactives, following nature’s R&D to maximize their effectiveness.

By retaining this “bioactive family,” our seaweed extract offers superior hydration, anti-inflammatory effects, and support for collagen and elastin.

What Are Humectants? 

Humectants are powerful compounds that draw moisture to the skin, playing a vital role in maintaining hydration within the skin barrier.

How do Humectants Work?

Draw moisture from deeper layers of the skin (the dermis) to the surface (the epidermis). Pull moisture from the air into the outermost layers of the epidermis. Enhance moisture retention, keeping skin supple and hydrated.

Fucoidan is a superior humectant.

It not only attracts and retains moisture but also enhances the skin’s ability to stay hydrated under harsh environmental conditions, such as cold and dry weather.

How Does Fucoidan Protect Collagen and Elastin?

Collagen provides structure and strength to the skin barrier, while elastin ensures elasticity, allowing the skin to stretch and bounce back. Fucoidan helps block enzymes like collagenase and elastase, which degrade these essential components. This action slows the breakdown of skin barrier elements, promoting resilience and long-term skin health.

Seaweed and Fucoidan: A Unique Blueprint

Every seaweed species has a unique blueprint for fucoidan. For example, Laminaria digitata thrives in the cold, stormy waters of Newfoundland, developing robust bioactive compounds to survive extreme conditions. These same waters are also home to Fucus vesiculosus, another seaweed powerhouse rich in fucoidan but with distinct properties that complement those of Laminaria digitata.

Together, these two seaweeds create a powerful synergy for hydration, protection, and skin barrier resilience.

Behind the Scenes

Our precipitation process ensures that the solids in our seaweed extract—fucoidan, beta-glucans, polyphenols, and trace minerals—are preserved in their natural, potent form. This meticulous process protects the bioactive family’s integrity, ensuring maximum effectiveness in every drop of our skincare products.

Want to see how it’s done? Watch our video demonstration of this process, where we measure the solids that contribute to the unparalleled quality of our extracts.

Video Thumbnail

The Newfoundland Advantage

In a recent CBC Land & Sea interview, Paula Gayle asked,

“What makes seaweed from Newfoundland different?”

The answer lies in the environment. The cold, turbulent waters of Newfoundland force seaweed to develop potent bioactive compounds like fucoidan. These compounds are nature’s way of protecting the seaweed—and, in turn, they protect your skin barrier.

This is the power behind all 7 Fathoms products.

Laminaria digitata is one of the most remarkable examples of this. Its bioactive compounds thrive under extreme conditions, and when extracted, they offer powerful support for sensitive skin. But Laminaria digitata isn’t the only seaweed to harness the strength of these wild waters.

These same cold, storm-driven oceans are home to another seaweed powerhouse — Fucus vesiculosus — another source of fucoidan with unique properties for skin barrier health.

Looking Ahead - A New Chapter for 7 Fathoms Seaweed Skincare

At 7 Fathoms, Newfoundland’s marine biodiversity inspires everything we do. By combining Laminaria digitata and Fucus vesiculosus, we’re taking another step forward.

Combining Fucus vesiculosus with our signature Laminaria digitata creates a powerful synergy to strengthen hydration, protection, and resilience for your skin barrier.

Join us as we evolve our approach, bringing you the combined strength of two powerhouse seaweed species.

2025 will bring exciting new products. We can’t wait to share what’s next!

👉 Join our e-newsletter for early access to launches, behind-the-scenes updates, and more.




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