Discover Fucoidan: The Skin Barrier Hero

July 22, 2025

✏️ Editor’s Note (Updated July 2025):

This post was originally published in January 2025 and has been updated with new research insights, refined explanations, and details from our late-summer harvest and testing process. We’ve also included a behind-the-scenes look at how we preserve the bioactive power of fucoidan in every product

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

In January, we shared the results of an eight-week exploration into the skin benefits of fucoidan. Since then, interest hasn’t let up—and for good reason.

What is Fucoidan?

Fucoidan is a bioactive compound found in the cell walls of brown seaweeds. Specifically, it's a highly sulphated polysaccharide composed of fucose sugars. It’s this sulphation that gives fucoidan its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisture-retaining properties.

Fucoidan helps calm the skin, protect against environmental stress, and improve hydration retention.

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.

🔬 Tested and Proven: Independent Research

Recent in vitro testing at Memorial University’s Marine Institute confirmed the bioactivity of our Laminaria digitata and Fucus vesiculosus extracts.

“Extracts of Laminaria digitata and Bladderwrack showed impressive anti-inflammatory values,” said Dr. Robert Helleur, former Professor of Environmental and Analytical Chemistry and scientific consultant for 7 Fathoms.

These findings support what we hear from customers every day: our extracts make a difference for dry, sensitive, and reactive skin.

🌿 Peak Bioactivity: Why Harvest Timing Matters

At 7 Fathoms, we harvest seaweed in the latter part of summer, when the seaweed has spent months weathering strong tides, salt spray, and sun.
Scientific studies show this is when fucoidan, polyphenols, and other bioactives reach their highest concentration and potency.

This means our extracts are not just natural—they’re naturally resilient.

Why 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 bioactives, following nature’s R&D to maximize their effectiveness, or, as we like to call it, sea wisdom.

Unlike others who isolate single compounds, we use whole-seaweed extracts. This preserves the full “bioactive family,” fucoidan, polyphenols, beta-glucans, and trace minerals, which work together to support the skin barrier more effectively.

How Fucoidan Works

✔️ As a Humectant

Fucoidan helps draw water into the skin and retain it—improving hydration in both dry and humid environments. That’s why customers reach for it in winter and summer—because a strong skin barrier support shouldn’t be seasonal.

✔️ As a Collagen & Elastin Protector

Fucoidan inhibits enzymes like collagenase and elastase that break down your skin’s structure. By slowing this degradation, it promotes resilience, firmness, and barrier strength over time.

🎥 Behind the Scenes: How We Capture the Bioactives

Our precipitation process protects the natural integrity of fucoidan, beta-glucans, polyphenols, and trace minerals—ensuring they stay active in every drop.

Watch our video demonstration of this process, where we measure the solids that contribute to the unparalleled quality of our extracts.

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. Laminaria digitata and Fucus vesiculosus both thrive in the cold, storm-driven waters of Newfoundland. These conditions force the seaweed to produce compounds that protect and repair—properties we harness through our extraction process.

Together, they form a potent synergy of hydration, protection, and real skin barrier care.

Looking Ahead

As we continue exploring the power of Newfoundland seaweeds, we’re expanding our product line to include the combined strength of both species in our product line.

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