Nothing From the Sea Is Wasted

Laminaria Digitata, also known as Oarweed, was the first species of seaweed that we began working with – it’s what washed up on the beach when our co-founder, Terrence, was struggling with severe contact dermatitis related to his medical appliance. It comes as no surprise, then, that what’s good for the skin is good for the body – our aqueous extraction process, while intended for use in our skincare products, also leaves behind a nutrient-rich sea vegetable material. Our commitment to sustainability extends beyond just our company ethos and our commitment to sourcing new, eco-friendly packaging. We utilize the Laminaria Digitata byproduct in our own home, creating a delicious and nourishing seaweed-based broth. What begins as barrier support for the skin becomes nourishment for our family.

What Is Laminaria Digitata?

We’re far from the first people to utilize this seaweed as substinence. Laminaria Digitata has been used as a food source by coastal cultures for centuries, particularly in the North Atlantic ocean. As with many brown kelps and seaweeds, it can also be used in Japanese Dashi and mineral broths. Because we harvest our seaweed in cold, clean, turbulent waters, we know that it’s safe for consumption.  

While we utilize the seaweed to create a broth, most seaweeds are naturally rich in dietary fiber. It also contains a plethora of minerals, including calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous, Vitamins A, B1, B12, C and potassium – and like any seaweed, it also contains iodine. The natural glutamates create an umami depth of flavour that lends itself wonderfully to broth bases. The same mineral density that makes the species we work with so powerful for the skin are also what make them valuable for consumption. 

Why We Re-Use the Byproduct: Gut health & seaweed

After aqueous extraction for skincare, the remaining sea vegetable still contains an incredible amount of minerals and natural compounds. So, instead of discarding it, we often slow-simmer it; creating a nutrient-dense and delicious seaweed broth that can be consumed on its own, or used as a mineral-rich broth base for other cooking. Our roots in the rural coastal community of Grates Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador, inform our deep respect for the ocean. Our circular use of ingredients is just one way that we respect the natural resources we use in our products. 

Alginates – part of what’s often derived from brown seaweed extractions – can help to support a beneficial gut bacteria and create a more resilient digestive environment. The minerals in seaweed, particularly Magnesium and Calcium, help to support the body’s muscles, nerves, and bone structures, and Iodine supports thyroid function (though it must be consumed in moderation).  

Laminaria digitata and other brown seaweeds have long been used in dashi (a Japanese soup stock), added to soups and stews, or blanched and eaten as a vegetable. The younger fronds are more tender, and because of its glutamates it has a natural richness of flavour that creates a delicious broth.  

From Barrier Care to Internal Resilience

Our goal in sharing our extracts in our skincare products are to support skin barrier resistance, to help with moisture retention, and to help calm and restore skin irritation with sustainably-harvested seaweed extracts. While we only prepare our broth for our own family, its purpose is much the same – to help support our gut balance, replenish minerals, and to ensure our harvesting practices are as sustainable as possible. A balanced microbiome and lifestyle choices that support it can make your skin clearer – this is known as the gut-skin axis. 

The Importance of Environmental Stewardship

At 7 Fathoms, we believe in using what the ocean provides us with care and intention. Our skincare products are made in-house at our commercial space in the small community of Grates Cove, which allows us to reuse the byproduct of the seaweed we harvest to create a nourishing broth for our family. From skincare to broth, our Laminaria digitata is part of a larger story of respect for our natural surroundings. Respecting the ocean and respecting the environment go hand-in-hand – that’s why we don’t use any harsh solvents in our extraction methods, and why we can then reuse our laminaria digitata to create a nourishing, healthy broth.