Ocean Safe Ingredients List
At Eco Skincare, we believe that skincare should nurture both your skin and our planet. Our ingredient choices are guided by a deep respect for the world’s oceans. Many conventional skincare ingredients can harm marine life and ecosystems, but we prefer those that are biodegradable, non-toxic, and responsibly sourced.
Below, discover 50+ ocean-safe ingredients we love to use, why they’re good for your skin, and how they help protect our blue planet.
Ocean-Safe Skincare Ingredients: Our Commitment to Clean Oceans
How We Rate Ocean-Friendliness
- A+: Natural, renewable, minimal extraction impact
- A: Natural, but may require careful sourcing
- B: Natural or nature-identical, but extraction/production can impact ecosystems
Our Favourite Ocean-Safe Skincare Ingredients
Ingredient |
INCI Name |
Ocean-Friendly Rating |
What It Does for Your Skin |
Why It’s Ocean-Safe |
Aloe Vera |
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice |
A+ |
Soothes, hydrates, calms irritation |
Grows easily, minimal environmental impact |
Almond Oil |
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil |
A |
Softens, deeply moisturises |
Renewable, but needs careful water management |
Apricot Kernel Oil |
Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil |
A |
Nourishes, gentle for all skin types |
By-product of fruit industry, low impact |
Argan Oil |
Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil |
A |
Moisturises, rich in antioxidants |
Sustainably harvested, supports communities |
Astaxanthin (from algae) |
Astaxanthin |
A+ |
Powerful antioxidant, anti-ageing |
Microalgae are renewable, minimal impact |
Avocado Oil |
Persea Gratissima Oil |
A |
Deeply nourishing, vitamin-rich |
Renewable, but avocados are water-intensive |
Beeswax |
Cera Alba |
B |
Locks in moisture, protects skin |
Natural, but bee welfare is important |
Beta-Glucan |
Beta-Glucan |
A |
Calms, repairs skin barrier |
Sourced from oats/fungi, renewable |
Calendula |
Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract |
A |
Soothes, reduces redness |
Easy to grow, low impact |
Camellia Oil |
Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil |
A |
Moisturises, balances skin |
Renewable, low impact |
Carrot Seed Oil |
Daucus Carota Sativa Seed Oil |
A |
Rejuvenates, antioxidant boost |
By-product of carrot farming |
Carrageenan |
Chondrus Crispus Extract |
A+ |
Hydrates, natural thickener |
Sustainably harvested seaweed |
Castor Oil |
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil |
A |
Hydrates, supports skin barrier |
Renewable, low impact |
Chamomile |
Chamomilla Recutita Flower Extract |
A |
Calms, reduces sensitivity |
Easy to grow, gentle on earth |
Chia Seed Oil |
Salvia Hispanica Seed Oil |
A |
Omega-rich, supports skin barrier |
Renewable, low impact |
Chicory Root Extract | Cichorium Intybus Root Extract | A | Strengthens and repairs skin, deeply hydrates, calms inflammation | A hardy, renewable crop. Biodegradable, low impact |
Cocoa Butter |
Theobroma Cacao Seed Butter |
A |
Softens, deeply nourishes |
By-product of chocolate industry |
Coconut Oil |
Cocos Nucifera Oil |
A |
Moisturises, antibacterial |
Renewable, check for ethical sourcing |
Cucumber Extract |
Cucumis Sativus Fruit Extract |
A |
Soothes, refreshes |
Easy to grow, low impact |
Evening Primrose Oil |
Oenothera Biennis Oil |
A |
Calms, rich in omega-6 |
Renewable, low impact |
Flaxseed Oil |
Linum Usitatissimum Seed Oil |
A |
Omega-3 rich, soothes |
Renewable, low impact |
French Green Clay |
Illite |
A |
Purifies, absorbs oil |
Abundant, low-impact mining |
Glycerin (vegetable) |
Glycerin |
A+ |
Deep hydration, draws in moisture |
By-product of soap making, biodegradable |
Grapeseed Oil |
Vitis Vinifera Seed Oil |
A |
Light, antioxidant-rich |
By-product of wine industry |
Green Tea |
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract |
A |
Antioxidant, soothes |
Renewable, low impact |
Hemp Seed Oil |
Cannabis Sativa Seed Oil |
A |
Moisturises, omega-rich |
Low input crop, renewable |
Hyaluronic Acid (biotech) |
Sodium Hyaluronate |
A+ |
Plumps, hydrates |
Fermentation-based, minimal impact |
Jojoba Oil |
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil |
A+ |
Balances, non-greasy |
Drought-resistant, renewable |
Kaolin Clay |
Kaolin |
A |
Gently cleanses, absorbs oil |
Abundant, low-impact mining |
Kukui Nut Oil |
Aleurites Moluccana Seed Oil |
A |
Moisturises, soothes |
Renewable, low impact |
Laminaria (Brown Seaweed) |
Laminaria Digitata Extract |
A+ |
Antioxidant, supports collagen |
Sustainably harvested, renewable |
Lanolin (vegetarian alternative) |
Hydrogenated Vegetable Oil |
A+ |
Softens, protects |
Plant-based, biodegradable |
Lavender |
Lavandula Angustifolia Oil |
A |
Calms, antimicrobial |
Renewable, low impact |
Linoleic Acid |
Linoleic Acid |
A+ |
Repairs barrier, soothes |
Plant-derived, renewable |
Macadamia Oil |
Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil |
A |
Nourishes, softens |
Renewable, low impact |
Mango Butter |
Mangifera Indica Seed Butter |
A |
Softens, smooths |
By-product of fruit industry |
Marula Oil |
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil |
A |
Moisturises, antioxidant |
Supports communities, low impact |
Mycosporine-like Amino Acids (MAAs) |
Porphyra-334, Shinorine |
A+ |
Natural UV protection, anti-ageing |
From renewable algae, minimal impact |
Oat Oil |
Avena Sativa Kernel Oil |
A |
Soothes, repairs |
By-product of grain industry |
Olive Oil |
Olea Europaea Fruit Oil |
A |
Moisturises, antioxidant |
Renewable, low impact |
Papaya Extract |
Carica Papaya Fruit Extract |
A |
Gently exfoliates, brightens |
By-product of fruit industry |
Prickly Pear Oil |
Opuntia Ficus-Indica Seed Oil |
A |
Hydrates, antioxidant |
Drought-resistant crop |
Propolis |
Propolis Extract |
B |
Heals, antimicrobial |
Bee-derived, bee welfare important |
Raspberry Seed Oil |
Rubus Idaeus Seed Oil |
A |
UV protection, antioxidant |
By-product of fruit industry |
Red Algae |
Chondrus Crispus Extract |
A+ |
Hydrates, antioxidant |
Sustainably harvested, renewable |
Rice Bran Oil |
Oryza Sativa Bran Oil |
A |
Moisturises, antioxidant |
By-product of rice milling |
Rosehip Oil |
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil |
A |
Regenerates, brightens |
By-product of fruit industry |
Safflower Oil |
Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil |
A |
Light, barrier support |
Renewable, low impact |
Squalane (plant-derived) |
Squalane |
A+ |
Lightweight, locks in moisture |
From olives or sugarcane, renewable |
Shea Butter |
Butyrospermum Parkii Butter |
A |
Deeply nourishes, softens |
Supports communities, renewable |
Sodium Alginate |
Sodium Alginate |
A+ |
Hydrates, natural thickener |
Sustainably harvested seaweed |
Spirulina |
Spirulina Platensis Extract |
A+ |
Antioxidant, revitalises |
Microalgae, renewable, minimal impact |
Sunflower Oil |
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil |
A |
Moisturises, rich in vitamin E |
Renewable, low impact |
Sweet Almond Oil |
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil |
A |
Softens, nourishes |
Renewable, but water-intensive |
Tamanu Oil |
Calophyllum Inophyllum Seed Oil |
A |
Heals, soothes |
Renewable, low impact |
Tocopherol (Vitamin E, plant-derived) |
Tocopherol |
A+ |
Antioxidant, protects |
Plant-derived, renewable |
Witch Hazel |
Hamamelis Virginiana Extract |
A |
Soothes, tones |
Easy to grow, low impact |
Zeaxanthin (from algae) |
Zeaxanthin |
A+ |
Antioxidant, protects from light |
Algae-sourced, renewable |
Disclaimer: This list of ocean-safe skincare ingredients is based on our best knowledge of industry standards and sustainability practices. However, ingredient sourcing and processing can vary significantly between brands and suppliers. We cannot guarantee that all ingredients listed, when used by other brands, are sourced or produced in a manner that meets our ocean-safe requirements. We encourage customers to research individual brands and seek transparency regarding their sourcing and sustainability commitments. At Eco Skincare, we continue to push for greater transparency in skincare supply chains, as we believe clear and open information is essential for ethical, sustainable, and trustworthy beauty products.
Why Ocean-Safe Skincare Matters
Many common skincare chemicals (like oxybenzone, silicones, and parabens) can harm coral reefs and marine life. Look for ocean-safe ingredients which are:
- Biodegradable
- Non-toxic to marine life
- Responsibly sourced
- Never tested on animals
By choosing Eco Skincare, you’re caring for your skin and helping protect our oceans for future generations.
Get a Guilt-Free Glow
Discover glowing, radiant skin with our eco-friendly skincare essentials, tailored for delicate facial skin. Feel confident with a hydrated, healthy-looking glow and know that your skincare protects our oceans.
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