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.