Caviar, Seaweed and Pearl: K-Beauty's Ocean Ingredients

Korea is surrounded by sea on three sides, so it's no surprise its skincare borrows so much from the ocean.

What are marine extracts?

Marine extracts come from the sea. Green caviar is a nickname for sea grapes, a type of seaweed. Kelp and rockweed are brown seaweeds, and fucoidan is a soothing compound found in them. Pearl extract has long been used in Asian beauty for a luminous look.

What they do for your skin

• Hydrating. Seaweeds are naturally rich in moisture-holding compounds.
• Soothing. Fucoidan helps skin feel calm and comfortable.
• Glow. Pearl and caviar extracts are loved for a soft, luminous finish.

Who it suits

Dry, dull or dehydrated skin, and anyone after a dewy glow.

Skin MBTI match: D (dry). Not sure of yours? The Skin MBTI quiz tells you in three minutes.

How to use it

1. Use a marine serum or ampoule after toner.
2. Layer a marine cream on top for long-lasting moisture.
3. Great morning and night.

When you'll notice it: You feel the hydration at once. The glow builds over two to four weeks.

Good to know: Gentle. If you have a seafood or iodine allergy, check the source first.

What to pair it with

Marine extracts pair well with PDRN, hyaluronic acid and ceramides.

Myth vs fact

Myth: Caviar skincare means fish eggs.
Fact: In K-beauty, 'green caviar' usually means sea grapes, a seaweed, so it can be vegan.

How to choose one

• Look for Caulerpa Lentillifera (sea grape, or 'green caviar'), Laminaria (kelp), Fucus (rockweed), Fucoidan or Pearl Extract.
• Ampoules and serums are best for glow. Creams lock the moisture in.
• Seaweed extracts are plant-based. Caviar made from fish roe is not, so check if vegan matters to you.

Where to find it

SÉLEVÉ's Glow Caviar line is built on green caviar (sea grape) PDRN, and the bubble toner adds marine extracts for an instant cooling feel.

See more in our GLOW collection.

FAQ

Is green caviar vegan?

Green caviar from sea grapes is a seaweed, so yes.

Is marine skincare good for oily skin?

Yes. Many marine formulas are light and hydrating.

What is fucoidan?

A soothing compound from brown seaweed.

Korean corner: 물광 피부 (mool-gwang pi-boo) means "dewy, glass-like skin".