Padina Pavonica: A Spotlight on our Hydrating Hero Ingredient

Padina Pavonica is an algae found in the warm waters of the Mediterranean. The delicate, leafy fronds spiral into a funnel shape, earning it the name ‘peacock's tail.’

This unique algae grows in shades of copper brown to olive green, waving gently in the ocean's shallow waters, taking its energy from sunlight. Its leaves are coated in a fine slime, which might sound unappealing but provides potent skincare properties.

The plant went undiscovered for thousands of years until it was found blanketing an old shipwreck, and scientists noticed it had perfectly preserved the wood beneath. Wondering how this was possible, ELEMIS researched the mystical seaweed to uncover its hidden benefits.

ELEMIS studied this mystical plant for years before unlocking its unbelievable skincare potential. And we found that Padina Pavonica is a revolutionary ingredient.

As you age, water molecules escape from the skin more easily, leaving it dehydrated and enhancing wrinkles. Hydration can transform dry and crepey skin into a rich and vibrant texture.

So, what’s our solution?

Knowing the outstanding function of the Mediterranean algae, we kept reformative hydration in mind and had to make it an integral ingredient in the ELEMIS hydrating skincare line.

Padina Pavonica is brimming with antioxidants to shield your skin against free radicals - harmful atoms that attack collagen and speed up premature ageing. The damage to skin cells from free radicals is known as oxidative stress. The stress is caused by sunlight, pollution and other toxins such as smoking and alcohol consumption, which gradually deteriorate your derma barrier. Water molecules start escaping, triggering excessive dryness and increasing the depth of facial creases.

Yes, the harmonious algae Padina Pavonica is gentle and thirst-quenching, making it the number 1 ingredient for all complexions. It softens fine lines and wrinkles on mature skin and superpowers hydration for dryness. 

Your skin encounters external stressors every day, ranging from the sun’s UV rays to pollution. The climate also affects you, such as winds that whip away moisture, leaving a complexion that looks and feels dry.

Algae adapt intelligently to these stressors, constantly adjusting to temperature changes and ocean movements to thrive. So why not bottle nature’s design into a revitalising skincare product?

Our hydrating Pro-Collagen Collection uses cutting-edge algae skincare to transform your complexion. It infuses Padina Pavonica’s skin benefits with chlorella, a freshwater green microalgae abundant in fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids. Chlorella works alongside Padina Pavonica to ignite your skin’s youthful and bright potential.

Hydration is the cornerstone of every healthy complexion. Without hydration, the skin turns dull and lacklustre, sinking into fine lines and crevices. Welcome your luminous skin era with these ultra-hydrating skincare products.

Your skin barrier is the outer layer of cells that protects against wind, pollution, and sun exposure. Neglecting it can cause dry or dehydrated skin, a crepey texture, and enhanced fine lines and wrinkles. Repair and maintain a healthy lipid barrier by using our Balanced Skin collection.

Our intensely nourishing Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm smooths lusciously onto your face, melting away impurities like dirt, makeup, sunscreen and visible signs of pollution. elderberry oil and starflower oil dissolve into the skin, replenishing moisture with rich fatty acids to plump and reform.

Padina Pavonica then rapidly rehydrates for lavishly soft skin. Combined with a floral and refreshing blend of lavender, chamomile and eucalyptus to calm the senses — creating a skincare retreat in your bathroom.

Ideal for pairing with our Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm for a double-cleanse routine, the Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser provides a smooth gel texture. This cleanser washes away any remaining traces of makeup and daily grime for a refreshed, clean complexion. It also helps minimise the appearance of pores.

The addition of Padina Pavonica helps support the feeling of hydration, while our unique multi-mineral solution — a blend of zinc, magnesium and copper — enhances your skin’s vitality. 

Padina Pavonica's hydrating properties truly shine in the Pro-Collagen Marine Moisture Essence. This lightweight essence combines our hydrating hero with sea spring water to deliver a dewy glow.

Clinically proven* to double your skin’s moisture content after 28 days, just a few drops morning and evening after cleansing provide intensive hydration.

*Independent Clinical Trials 2022. Based on average results on 33 people over 4 weeks.

Our iconic Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is a satin gel-like formula infused with Padina Pavonica and chlorella to quench thirsty skin and stimulate collagen production. This hydrating face cream reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in just two weeks* for supple skin. We’ve combined our ocean superheroes with ginkgo biloba leaf extract for additional firmness and bounce.

*Independent Clinical Trials 2021. Results based on 38 people over 4 weeks.

This glossy oil is a trio algae formula that uses Padina Pavonica, golden seaweed, and roaring water kelp (yes, it’s as powerful as it sounds). Glide each drop of Pro-Collagen Marine Oil onto your skin for a delicate, moisture-rich treatment that boosts collagen production. Watch as it softens fine lines and wrinkles and brings out glass-like skin.

Sun protection is a vital part of your daily skincare routine, year-round. Our Pro-Collagen Skin Protection Fluid SPF50 guards against UV rays while priming your skin with hydration.

Padina Pavonica, combined with plant stem cells, helps moisturise and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This sunscreen is lightweight yet effective, perfect for wearing on its own or layering under makeup.

Skin cell turnover excels at night, making it the optimum time to apply our age-defying Pro-Collagen Night Cream. The cutting-edge formula combines the impressive anti-ageing properties of Laminaria Digitata, red algae, and Padina Pavonica for springy and glowing skin. An infusion of sesame and avocado oils absorbs without a trace for visibly smooth skin and long-lasting moisture.

You don’t have to swim out to sea to use this fan-shaped algae. We’ve done that for you and blended it into our premium skincare products.

Before exfoliating, wash away the day with our Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm, made with super algae to remove grime and replenish moisture simultaneously.

After exfoliating and applying your favourite serum, optimise morning hydration with the algae blend Pro-Collagen Marine Cream. If you’re prepping your skin for bed, switch out the day cream for the ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Night Cream.

Wait for your moisturisers to absorb before locking in hydration with Pro-Collagen Marine Oil to encourage cell turnover and provide a natural gloss to your complexion. 

ELEMIS harnesses the ocean’s natural beauty to create algae skincare that hydrates, nourishes and defies the laws of ageing. And we owe it to a hero ingredient that lives peacefully beneath the Mediterranean waters: Padina Pavonica. Relish in a sparkling complexion and dive into the depths of skincare with ELEMIS.

Explore our Pro-Collagen range to see this nourishing algae at its best.