INCI: Saccharina Latissimi - Also known as: Sugar Kelp Extract, Marine Glycan, Kelp Polysaccharide

What Is Seaweed Glycan?

Seaweed Glycan is a bioactive polysaccharide complex extracted from Saccharina latissima, a species of brown seaweed known as sugar kelp. Polysaccharides are long-chain carbohydrate molecules; the ones derived from this particular species include structurally active compounds - such as laminarin and fucoidan - that interact with the skin's surface architecture and support the extracellular environment of the dermis. The result is an ingredient that carries genuine biological activity, not a cosmetic coating effect.

Saccharina latissima grows in cold, nutrient-dense ocean waters, where it naturally synthesizes a high concentration of bioactive polysaccharides to protect itself from osmotic stress, UV exposure, and physical force. That same protective chemistry translates meaningfully to human skin biology. The seaweed's survival mechanism becomes your skin's structural support system.

What distinguishes seaweed glycan from conventional hydrating agents is its ability to form a dynamic, breathable polysaccharide network on the skin's surface. Unlike occlusive film-formers that simply sit on top of the skin, this network actively interfaces with the underlying dermal layers, reinforcing elasticity and softening the inflammatory signals that compromise barrier resilience. At Sweet Chemistry, it is included at a full 2% functional concentration within the patent-pending emulsion architecture of the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum - the level at which its bounce-building and soothing properties are scientifically meaningful.

What Does It Do for Skin?

Seaweed Glycan works on two levels simultaneously: at the skin's surface and within its signaling environment. The polysaccharide chains bind water efficiently and form a flexible, cushioning matrix that gives skin its characteristic "bounce" - that supple, plumped quality that distinguishes a well-hydrated complexion from one that reads as fatigued or deflated. This surface action is immediate and perceptible, without compromising the skin's natural respiratory or secretory functions.

Below the surface, the bioactive fractions within the glycan complex interact with keratinocytes and fibroblasts to modulate the inflammatory response. By reducing inflammatory signaling, seaweed glycan creates conditions for your skin's natural repair cycle to proceed without interference. For skin that experiences sensitivity, reactive flushing, or chronic low-grade irritation, this anti-inflammatory action delivers measurable comfort alongside the visible plumping and hydration benefits. It is a dual-function active: it addresses both cause (inflammation) and effect (lost elasticity and bounce) at the same time.

Within the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum formula, seaweed glycan works in concert with 5% niacinamide and 3% pure ceramides to address the skin barrier from multiple mechanisms simultaneously. Ceramides repair the lipid architecture structurally. Niacinamide regulates inflammatory enzymatic pathways. Seaweed glycan builds the polysaccharide matrix that holds moisture and restores surface resilience. Together, these three actives produce skin that registers as smoother, more supple, and genuinely more resilient with consistent use.

Found In

In 1 Formula at 2%

Seaweed Glycan is formulated at a full 2% functional concentration in the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum. This level is achievable because Sweet Chemistry's patent-pending emulsion architecture allocates significantly more of each formula to active ingredients than traditional serums allow - 40% actives versus the industry standard of 15%.

Barrier Repairing - All Skin Types - Natural Finish

Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum

2% Seaweed Glycan - 1.0 oz / 30 ml

The Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum pairs seaweed glycan's bounce-building activity with 5% niacinamide, 3% pure ceramides (NP, AP), and 3% Matrikynes® bone peptides in a 60% water/emulsifier base built to carry all actives at functional levels. Clinically proven to improve barrier function and increase skin density while reducing hyperpigmentation and global fine lines and wrinkles. Lightweight enough for all skin types, including oily and easily congested skin.

Works Together With

Niacinamide 
Niacinamide is a water-soluble vitamin B3 derivative included at a clinically significant 5% in the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum. It reduces inflammation, strengthens barrier function, and regulates oil production to deliver brightness and clarity alongside visible resilience. Synergy Note: Niacinamide and seaweed glycan address inflammation through complementary mechanisms - niacinamide works via enzymatic signaling while seaweed glycan acts at the polysaccharide-receptor level, producing a more comprehensive calming and barrier-reinforcing result than either achieves alone.

Ceramide NP and Ceramide AP
Sweet Chemistry uses 3% pure ceramides (types NP and AP) in the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum - the two ceramide fractions most critical for restoring the intercellular lipid structure of a depleted or damaged skin barrier. They decrease trans-epidermal water loss and rebuild the structural foundation that healthy skin depends on. Synergy Note: Ceramides repair the lipid barrier at the intercellular level while seaweed glycan creates a flexible polysaccharide matrix above it, delivering layered moisture retention that works from the interior of the barrier outward.

Matrikynes®

Matrikynes® is Sweet Chemistry's patent-pending concentrate of over 315 bioactive matrikine peptides extracted from the extracellular matrix of zero-waste upcycled bovine bone, developed in collaboration with Xylyx Bio out of Columbia University. Used at 3% in every Sweet Chemistry formula, including the Barrier Repairing Hydra-Serum, and clinically proven to increase collagen and elastin density. Synergy Note: Matrikynes® stimulates collagen production at the dermal level while seaweed glycan reinforces elasticity at the epidermal matrix level - together they build resilience from two structural depths for a more complete outcome. CTA: View Profile URL: /pages/ingredients/matrikynes-bone-peptides