Evidence supporting the use of: Bladderwrack (Kelp)
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus), a type of kelp, has a long history of traditional use in skin care, particularly in Europe and coastal regions. Historically, it has been incorporated into topical preparations and baths to soothe irritated skin, treat minor wounds, and improve skin appearance. Folk remedies often cite its mineral content, especially iodine, and its mucilaginous, moisturizing properties as reasons for its use in managing dry or inflamed skin.
While some modern cosmetic products include bladderwrack extract for its purported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing benefits, robust scientific validation for these claims remains limited. Preliminary studies suggest that certain compounds in bladderwrack, such as fucoidan and phlorotannins, may have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro or in animal models. However, high-quality human clinical trials confirming efficacy for general skin care are lacking. Thus, the evidence supporting its use in skin care is primarily based on tradition, with only weak scientific support at this time.
More about Bladderwrack (Kelp)
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Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
aloe veraanthocyanins
apple
apricot
astaxanthin
beeswax
beet
beta-carotene
black currant
radish
sesame
bovine gelatin
catalase
colostrum
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
d-alpha tocopherol
dog rose
heartwood
hyaluronic acid
l-cysteine
l-glutathione
l-histidine
linoleic acid (LA)
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mango
mixed carotenoids
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
pumpkin
redcurrant
silicon
keratin
spinach
starch
tomato
almond fruit
Urolithin A
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
watercress
watermelon
zinc
sarsaparilla
red clover
chickweed
oryza
root tuber
birch
dulse leaf
camphor oil
goji berry
amaranth
sea salt
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Alpha-terpineol
Azelaic acid
Arbutin
Avocado
Anserina
Ascophyllum nodosum
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Asam gelugor
Allantoin
anthocyanidins
Algal protein
Argan nut oil
Abalone
Behenic Acid
Biopeptide
Black spruce
beta-zeacarotene
Brassica
Bisabolene
Butternut
Borage
Bottle gourd
Bird's nest
California chia
Chervil
Carnosine
Candelilla wax
Cocoa Butter
Cereal grass
Citral
Castile Soap
Copaiba Oil
Currant
Dunaliella salina
David's Milkberry
Dulse
Egg
Emu Oil
Himalayan Salt
Oak
Orchid
Rose
Snakeroot (unspecified)
Silk protein
Other health conditions supported by Bladderwrack (Kelp)
Aging (prevention)Arthritis
Fat Metabolism (poor)
Goiter
Hair (loss or thinning)
Hypothyroid
Inflammation
Metabolic Syndrome
Osteoporosis
Skin Care (general)