Evidence supporting the use of: Sargassum
For the health condition: Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Sargassum, a genus of brown seaweed, has a long history of use in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and other East Asian healing systems. In TCM, Sargassum (commonly referred to as "Hai Zao") is traditionally used to address conditions such as goiter, edema, and to soften hard masses, but it is also sometimes incorporated into topical remedies for various skin conditions. While historical records and some ethnobotanical sources mention its occasional use to soothe dry or flaky skin, most references focus on its use for more severe dermatological conditions, such as eczema or inflammatory skin diseases. The rationale for its use in these contexts is typically based on its cooling and detoxifying properties, as perceived in TCM, as well as its mucilaginous texture, which can be soothing when applied topically. However, there is a lack of robust modern scientific studies directly evaluating the efficacy of Sargassum for treating dry or flaky skin specifically. Some contemporary research has identified Sargassum extracts as sources of bioactive compounds with potential moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, but these findings are preliminary and not specific to common dryness or flakiness. Thus, the evidence supporting its use for this purpose remains primarily traditional, with limited scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Skin (dry and/or flaky)
AcemannanAllantoin
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-linolenic acid (ALA)
American Liverleaf
argan nut oil
biotin
birch
borage
borage oil
butter
cape aloe
castile soap
chestnut
chickweed
cocoa butter
cod liver oil
colostrum
cowslip
emu oil
evening primrose oil
evening primrose oil
fat liver oil
Ficus religiosa
glyceryl oleate
Glycolic acid
gooseberry
Heartsease
Lilium polyphyllum
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
magnesium
Milkweed
Mucilage
Oak
omega-3 fatty acids
orchid
Panthenol
Phlebodium decumanum
rehmannia glutinosa
rockweed
Rubus
Sargassum
sea salt
Servicetree
silicon
Silk protein
Spikenard
Swertia
vitamin A
vitamin E
Witch Hazel
Zinc
Other health conditions supported by Sargassum
Abdominal PainCancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Colds (general)
Constipation (adults)
Cough (general)
Diabetes
Digestion (poor)
Edema
Gastritis
Inflammation
Liver Detoxification
Pain (general remedies for)
Psoriasis
Sinus Infection
Skin (dry and/or flaky)
Skin Care (general)
Sunburn
Wounds and Sores
