Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Balm: Is It Right for You?

Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Balm: Is It Right For You?

Imagine a serum inside a body lotion that feels like a body oil brimming with skin-loving benefits like anti-aging and skin elasticity-enhancing ingredients. Add in the fact that it's climate-neutral, cruelty-free, clean, and vegan, and you get Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Balm. These ingredients sound like a winning combination, but will Osea skincare work for your complexion, lifestyle, and skin type? Is it right for you? 

Osea Malibu: History of the Clean Skincare Line  

Osea Malibu has been in the skincare business, crafting organic skincare products since 1996. Since then, Osea Malibu has elevated to a luxury skincare line. The name is an acronym, with the O standing for Ocean, S for sun, E for Earth, and an A for Atmosphere. Every Osea Malibu offering emphasizes keeping skin healthy while doing good for the planet. Natural ingredients keep true to the brand's clean skincare and pro-environmental value system.

The company aims to use natural ingredients with proven results for healthy skin. One primary active ingredient consistent in the company's assorted offerings is seaweed extract, which is what the brand is now known for.

Well-known products from the line are their Blemish Balm, Ocean Cleanser, Ocean Cleansing Milk, Hand cream, and Atmosphere Protection Cream. These Osea Malibu products and more can be found in high-end department stores such as Bloomingdales and Nordstrom, the Osea website, and specialty stores like Ulta Beauty and Bluemercury.

Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Balm: Key Active Ingredients 

Osea Malibu has a wide variety of anti-aging products in its line, including ultra-moisturizing Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm. Active ingredients do the lion's share of the work to make good on the lofty promises of lifting, tightening, and smoothing out the skin. Many skincare brands make these claims, but Osea Malibu's products actually make them come to fruition.

When buying a skincare product, it is good to seek out the active ingredients for the best possible outcomes to resolve any issues. Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Body Balm touts several key ingredients in its roster: Alaria Esculenta Seaweed (or alaria seaweed), Passion Fruit Seed Oil, Coconut Oil, and Safflower Seed Oil. All of the oils listed are considered excellent for boosting softness and moisture retention in dry skin.

The other active ingredients that add moisture to the skin are safflower oil, sunflower oil, and rice bran oil, but before deciding if this product is for you, explore the four key ingredients that make OM Body Balm so well-loved by users of all ages.   

Alaria Esculenta Seaweed 

Alaria Esculenta Seaweed is the first listed ingredient on the label. Seaweed, in general, is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and other health benefits. Seaweed marine algae soak up many minerals from the sea that can be utilized internally (medicinal and nutritional) and externally (as a topical agent).

According to expert Leonel Pereira from the Marine and Environmental Sciences Centre (MARE), "Algae provide the skin with moisture, promote blood circulation, activate the cell renewal and metabolism, regulate the sebaceous gland function, drain the tissues, have an anti-inflammatory effect, and increase the skin’s resistance." Various seaweed or algae decrease skin oil production, making this product an excellent treatment ingredient for acne skin. They also possess a natural astringent property, making them ideal for treating surface bumps and breakouts.

Photo source: oseamalibu.com

Winged Kelp or Alaria Esculenta Skin Benefits are Scientifically Proven 

Alaria Esculenta is from the brown microalgae group. It is also called winged kelp or badderlocks. This alga is an edible strain often eaten in Greeland, Scotland, Iceland, and Ireland. Why? It has been scientifically studied both in-vivo and in-vitro as a hyaluronic acid producer that assists in fighting the lack of collagen and skin elasticity. With those naturally occurring properties, it is obvious why this particular class of seaweed is highly touted for providing anti-aging benefits.

Seaweed seems to be a miracle ingredient. It comprises polyphenols, ceramides, and Omega 3-6 (fatty acids). This marine alga offers skin barrier protection from harmful environmental factors and plumps the surface layer of the skin with moisture pulled from the air. Hyaluronic acid is a humectant (a common moisturizing agent), and marine seaweed is an excellent source of this skin-loving property. 

Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Body Balm is packed with alaria seaweed extract. The brand states on the website that this ingredient should give your skin a firmer appearance. The overall benefits of seaweed would support the evidence that this extract would offer some help in the tightening and firming of the skin. It should also draw some moisture into thirsty or dehydrated skin. 

Passion Fruit Seed Oil Benefits

Passion fruit seed oil is also known as Maracuja oil. It is extracted from the seeds of the passion fruit or the passion flower native to Brazil. These fruits grow in climates that do not have frosts, such as Central America, South Pacific, Meditteranean, and other regions with similar climates. Passion fruit seed oil is known for its high linoleic acid composition of 72%. Fatty acids such as Omega 3, 6, and 9s are revered for their well-researched health and skincare benefits, and the Maracuja is rich in Omega 6 and 9 fatty acids.

Topically applied, Omegas such as those found in passionfruit seed oil maintain or encourage a more youthful appearance and fight skin aging. Maracuja oil is non-comedogenic, which means it does not clog the pores and benefits acne-prone skin.

Maracuja Oil's Versatile Uses

Maracuja oil is one of those multi-use products that many skincare and haircare fans swear by. Like many oils, it pumps up the moisture in the skin, protecting delicate wrinkled or drier skin types. This oil is also a solution to dry or damaged hair types. Maracuja oil treats dandruff and other scalp issues as an itching remedy. It would make an excellent oil for dry cuticles on both hands and toes. Mix it into a regular moisturizer or a favorite color foundation to add soothing moisture content. There are so many uses for this tropical fruit-derived hydrating powerhouse.

Coconut Oil and Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm

Coconut oil (or cocos nucifera oil) is listed as the third highest ingredient on the Osea Anti-Aging Body Balm ingredient list. That means the oil is in a higher concentration than all but two other oils or extracts in this product. For those who may not realize the skin benefits of coconut oil, there are many uses for this tropical fruit byproduct. It is skin softening and packed with essential fatty acids. For hydrated, smoother skin, coconut oil is an ideal ingredient. Coconut oil can be found in virgin and refined oil forms and sold in groceries, specialty grocery stores, organic food stores, health and wellness stores, and online retailers.

You may not want to apply this oil on its own if you have highly acne-prone skin, as coconut oil is comedogenic (clogs pores and can cause blackheads and whiteheads to form). 

Coconut Oil: Virgin or Refined 

Virgin coconut oil is cold pressed from the coconut meat and is 100% pure. The color is closer to white in shade. This version is known as VCO. It has more naturally occurring benefits: nutrition, antioxidants, and vitamins. It retains its light coconut taste and scent. Refined coconut oil is not made from raw coconut but from the dried white pulp inside the hull through a heating process. It is bleached, deodorized of the natural coconut scent, and refined. These processes leave a very small or negligible nutritional value in the RBD refined oil.  Either preparation could be used for the skin, but for best results, using the purest form of coconut oil retains valuable qualities in the product.

Safflower Oil and Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Body Balm

Safflower oil is the first listed ingredient on the Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Body Balm label. This means that safflower oil is in higher concentration than any other ingredient in this lotion. Based on this fact, Osea Malibu Body Balm is rich in oils that hydrate and soften skin of all types. Although well-known for cooking and dietary uses, Safflower oil has many beneficial qualities in skincare applications. Safflower oil is non-comedogenic, which means it will not clog the pores. It is rich in linoleic acid (Omega 6) and lipids. Lipids are part of the skin's natural fats, protecting the skin from environmental factors, dirt, and grime and aid in repair. 

Safflower Oil as an Anti-Inflammatory 

Sensitive skin and safflower oil are perfect together. With known anti-inflammatory properties, issues like rosacea, psoriasis, and eczema decrease with consistent use of safflower seed oil. Acne is a condition treated by safflower oil's natural healing ability and the oil's surprisingly "non-oily" ability to calm skin without clogging pores.

Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Balm vs. Body Oils

Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Body Balm is just as hydrating as most body oils, minus the sometimes overbearing greasiness of oil-based body care products. A balm consistency with a serum added is more like an oil-in-lotion for the skin, packed with natural oils and good-for-you organics. The texture is thick enough to control during application (not runny or thin) without being as dense or gloopy as body creams. The balm has a silken feel and creamy texture, while a typical body oil is almost a pourable liquid in consistency. Expect an equally luxurious experience in the balm as the body oil. Application-wise, the balm will slip over the skin, enhancing the appearance with a light-reflecting sheen. Body oils tend toward the oiliness and greasiness factor. Unless the skin readily absorbs them, body oils are slippery to apply and leave an uncomfortable texture behind.

Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Body Balm vs. Undaria Algae Body Oil 

Some brands of body oil are not as greasy in feel, soak into the skin surface easily, and might give the Anti-aging Balm a little competition. The best competitor is actually another Osea product which is equally effective in anti-aging and tightening. Osea Undaria Algae Body Oil has all of the benefits of the balm but in an oil base.

For those who prefer using oils or who desire that fresh-out-of-shower dewy glow that oils give the skin, the Body Oil may be a better option. For a subtle result on the skin surface, use Osea Malibu Body Balm instead. If you'd rather showcase a knockout tan or exposed arms and legs (or add an extra glow for film or photos), Undaria Algae Body Oil will highlight the features well. The best choice is really up to you,  as either product offers a clean, organic way to soften and smooth thirsty skin while offering skincare benefits over time. 

Photo source: oseamalibu.com

 

Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Body Care as a Self-Care Regimen 

Osea Malibu's Anti-Aging Body Balm could be used in an existing self-care regimen or create a new one. Luxuriously scented with essential oils that heighten the skincare experience, it would be an ideal lotion to finish up body care. Aromatherapy oils are often also part of a spa retreat, included in some services or add-ons to massages. Several oils in Osea Malibu's products are aromatherapy staples in self-care: lavender, basil, grapefruit, and lemon. Citrus notes from grapefruit and lemon uplift while herbal basil and lavender comfort. The addition of fragrant jasmine oil leaves a slight floral impression. Any self-care routine can become a home spa session if effective ingredients and luxurious formulas are used. Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Body Balm ranks as a high-end formulation. As a clean skincare luxury item sold in mainly upscale locations, expect the best quality ingredients and attention to the highest manufacturing standards. 

Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Body Balm and Cost 

Osea Malibu spares no expense to create a vegan and clean conscious-skincare line. With that in mind, the pricing of Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Balm reflects the luxury status and expense of procuring pure essential oils. Cost is not always the barometer of quality or high standards, although it is one important deciding factor in making a skincare purchase. At $54 for the 5 oz. larger size bottle, the breakdown is nearly $11 per ounce. Osea Malibu Body Balm would not be the best item for a cost-conscious individual with a strict beauty and wellness budget, but if the budget allows for a splurge, this seaweed-based lotion might be just the addition to any wellness and skincare beauty regimen. 

Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Body Balm and Skin or Ingredient Allergies 

Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Body Balm seems to be a very skin-friendly item without many harmful ingredients, yet some people are more susceptible to skin allergies and ingredient allergies. This product should be avoided for those with known allergic reactions to essential oils like lavender, basil, lemon, grapefruit, or jasmine. If you are pregnant, ask your doctor before beginning any regimen that contains essential oils. Some of these can have negative effects on an unborn child. For sensitive skin, buying a travel-size product may be the best option. Testing a little of the Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Balm on the inside of your arm or inner elbow for redness or any skin response is also a safe way to test the product for the first time If there is no change or irritation, it's safe to proceed with an all-over body application.

Osea Malibu Anti-Aging Body Balm vs. Body Lotions

Osea's Body Balm has the skincare benefits of a high-end luxe serum in every bottle. It is a clean, organic cosmetic product, eliminating many potentially dangerous ingredients or compounds that are bad for the environment or human consumption. Many body lotions use certain emulsifiers that are not clean or organic-certified. Osea Malibu has more essential oils than many body lotions on the market. As a skincare item, it is more of a niche and specialty item than traditional body lotions or creams. Although thousands of creams treat cellulite or lack of skin tightness, Osea Malibu includes seaweed or marine extracts which are renowned for their ability to firm skin with continued usage. La Mer is similarly known for its "Miracle Broth" from sea marine algae that offered burn victims relief and healing and became the basis for the line. Extras and key ingredients give Osea's luxury treatment an edge in efficacy and potential results. Body lotions typically don't offer expensive ingredients such as alaria esculenta seaweed extract or multiple spa-grade essential oils, so there is a difference between the Osea offering and most mass-market body lotions. 

Conclusion

Osea Malibu's Anti-Aging Body Lotion is a power-packed option for a body lotion designed with many more exclusive anti-aging targeted ingredients than most drugstore or mass-market products. The impactful combination of skin-softening fatty oils and sea marine extracts offers an upscale body care product for consumers that desire the latest in technology and clear-cut objectives to treat the skin with as little negative impact on the environment.

Passion for the planet and passion for luxury skincare are both embodied in Osea Malibu's brand mission; the fact that the brand is still going strong even after it was established back in 1996 is a sign of its quality and staying power. This item will not disappoint if hydration and healthier-looking, youthful skin are your biggest skincare goals. This balm is an excellent addition to a routine for the ardent and loyal Osea Malibu fan, and newcomers to this organic favorite will be pleased by the spa-like experience and guilty self-care pleasure that comes at $54 for 5 oz.