The Wave of Change: How Blue Beauty is Transforming the Beauty Industry
Supporting Global Ocean Conservation
The Blue Revolution - Beauty Brands Leading Ocean Conservation
Protecting Marine Ecosystems Through Beauty
The beauty industry is at a crucial moment. Sustainable, ethical, and science-backed skincare, are now more important than ever. Brands are turning to the Blue Economy—commonly known as Blue Beauty, which prioritizes the responsible use of ocean resources while promoting marine conservation, biodiversity, and long-term sustainability.
Major beauty corporations, biotech startups, and independent brands alike are investing in marine-based ingredients, ocean-friendly formulation, and carbon-neutral production methods. Algae-derived actives, for example, are proving to be not only more sustainable but also more effective than many synthetic alternatives. Meanwhile, the shift toward biodegradable packaging, water-responsible manufacturing, and reef-safe formulations is rapidly reshaping industry standards.
This shift matters, because the beauty industry has historically contributed to ocean pollution, microplastic contamination, and unsustainable resource extraction. By backing the Blue Economy, companies are aligning with global sustainability goals, future-proofing their businesses, and actively contributing to marine conservation efforts.
How is the industry shaping up with this change? Let’s dive into it…
The European Union has been a major force in driving the Blue Economy. With heavy investment in sustainable ocean-based industries to foster economic growth, it allows the marine ecosystems to be protected. Through initiatives like BlueInvest and the Sustainable Blue Economy Partnership, the EU has allocated millions of euros to support startups, SMEs, and research projects focused on marine innovation. These investments span across aquaculture, renewable ocean energy, and marine biotechnology.
One particularly promising sector is the development of microalgae-based products for the cosmetic industry. With EU funding, researchers are now harnessing the diversity of microalgae to develop high-value biomolecules for use in aquaculture and cosmetics. Project ALGAE4A-B, funded under the Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Framework Programme, it is possible to create products that support sustainable practices in these industries.
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) play a crucial role in shaping the future of the blue economy, particularly SDG 14: Life Below Water. This goal focuses on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Other relevant goals include SDG 12 - Responsible Consumption and Production and SDG 13 - Climate. These are key in encouraging industries to adopt sustainable practices that minimize environmental impact.
The beauty industry has been increasingly aligning with these goals by investing in ocean-friendly formulations, sustainable packaging, and ethical sourcing of marine-derived ingredients. Companies are moving away from harmful chemicals and microplastics that contribute to ocean pollution. Instead, they are embracing biodegradable, reef-safe and algae-based ingredients.
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Additionally, brands are investing in blue carbon initiatives, such as protecting and restoring marine ecosystems, which help absorb carbon dioxide and mitigate climate change (SDG 13). Companies like L’Oreal, Shiseido, and Unilever have pledged to reduce their carbon footprint and water usage while supporting marine conservation projects.
By integrating sustainable sourcing, eco-friendly formulations, and marine conservation efforts, the beauty industry is actively responding to the UN’s call for a responsible blue economy.
Now that we have explored the role of the beauty industry in the SDG and the EU innovation through the blue economy, let's see how this translates into investments.
According to Skyquest, the market for marine-based skincare ingredients is projected to grow in the next 7 years. In 2024 it was valued at USD 697.3 Million, and is valued to grow to USD 1162.73 Million by 2032, with a CAGR of 6.60% in that period. The most profitable ingredient is Marine Collagen, projected to reach USD 1,137 million by 2026, with a 7.9% CAGR between 2021 and 2026.
Following these statistics, we can now look at the investments made by different suppliers and beauty brands and how they are helping make a change in our oceans.
If we look at Cobiosa, we see that they are actively contributing to the blue economy by developing marine-based active ingredients. Their sustainability program focuses on four key areas: ethical sourcing, environmental responsibility, social commitment, and economic value creation. They align with the United Nations SGS and ensure that their practices promote ocean conservation and sustainable development. Similarly, ALGAKTIV harnesses the power of microalgae to create innovative, sustainable solutions for skincare. By cultivating these potent organisms, ALGAKTIV not only delivers high-performance active ingredients, but also supports environmental sustainability. Their commitment to responsible innovation reflects a deep alignment with the principles of the blue economy and the UN SDGS.
L’Oreal, a global leader in beauty, has embarked on a partnership with the Great Barrier Reef Foundation to combat the escalating threats facing the world’s largest coral ecosystem. This decade-long commitment aims to plant two million heat-tolerant corals on the Great Barrier Reef by 2030. This is a bold initiative designed to enhance the reef’s resilience against climate change. But why is this relevant to the beauty industry? Unfortunately, as much as sunscreen protects us, studies show that certain chemicals in formulations can cause harm to coral ecosystems, especially oxybenzone and octinoxate. Through this partnership, L’Oreal stands out as a companion to our oceans while continuing to innovate.
Beauty brand Ethique has created a partnership with Mission Blue, an organization dedicated to ocean conservation. They are supporting Hope Spots - special areas of the ocean critical to biodiversity. The brand’s investment goes beyond financial contributions; it actively promotes plastic-free beauty with solid personal care product solutions, preventing millions of plastic bottles from entering our ocean.
Luxury skincare brand La Mer has made a deep commitment to ocean conservation through its Blue Heart Mission, an initiative dedicated to protecting and restoring marine habits. Recognizing the ocean as both inspiration and a vital resource, La Mer invests in marine conservation projects worldwide, supporting organizations that work to protect marine biodiversity and restore coastal ecosystems. Each year, the brand releases a limited-edition Blue Heart Crème de La Mer, with a portion of proceeds going toward ocean preservation efforts. In addition to funding seagrass meadow restoration and coral reef protection. La Mer also promotes ocean education and coral reef protection, La Mer also promotes ocean education and awareness.
For our last example we are spotlighting OSEA, a pioneer seaweed-based skincare brand. They strengthened their commitment to ocean conservation through their partnership with SeaTrees. This non-profit is dedicated to restoring coastal ecosystems. With a deep-rooted belief in the power of the ocean, OSEA actively supports blue carbon initiatives. By funding the restoration of kelp forests, mangroves, and seagrass meadows, they are creating natural carbon skins that help combat climate change. Through this collaboration, OSEA contributes to reforestation projects that protect marine biodiversity and rebuild vital ocean habitats.
Beauty and the ocean are deeply connected, and these brands are proving it with real action. From restoring ecosystems to funding conservation projects, they’re investing in a bluer, more sustainable future.
Protecting Marine Ecosystems Through Beauty
The beauty industry’s embrace and backing of the blue economy reflects a larger shift toward sustainability, innovation, and responsibility. Backed by global initiatives like the EU investments in ocean-friendly solutions and following the UN Sustainable Development Goals, brands are stepping up with real commitments.
These companies are not only reducing their environmental footprint, but actively restoring marine ecosystems through partnerships. As investment in ocean conservation grows, the beauty industry has the power to drive meaningful change - proving that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet, but essential for the future of beauty itself.
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