Why I Chose Upcycled Sargassum for Tropical Wave
Share
The ocean has always been part of my story.
I was born in Puerto Rico and spent much of my childhood close to the sea. The rhythm of the waves, the warmth of the Caribbean sun, and the natural beauty of the coastline shaped how I see the world today. When I created Costazul Beauty, I wanted my skincare to reflect that connection, to create products inspired by the Caribbean that care for both the skin and the planet.
But while the ocean has always been a place of beauty, in recent years it has also faced a growing challenge: massive blooms of sargassum seaweed washing up on Caribbean shores.
This natural marine algae has become an environmental concern for many coastal communities. When large amounts accumulate on beaches, they can disrupt ecosystems, impact tourism, and create challenges for local environments.
As I began formulating what would become Tropical Wave, I kept asking myself a question:
What if something seen as a problem in nature could become part of the solution?
Turning a Coastal Challenge into a Skincare Ingredient
Sargassum is actually an incredibly fascinating marine plant. It is rich in minerals, antioxidants, and natural polysaccharides that help retain moisture; properties that can be incredibly beneficial for the skin.
Instead of seeing this seaweed as waste, some innovative laboratories have begun upcycling sargassum, transforming it into functional cosmetic ingredients. This process gives the algae a second life while helping reduce environmental impact.
When I discovered a laboratory in Puerto Rico that converts sargassum collected from Caribbean waters into a cosmetic emulsifier, I immediately felt a strong connection to the idea.
Not only was the ingredient derived from the ocean that inspired my brand, but it also represented something bigger: Circular beauty.
Why I Built Tropical Wave Around Upcycled Sargassum
When I started developing Tropical Wave, I knew I wanted the formula to focus on three essential elements:
• Hydration
• High-performing ingredients
• A more sustainable approach to skincare
Upcycled sargassum became the perfect foundation.
The marine polysaccharides naturally found in seaweed help the skin retain moisture, creating lightweight hydration while supporting a healthy, refreshed feeling. This makes it especially helpful for maintaining soft, balanced skin without a heavy feeling.
Combined with postbiotics and plant-based multifunctional ingredients, the formula was designed to support the skin’s microbiome and help maintain long-lasting hydration.
The result is a moisturizer that feels light and refreshing while helping the skin stay comfortable, resilient, and naturally glowing.
Skincare That Cares for More Than Skin
For me, creating Tropical Wave was never just about making another moisturizer.
It was about rethinking how skincare ingredients are sourced and how beauty products can participate in a more responsible system.
By using upcycled ingredients, we can reduce waste and give valuable natural resources a second life. In the case of sargassum, it also means supporting innovative solutions that transform a coastal challenge into something beneficial.
When you apply Tropical Wave, you are not only nourishing your skin with plant-based and marine ingredients, you are also supporting a vision that believes skincare can exist in harmony with nature.
Because caring for our skin and caring for the ocean should never be separate ideas.
For me, they are part of the same wave.
🌊 Mariela