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Somewhere between the oat milk revolution and the mushroom boom, sea moss quietly became the buzziest wellness ingredient you didn’t know you needed.
Touted for its 92 minerals (yes, out of 102 essential ones your body needs), this slippery sea plant has gone from smoothie thickener to full-on skincare saviour. And here’s the thing—it’s not just a trend.
Sea moss is rich in sulphur, magnesium, potassium, and vitamin A, which can help calm breakouts, deeply hydrate, and restore skin’s natural glow.
And if you’re not quite ready to splurge on luxury skincare with sea moss on the label, making your own mask at home is surprisingly easy—and kind of therapeutic.
Below, I’ve pulled together five DIY sea moss face mask recipes that range from simple and soothing to ones that feel like you’ve just walked out of a facial. Because sometimes, the most effective skincare moments come from your kitchen, not a clinic!
What Makes Sea Moss So Good for Skin?
If sea moss had a skincare résumé, it would be packed with qualifications.
This unassuming sea algae is rich in sulphur, which helps balance excess oil and reduce the appearance of acne.
It’s also packed with potassium, magnesium, calcium, and vitamin A—nutrients that support your skin’s natural barrier and encourage a plumper, smoother texture over time.
But what makes it truly special is its gel-like consistency. Once blended, sea moss acts as a deeply hydrating humectant, pulling moisture into the skin while leaving behind a barely-there veil that feels more cushiony than sticky.
It also contains natural collagen-supporting compounds, which is why some call it “plant-based Botox”—though let’s manage expectations, it’s more glow-enhancing than wrinkle-erasing.
In short? Sea moss is a multitasker. Calming, hydrating, mineral-rich, and gently exfoliating, it plays well with most skin types and makes a brilliant base for a custom DIY face mask.
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5 DIY Sea Moss Face Mask Recipes To Try
1. The Skin Soother
Best for: sensitive, redness-prone or recently stressed skin
What you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp sea moss gel (cold or room temperature)
- 1 tsp pure aloe vera gel (the kind without additives)
- ½ tsp strongly brewed chamomile tea (cooled)
- 2–3 drops jojoba oil
Why it works:
This mask is like a soft blanket for reactive skin. Sea moss provides hydration without heaviness, while aloe and chamomile bring anti-inflammatory benefits—perfect after a long day in the sun or during a seasonal skin flare-up. Jojoba oil, which closely mimics your skin’s natural sebum, helps restore moisture without clogging pores.
How to use:
Mix all ingredients until smooth. Apply a light, even layer over clean skin and leave on for 10–15 minutes. Rinse gently with lukewarm water and pat skin dry. Follow with your usual moisturiser and, if needed, a calming facial mist.
2. The Glow Getter
Best for: dull, uneven or post-breakout skin
What you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp sea moss gel
- 1 tsp raw honey (Manuka if you have it, but any pure honey will do)
- A pinch (¼ tsp) of turmeric powder
- 4–5 drops rosehip oil
Why it works:
If your skin’s feeling tired or just blah, this mask brings it back to life. Turmeric brightens and tones while raw honey hydrates and has natural antibacterial properties. Rosehip oil—rich in vitamin C and essential fatty acids—helps even out texture and fade old blemish marks. Sea moss binds it all together into a silky, nutrient-rich base.
How to use:
Whisk the ingredients until well combined (use a small bowl or ramekin). Smooth onto clean skin using your fingertips or a brush. Let it sit for 10 minutes—no more, especially if you have fair skin, to avoid yellow staining—then rinse with a warm, damp cloth.
3. The Clarifier
Best for: oily, breakout-prone or congested skin
What you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp sea moss gel
- 1 tsp bentonite clay
- 1–2 drops tea tree essential oil
- Splash of filtered water (or rosewater) to loosen
Why it works:
This is your go-to for a deep skin reset. Bentonite clay pulls impurities from the pores, sea moss delivers hydration so the clay isn’t too drying, and tea tree oil adds a targeted antibacterial boost. It’s balancing without being aggressive—ideal for midweek skin drama.
How to use:
Stir the sea moss gel and clay together first, then add water slowly until you reach a smooth paste. Add tea tree oil last. Apply an even layer, avoiding the eye area, and let it dry around the edges (usually 7–10 minutes). Don’t wait for it to fully crack. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and follow with a gentle moisturiser.
4. The Quencher
Best for: dry, flaking, or seasonally tight skin
What you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp sea moss gel
- 1 tsp plain full-fat Greek yoghurt
- ½ ripe avocado, mashed until creamy
- ½ tsp sweet almond oil (or olive oil if that’s what you have)
Why it works:
This mask is thick, lush, and deeply comforting. Greek yoghurt gently exfoliates with lactic acid, avocado brings omega-rich nourishment, and almond oil locks it all in. The sea moss provides that extra layer of plumping hydration, creating a blend that leaves skin soft, supple and visibly refreshed.
How to use:
Mash and mix all the ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Apply a generous layer to your face and leave it on for 15–20 minutes. Use a warm cloth to gently wipe it off—no need to scrub. Your skin will feel calm, dewy, and softly cushioned.
5. The Sunday Facial
Best for: all skin types needing a mood and glow boost
What you’ll need:
- 1 tbsp sea moss gel
- 1 tsp raw cacao powder (unsweetened)
- ½ ripe banana, mashed
- 1 drop lavender essential oil (optional, but lovely)
Why it works:
This one’s for slow mornings when you want your skincare to feel like a ritual. Cacao is rich in antioxidants, which help fight dullness and environmental stress. Banana delivers potassium and natural sugars for glow, while sea moss holds it all together in a lush, creamy base. Lavender adds a touch of spa-like calm.
How to use:
Mash the banana thoroughly before mixing in the cacao and sea moss. Add a drop of lavender oil if you like. Apply to clean skin and leave on for 15 minutes while you make a cup of tea or journal your way through a Sunday reset. Rinse with warm water and enjoy that soft, velvety post-mask skin.
FAQs
Typically, homemade sea moss gel lasts around 2 to 3 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. You’ll want to keep an eye (and nose) out for any changes in smell or texture—if it starts to sour or feels slimier than usual, it’s time to toss it.
The most common varieties are Chondrus crispus (often called Irish Moss), Gracilaria, and Eucheuma. Irish Moss is usually darker, purplish or gold-toned, and is prized for its thick, jelly-like texture when blended. Gracilaria, often sourced from the Caribbean, is lighter in colour and slightly stringier in shape. Each has similar benefits, though some people prefer one over the other for taste or consistency.
Generally, yes—but with a small caveat. Sea moss is naturally anti-inflammatory and non-comedogenic, which makes it suitable for most skin types, including acne-prone and sensitive skin. However, if you’re prone to seaweed or iodine allergies, it’s worth patch testing first. Everyone’s skin is different, so a little caution at the start goes a long way.