Our Proprietary Marine Bioactive Complexes
Atlantik is built on the west coast of Ireland - one of the most biologically rich marine ecosystems in the world. The Atlantic waters surrounding Kerry, where we harvest our seaweed, are home to extraordinary marine biodiversity.
Ireland’s coastline supports over 500–600 species of seaweed, and a 2012 study reported that approximately 7.5% of the world’s known seaweed species occur in Irish waters. Cold, mineral-rich Atlantic currents, powerful tidal movement, and clean ocean exposure create ideal conditions for marine macroalgae to thrive.
These conditions produce seaweeds with exceptional concentrations of polyphenols, antioxidants, polysaccharides, essential minerals, and marine lipids. Seaweed has evolved over hundreds of millions of years to survive salt stress, UV exposure, dehydration, and constant microbial pressure; environmental challenges remarkably similar to those faced by human skin.
While nutrient density varies by species and compound, many marine algae are demonstrably richer in specific minerals, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds than terrestrial plants. But what makes Atlantik different is not simply that we use seaweed. It is how we use it.
The Power of Complexes
At Atlantik, we formulate in complexes, not single extracts. A complex is a deliberately designed synergy of multiple species - red, green, and brown seaweeds - each contributing unique evolutionary chemistry.
These groups evolved along different biological lineages hundreds of millions of years ago, developing distinct pigment systems, cellular structures, antioxidant profiles, polysaccharides, and lipid compositions. In fact, red, green, and brown algae are so evolutionarily distinct that some groups are more genetically different from one another than humans are from certain other major animal classes.
Different colours mean different chemistry. Different chemistry means broader biological support. When combined correctly, they create something greater than any single extract alone.
Phycophar™ BW Complex
Found in Atlantik Body Wash
Seaweed Extracts of:
- Nori (Porphyra umbilicalis) - Red algae
- Grass Kelp (Enteromorpha compressa) - Green algae
- Knotted Kelp (Ascophyllum nodosum) - Brown algae
This carefully balanced marine trio delivers a broad spectrum of bioactive support. Nori (Red Algae) is rich in amino acids, peptides, and antioxidant compounds that support hydration and skin conditioning. Grass Kelp (Green Algae) provides chlorophyll-derived antioxidants and moisture-supporting polysaccharides that help maintain microbial balance. Ascophyllum nodosum (Brown Algae) is exceptionally rich in fucoidans and phlorotannins, compounds studied for their antioxidant capacity and barrier-supportive properties.
Phycophar™ FW Complex
Found in Atlantik Face Wash
Seaweed Extracts of:
- Nori (Porphyra umbilicalis) - Red algae
- Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactuca) - Green algae
- Kelp (Laminaria digitata) - Brown algae
As described above, Nori (Red Algae) contributes amino acid richness and antioxidant support. In the Face Wash, it is paired with two additional marine species tailored to facial skin needs.
Sea Lettuce (Ulva lactuca) is rich in sulphated polysaccharides that support hydration and barrier reinforcement.
Laminaria digitata (Brown Kelp) contains alginates and laminarins known for moisture-binding and skin-conditioning properties.
Phelaion™ SC Complex
Found in Atlantik Regenerative Oil Elixir
Seaweed Extracts:
- Mermaid’s Tresses (Chorda filum)
- Serrated Wrack (Fucus serratus)
- Channelled Wrack (Pelvetia canaliculata)
Combined with carefully selected botanical extracts. The marine core of this complex provides depth and resilience.
Chorda filum is a filamentous brown algae known for its mineral content and polysaccharide richness. Fucus serratus contains fucoidans and marine antioxidants that support skin conditioning and environmental resilience. Pelvetia canaliculata grows in the upper intertidal zone and survives extreme cycles of dehydration and rehydration, making it particularly aligned with barrier support and skin resilience.
Phyto-Nutritive FC Complex™
Found in Atlantik Barrier Repair Cream
Includes seaweeds extracts of:
- Fucus vesiculosus - seaweed extract
- Himanthalia elongata - seaweed extract
As well as Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), Korean Ginseng (Panax quinquefolius) Root, Calendula (Calendula officinalis) Flower, and Oryza sativa (Rice) - all plant-based extracts.
The Phyto-Nutritive FC Complex™ is designed to support barrier lipid replenishment, antioxidant protection, slow-release nourishment, and long-term skin resilience.
Fucus Vesiculosus (Bladderwrack) is rich in fucoidans and marine antioxidants associated with barrier support. Himanthalia Elongata (Sea Spaghetti) is known for its mineral density and polysaccharide profile that supports hydration retention.
Processing Matters as Much as Species
Seaweed potency is fragile. High heat destroys polyphenols, marine antioxidants, and sulphated polysaccharides. That is why Atlantik uses low-temperature extraction, controlled drying methods, minimal heat exposure, and in-house processing to preserve biological integrity.