The latest “it” ingredient is sea moss—a type of red algae that has become a viral phenomenon. It is being endorsed by celebrities and online influencers who point to its supposed beauty and health benefits, and brands are rushing to introduce products such as skin-care products and nutritional supplements featuring the plant.
On Jan. 4, for instance, reality-TV star Kourtney Kardashian, founder of the wellness brand Lemme, unveiled a $25 sea-moss tincture that its website says “promotes radiant skin and hair,” “supports healthy thyroid function” and “maintains brain health,” among other benefits.
But while sea moss does have nutritional benefits, some scientists say that there isn’t enough research to back up other claims about its usefulness.
Without sufficient studies on sea moss, brands often cite studies on the general algae category, especially when it comes to supplements. But active compounds vary from plant to plant, even if they are closely related species, says [expert Pieter Cohen]. If there was evidence to demonstrate that one species of algae has some health benefit in humans, he says, “there’s actually no reason to think that a related sea moss or a different species of algae would have the same effect.”
