Ingredients

Considering all the botanicals that grow above the waterline, you might think there would be some beneficial bioactives growing beneath it as well—and there are! Marine plants are finally becoming recognized for their botanical value, just as their terrestrial counterparts have been for centuries.

We have selected a family of plants that have long been recognized as effective in inhibiting the replication of various strains of HSV invitro. They have also been used safely by Alaskan compounding pharmacists for more than 25 years.

Northern Red Blade (Neodilsea borealis) of the family Dumontiaceae is found in the North Pacific between Washington and the Alaska Peninsula. Its anti-viral properties were first recognized by Bob and Natasha Ellis of Sitka, Ak.	Red Sea Cabbage (Turnerella mertensia) can be found  from the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands, Alaska, to northern Washington; Japan and Russia.
Aloe vera (Aloe barbaden sis), a well known succulent plant has properties that soothe and smooth the skin. We use it because it acts synergistically with our preservatives.	Deionized Water is purified water made by forcing water under pressure through a semi-permeable membrane which separates pure water molecules from salts and other impurities.
Comfrey extract (not to exceed 1.5% allantoin)is an anti-microbial, oral care agent with healing, soothing and anti-irritating properties.	Citric acid is found in many citrus fruits: pineapples, gooseberries, limes, plums, lemons, peaches, oranges, and grapefruit. We use it as a preservative and to adjust the pH of AlgalAid.
Bleached Brunette (Cryptosiphonia woodii) this filamentous algae of the family Dumontiaceae is found from San Pedro, California to Unalaska Island  in the waters of the North Pacific.	Cup & Saucer (Constantinea rosa-marina) this perennial member of the family Dumontiaceae is found from Japan, Russia and the Bering Sea to Southeast Alaska.
Emu Oil is obtained from the fat of the Emu. It has been used in Australia for thousands of years as a natural remedy for the treatment of skin disorders such as eczema, psoriasis, burns, sunburns, abrasions and dry skin.	Ethyl Alcohol (Pure Grain) acts as carrying agent and antibacterial agent.
Glycerin is vegetable oil based and formed when fat molecules split. In addition to acting as an emulsifier it works well for moisturizing and smoothing the skin.	Menthol (.1 to 1.0% final assay) Mentha arvensis is the primary species of mint used to make natural menthol crystals. This species is primarily grown in the Uttar Pradesh region in India. Menthol has local anesthetic and counterirritant qualities.
Stevia (stevia rebaudiana) extract is used as a natural sweetener. It does not contain the negative side effects reported with the use of artificial sweeteners.	Sodium Benzoate is a food grade preservative used in acidic foods and products to control bacteria, mold, yeasts, and other microbes. It is found naturally in cranberries, prunes, greengage plums, cinnamon, ripe cloves, and apples.
Rosemary (officinalis oleoresin) is an FCC (food chemical codex) grade of Rosemary Oil Extract. This antioxidant is used to preserve the oil phase of the AlgalAid cream.	Potassium sorbate is a naturally occurring fatty acid with anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties. It is found in the mountain laurel ash (sorbus species) whose dried berries were used as a traditional food preservative. It is derived from naturally occurring unsaturated fatty acids and is a safe and effective food grade preservative.

All photo credits of marine plants belong to Mandy R Lindeberg