Can you please share with the AILLEA audience a little background about yourself, both personally and professionally?
I always like to say if there had been a category in my high school yearbook for “Least Likely to Own a Beauty Company,” I would’ve won. Before starting OSEA, my idea of beauty was washing my face with water, eating veggies and getting eight hours of sleep. After beginning a career in the healing arts in my twenties, I became spa director at one of Southern California’s first wellness spas, Murrieta Hot Springs. I created my first skincare product 36 years ago and launched OSEA in 1996. (But my secret ambition is still to perform stand up comedy!)
What was your inspiration when initially launching the OSEA brand?
In the early ‘80s, almost everything in the skincare world seemed to be made with questionable ingredients and none of it worked very well. I knew there was a better approach. OSEA was born from my desire to create what’s known now in the industry as “clean” beauty. My grandmother, one of the first female chiropractors in the US, taught me that seaweed is a superfood rich in vitamins, minerals and nutrients. It seemed only natural to formulate my products with this marine powerhouse.
What does the name 'OSEA' mean?
OSEA stands for Ocean, Sun, Earth and Atmosphere.
What is the hero ingredient in the OSEA line? And what are the results that this ingredient offers?
Seaweed! It's a nutrient-dense superfood and provides a broad range of benefits, including anti-aging and moisturization.
What is your personal favorite OSEA product?
I love our newly upgraded Hyaluronic Sea Serum! It’s a synergy of hyaluronic acid, snow mushroom and seaweed to deeply hydrate skin. Plus, it’s clinically proven to minimize the look of all lines, which is pretty cool. It really works!
Can you share any pro tips for how to use your personal favorite OSEA product and/or any of the other products within the line?
I love to layer our Hyaluronic Sea Serum under our ultra-rich Advanced Protection Cream. It’s honestly my secret to ridiculously moisturized and plump-looking skin in my late 60s. I’m also hooked on our new Undaria Algae Body Butter. It actually minimizes crepiness on your body and is clinically proven to hydrate for 72 hours.
OSEA has a deep commitment to the environment, can you share more about why that is important to you?
We’ve been packaging in glass since 1996. With climate change progressing at the rate it is, sustainability efforts are no longer optional. Becoming Climate Neutral certified in 2020 was a tangible commitment for OSEA to make to offset our carbon footprint annually. We are so proud of this commitment and will be continuing to expand our efforts in the years ahead.
Are there any new products that you will be launching soon? Can you share any details?
I wish I could, but I’d get in trouble with the boss (my daughter, Melissa Palmer). Stay tuned though!
What are you favorite non-OSEA products or brands at AILLEA?
I rarely wear makeup, but when I do, I reach for Kosas’ Wet Lip Oil Gloss. I’m also a big fan of Rahua haircare!
