Preserving the oceans, one moisturizer at a time

Recent events of the tragic and contentious kind have brought our attention to the oceans. Shark fin soup bans, whale wars, overfishing, the destruction of coral reefs, and the plundering of our own seas by foreign invaders. As a blue planet, our attention really should be on the waters, which we know so little of, and which holds so much promise of discovery. We must protect the balance of nature, yet at the same time, learn all we can from these resources.

Skincare brand La Prairie is doing just that with their latest Advanced Marine Biology collection, a range that targets the younger consumer (whose mom would use the Caviar collection), who is as socially active as he or she is socially aware. The line’s worldwide ambassador is neither a model nor an actress, but the granddaughter of famous underwater explorer Jacques Cousteau. Celine Cousteau is an accomplished oceanaut on her own, collaborating with non-profits and individuals to produce short documentaries that promote eco-awareness through her outfit CauseCentric Productions.

“The Advanced Marine Biology products harness the benefits of marine botanicals without depleting nature’s resources,” Debra Klaproth, La Prairie International Training Manager, explains. “This means the algae, kelp, and other sea plants used as ingredients are cultivated in a protected land-based environment.” The combination of sustainable aquaculture and natural ingredients make this collection a true example of eco-luxury.

The life aquatic: Celine Cousteau, La Prairie brand ambassador and environmentalist

Key ingredients used are channeled wrack extract, which is obtained from small brown algae and has protective, anti-oxidant properties. Red algae extract, which is found in clear shallow water, protects itself from extreme UV radiation by producing certain amino acids. A biotechnologically produced extract of the microalgae Dunaliella Salina, whose high energy content helps it withstand the stress of its natural habitat, salt lakes, is used to encourage cell turnover. A few other algae extracts and aquaculture complexes make up the formulation in foaming cleansers, skin tonics, eye gels and a multi-tasking moisturizer—all which fall under the “affordable” range.

To show that La Prairie is serious about its commitment to environmental protection, they have partnered with the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to establish the La Prairie Award for Innovation in Marine Protection. The three nominees, one of which will receive $100,000 in grant money, are a marine sanctuary to help save the Mediterranean monk seal; an educational boat that goes around the Indonesian Raja Ampat Archipelago to teach children to respect the environment; and an initiative that plans to revitalize and protect the Toliara reef complex of Madagascar. You can vote for your favorite project on La Prairie’s Facebook page. So far Toliara Reef is in the lead, but besides the monetary award, all three grassroots projects will continue to be supported by La Prairie in terms of exposure. Awarding takes place in October and voting runs until the end of August, so whether you’re a La Prairie fan, an environmental advocate or just think monk seals are adorable, take part in conservation and cast your vote. Beauty is not just a self thing, and taking care of yourself should also involve actively taking care of your environment.

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La Prairie is available at Rustan’s.