A Brand Rooted in the Sea – and in Clean Beauty
When I first learned about Marée, the name alone caught my attention. French for “tide,” it speaks to the brand’s inspiration: the strength, grace, and restorative power of the ocean. But it was their what we believe in statement that really sold me.
Marée is committed to creating top-quality skincare, haircare, and supplements without parabens, sulfates, or phthalates—and without animal testing. They lean into marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, green algae extract, and even gold to support healthy skin and hair. It’s a thoughtful mix of natural and science-backed ingredients, proving you don’t have to choose between clean formulas and visible results.
I tried three of their products: the Instant Eye Smoother Balm, the Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Pads, and the Keratin Mask for Damaged Hair. Here’s how they performed for me and why I think they deserve a spot in your natural beauty routine.
Instant Eye Smoother Balm – Cooling, Brightening, and Naturally Potent
If mornings aren’t your best friend, this balm just might be. The Instant Eye Smoother Balm is a 7-in-1 formula designed to reduce puffiness, brighten dark circles, hydrate, smooth wrinkles, and even lift the under-eye area.
The ingredient list reads like a greatest-hits album for clean skincare only with a focus on how each one supports healthier skin without relying on harsh, synthetic fillers.
- Marine Collagen isn’t just a trendy add-in; it’s a protein derived from fish or algae that helps support skin elasticity and firmness. In topical products like this balm, it can help smooth the look of fine lines and create a plumper appearance. Because it’s marine-sourced, it tends to have smaller particles than bovine collagen, which may help it absorb better.
- Hyaluronic Acid is one of nature’s most effective humectants, able to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. This means it pulls moisture into the skin and keeps it there, giving the under-eye area that refreshed, cushiony look. When paired with collagen, it helps create both immediate hydration and long-term resilience.
- Plant Extracts and Vitamins in this formula work in the background to protect and restore. Antioxidants from botanicals help fight free radical damage (the stuff that accelerates aging), while vitamins like B5 and E nourish and calm the delicate under-eye skin. This is where the “natural” part of the formula really shines—these aren’t synthetic fillers; they’re skin-loving compounds that come with a nutritional bonus.
- Retinol here is used thoughtfully. Retinol is a vitamin A derivative that encourages cell turnover, which can help fade dark circles and soften fine lines. Many retinol products can be harsh, but this balm tempers it with hydrating and soothing ingredients so you get the benefits without the irritation.
Beyond the headline actives, there are a few other standouts in the formula that make this balm worth mentioning:
- Squalane – A plant-derived oil (often from olives or sugarcane) that mimics the skin’s natural sebum, helping lock in moisture without feeling greasy. It’s lightweight, fast-absorbing, and supports the skin barrier—perfect for delicate under-eye skin.
- Ceramide NP – Ceramides are lipids found naturally in your skin, and they help keep the skin barrier strong. Adding them topically helps repair dryness and prevent moisture loss.
- Zinc Oxide – Often used in mineral sunscreens, it’s gentle and soothing, which is especially helpful for reducing redness and calming irritated skin. Even in small amounts, it can add a subtle protective layer.
- Peptides (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Oligopeptide-1) – These amino acid chains signal the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, improving firmness over time. Some, like Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, can even help soften expression lines.
- Alpha-Arbutin – A plant-derived brightener that helps fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone, making it a great partner to retinol for reducing dark circles.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – A humectant and skin soother that helps reduce inflammation and keeps the skin soft and supple.
- Fullerenes – Powerful antioxidants that protect against free radical damage (which contributes to skin aging) and may help boost the performance of other actives in the formula.
When you combine these with the marine collagen, hyaluronic acid, and retinol, you get a formula that’s not just about masking under-eye concerns—it’s actively working to improve skin health over time, using a blend of nature-inspired and skin-safe scientific ingredients.
What I appreciate most is that it skips mineral oil, formaldehyde, parabens, silicones, sulfates, and phthalates—all things I actively avoid in my own skincare. Instead, it uses a blend of natural emollients, plant oils, and gentle actives to deliver visible results without compromising on safety or comfort. This is what makes it so easy to reach for daily. There’s no trade-off between effectiveness and clean formulation.uses naturally derived hydrators and antioxidants to nourish the skin without harsh chemical fillers.
My experience: I love the cooling sensation, especially in the mornings or mid-afternoon when my eyes start feeling tired from staring at a screen. It’s smooth, absorbs quickly, and doesn’t leave a greasy residue, so I can swipe it on even if I have makeup on.
For anyone trying to replace chemical-heavy eye creams with something gentler but still effective, this is a solid choice.
Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Pads – Gentle but Powerful
Exfoliating pads are tricky—too harsh, and they leave your skin feeling stripped; too gentle, and they don’t do much. The Marée Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Pads hit the sweet spot.
Instead of relying solely on glycolic acid, these pads bring together a thoughtful mix of exfoliating acids, soothing botanicals, and replenishing hydrators. It’s a formula designed to balance clarity with comfort, which is exactly what makes them stand out in the clean beauty space.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – A multitasker that refines the look of pores, evens skin tone, and strengthens the skin barrier. It’s especially helpful if you’re dealing with post-breakout marks or uneven texture.
- Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) – Locks moisture into the skin, keeping it plump and hydrated even after exfoliation. This is key for preventing the tightness or flakiness some pads can cause.
- Salicylic Acid – A beta hydroxy acid (BHA) that penetrates deep into pores to clear blockages, making it a go-to for blackhead- and acne-prone skin.
- Tea Tree Oil – Naturally antibacterial and anti-inflammatory, it works alongside salicylic acid to calm active breakouts and reduce redness without over-drying.
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5) – Soothes and conditions skin, helping counter any potential irritation from exfoliating acids.
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol) – A lipid-soluble antioxidant that helps protect skin cells from oxidative stress while also boosting hydration.
Looking deeper into the ingredient list reveals even more skin-friendly additions:
- Allantoin – Calms and softens the skin, supporting healing and reducing irritation.
- Bisabolol – Derived from chamomile, it’s a natural anti-inflammatory that pairs perfectly with actives like glycolic and salicylic acid to keep skin comfortable.
- Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (Vitamin C) – A stable form of vitamin C that brightens the complexion and supports collagen production.
- Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (Green Tea) – Rich in polyphenols, green tea extract adds an extra antioxidant punch and helps soothe redness.
- Lotus Corniculatus Seed Extract & Pearl Extract – Botanical and mineral extracts that can help promote radiance and support skin’s natural repair processes.
And as with the rest of Marée’s products, they skip unnecessary fragrances that can trigger sensitivity, keeping the formula friendly for those with reactive skin. The result? A pad that exfoliates and clarifies while actively replenishing and protecting your skin—no stinging, no peeling, just a fresher, healthier look.
My experience: These pads feel silky, not scratchy, and leave my skin soft and refreshed. They remind me of my Medicube No Pore pads, but they’re even more hydrating and gentle. I noticed my skin tone looked more even after a week, and they didn’t cause any irritation—something I can’t say about every exfoliating product I’ve tried.
If you’ve been hesitant to use acid exfoliants because you’ve had bad reactions in the past, these might be the gentle, natural option you’ve been looking for.
Keratin Mask for Damaged Hair – A Game Changer
If I had to pick only one product from this lineup to keep forever, it would be the Keratin Mask for Damaged Hair.
IThe Keratin Mask for Damaged Hair is built around four powerhouse ingredients—keratin, biotin, coconut oil, and collagen—but a closer look at the formula reveals a supporting cast that makes the mask not just repairing, but also smoothing, detangling, and protective.
- Keratin (Hydrolyzed Keratin) – The key protein found naturally in hair. When applied topically, it helps fill in gaps along the hair shaft, smoothing the cuticle and reducing frizz. This not only improves manageability but also creates a shinier, more polished look.
- Biotin (Vitamin B7) – Known as the “hair growth vitamin,” biotin helps strengthen the keratin structure within your strands, reducing breakage and supporting thicker, healthier growth over time.
- Coconut Oil (Cocos Nucifera Oil) – A natural emollient that penetrates deep into the hair shaft, replenishing moisture and repairing damage from within. It’s especially effective for chemically treated or heat-styled hair because it helps restore softness and shine without leaving hair greasy.
- Collagen – Works in tandem with keratin to improve elasticity and thickness, helping prevent brittleness and hair loss caused by dryness or damage.
From the rest of the ingredient list, a few others deserve a spotlight:
- Cetearyl Alcohol – A fatty alcohol (not the drying kind) that helps condition and soften hair while giving the mask its rich, creamy texture.
- Steartrimonium Chloride & Behentrimonium Chloride – Conditioning agents that help smooth the hair’s surface, making detangling a breeze.
- Amodimethicone – A lightweight silicone that selectively deposits on damaged areas, protecting against further breakage while leaving hair silky.
- Hydroxyethylcellulose – A plant-derived thickener that helps evenly distribute the mask through every strand.
- Citric Acid – Balances the pH of the mask so it’s gentle on both hair and scalp.
What’s equally important is what’s not in the formula: no mineral oil, formaldehyde, colorants, parabens, phthalates, or sulfates. That means you’re getting intense repair and smoothness without the heavy, buildup-prone ingredients that can weigh hair down over time.
The result? Stronger, shinier, and more manageable hair from the very first use—with both immediate smoothing benefits and long-term strengthening from regular use.
My experience: I have long, bleached, and dyed hair, so I’m no stranger to split ends and frizz. This mask made an immediate difference—soft, glossy, and manageable after just one use. The coconut scent is light but refreshing, and I didn’t even need to use my flat iron afterward. That’s saying something.
Maree Skincare & Haircare
What stands out about Marée is how they combine natural, ocean-inspired ingredients with science-backed actives—all without slipping into greenwashing or charging luxury-level prices.
If you’re trying to simplify your beauty routine, cut down on questionable chemicals, and still see results, these three products are worth trying:
- Instant Eye Smoother Balm – for tired eyes that need a lift
- Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Pads – for gentle, consistent exfoliation
- Keratin Mask for Damaged Hair – for hair that needs deep repair and frizz control
Clean beauty isn’t just a trend—it’s a long-term investment in your health and the planet. And with Marée, it’s also a little luxury in your everyday routine.
Want to help the planet even more? Check out these 10 Easy Sustainable Home Swaps you can make today.
