Seawater Extract
Also known as: Seawater extract, deep sea water, marine-derived water extract, seawater therapy, Seawater Extract
Overview
Seawater extract refers to a complex mixture of minerals and bioactive compounds derived from ocean water, often sourced from deep sea environments (around 700 meters depth). Unlike a single chemical compound, it is a natural blend rich in salts (e.g., sodium chloride), essential trace elements like magnesium, calcium, and potassium, and various organic molecules. It is primarily utilized in balneotherapy, thalassotherapy, and as a dietary supplement. Key applications include enhancing athletic performance and recovery, improving skin health, and acting as a therapeutic agent for certain conditions. Its characteristics include a unique mineral profile, and potential emollient, anti-inflammatory, and hydration-promoting properties. Research into its benefits is emerging but growing, with studies including randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses, indicating a moderate quality of evidence.
Benefits
Seawater extract offers several evidence-based benefits, primarily in exercise recovery and skin health. For exercise recovery, systematic reviews and randomized controlled trials indicate that deep sea water consumption significantly accelerates the recovery of aerobic capacity and leg muscle function after endurance exercise. It has been shown to reduce lactate production compared to pure water, suggesting improved physiological recovery. For skin health, seawater demonstrates emollient properties, protecting against skin barrier disruption and inhibiting atopic dermatitis-like lesions, indicating dermatological benefits. These effects are particularly beneficial for athletes in endurance sports and individuals with compromised skin barriers. A meta-analysis reported moderate beneficial effects on symptom severity and quality of life in treated conditions, with statistically significant confidence intervals. While less direct, there are also potential mental wellness benefits associated with marine environment exposure. The benefits for exercise recovery are observed acutely post-exercise, while skin benefits may require repeated topical application or bathing.
How it works
Seawater extract primarily functions through mineral replenishment, helping to restore electrolyte balance crucial for various bodily functions. Its anti-inflammatory properties contribute to reducing inflammation, particularly in the skin. For skin health, it aids in skin barrier restoration, enhancing the skin's protective function. The extract also modulates oxidative stress, which can contribute to cellular damage. In the context of exercise, it supports muscular recovery by improving hydration and reducing lactate accumulation, a byproduct of intense physical activity. On the skin, it acts locally by protecting the barrier and modulating inflammatory responses. While specific molecular targets are not fully elucidated, its actions likely involve ion channels, inflammatory mediators, and proteins essential for skin barrier integrity. Oral intake allows for systemic mineral absorption, while topical applications exert local effects on the skin.
Side effects
Seawater extract is generally considered safe when used appropriately. Common side effects are typically mild and may include slight skin irritation in individuals with sensitive skin when applied topically. Gastrointestinal discomfort is unlikely with oral intake but remains a theoretical possibility. Reviewed randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses have not reported any significant or uncommon adverse events. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised for individuals with pre-existing electrolyte imbalances or renal impairment due to the mineral content. No specific contraindications have been identified, though individuals with salt-sensitive conditions should exercise caution. Research primarily focuses on healthy adults and athletes, so data on special populations is limited. It is important to note that only purified and mineral-balanced deep sea water products are safe for consumption; untreated seawater is not safe to drink.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for seawater extract is not standardized, as studies have utilized varied volumes of deep sea water, such as 500 mL to 1 L consumed post-exercise. Optimal dosage ranges are not firmly established, but hydration studies suggest moderate intake during or after endurance events for recovery benefits. A maximum safe dose has not been defined, though excessive intake could theoretically lead to electrolyte imbalances. For exercise recovery, consumption immediately post-exercise appears most beneficial. For skin benefits, repeated topical application or bathing is recommended. Oral consumption of deep sea water is intended for systemic effects, while topical application or bathing is for localized skin benefits. The mineral content and bioavailability can vary depending on the source and processing of the extract. No specific cofactors are identified as required for its efficacy.
FAQs
Is seawater extract safe to drink?
Yes, when purified and mineral-balanced as in deep sea water products, it is safe to drink. However, untreated seawater is not safe for consumption.
How soon after exercise should it be consumed?
Immediate post-exercise intake appears to be most beneficial for accelerating recovery of aerobic capacity and muscle function.
Will it improve athletic performance?
Seawater extract primarily aids in post-exercise recovery rather than directly enhancing acute athletic performance during an event.
Can it replace regular hydration?
It can supplement hydration by providing minerals, but it should not entirely replace regular water intake for overall hydration needs.
Is it effective for skin conditions?
Evidence supports its benefits for skin barrier function and atopic dermatitis-like symptoms when used topically.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10744920/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis by Shim et al. (2023) found that marine-derived resources, including seawater extract, significantly reduced symptom severity and improved quality of life in certain diseases. The study, which included multiple RCTs, highlighted significant standardized mean differences with 95% confidence intervals, despite some heterogeneity in treatments and diseases across studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9657671/ – Aragón-Vela et al. (2022) conducted a systematic review of RCTs focusing on deep sea water consumption in endurance athletes. Their findings indicated that deep sea water accelerated the recovery of aerobic and muscle capacity and significantly reduced lactate production post-exercise. The review included 6 RCTs and 2 observational studies, noting variability in seawater formulations as a limitation.
- https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10311-024-01720-8 – Costanzo et al. (2024) provided a narrative review on seawater, detailing its emollient and anti-inflammatory effects on the skin. The review also discussed potential mental wellness benefits associated with marine exposure. This moderate-quality review offered a comprehensive chemical and biological overview of seawater's properties and mechanisms.
Supplements Containing Seawater Extract

Cellfood
Lumina Health Products

Cellfood
Lumina Health Products

OxyDHQ
Get Healthy Again
Children's Vita-Multi Mango Flavor
Mountain Meadow Herbs Kids

TESTOSTERONE BALANCE
JUST•INGREDIENTS

TESTOSTERONE BALANCE
JUST INGREDIENTS®