Dr. Katerina reformulated their Eco Algae Oil. They swapped squalane for fermented algae extract — and it turned from a silky slip into a sticky situation.
The old version absorbed in 10 seconds flat. This one sits on my skin like I just misted it with hairspray. That’s the real story here.
$62 for 30ml. They claim “next-level hydration” and “ocean-powered renewal.” I bought it because the old one was my ride-or-die for winter.
Fermented Algae Extract
Replaces squalane — supposed to be more bioactive, but it’s stickier than maple syrup on a cold pancake.
Sea Buckthorn Oil
Gives it that traffic-cone orange tint. Stains pillowcases. Looks like you cried off your self-tanner.
Vitamin E
The only thing keeping this from smelling like a tide pool at low tide.
Photo: kevin laminto / Unsplash
Hero ingredients: fermented algae (the sticky culprit) and sea buckthorn (the orange menace). They do hydrate — but at what cost?
- Fermented Algae Extract: Feeds your microbiome but leaves a tacky film that catches cat hair
- Sea Buckthorn Oil: Brightens skin overnight, stains everything it touches
- Squalane (removed): Was the reason this oil felt like silk — RIP
- Vitamin E: Antioxidant band-aid on a texture wound
Photo: Viktoriia Muzyka / Unsplash
Texture: like liquid honey that refuses to dry down. First night I slapped it on, my face stuck to my silk pillowcase and I woke up with a crease across my cheek.
Week two: my skin actually looks decent — plump, no flakes. But I have to wait 20 minutes before bed or I’m sleeping in a glue trap.
Photo: Sonia Roselli / Unsplash
Fine lines look softer. Dry patches disappeared. But my T-zone got two tiny whiteheads — something the old formula never did.
Photo: Aleksandrs Karevs / Unsplash
It works — but it’s annoying to use. I’d pick the old version if I could find it, but since I can’t, I’ll finish this bottle with a sigh.