If you live in the Philippines, chances are your first encounter with sea grapes was on a plate rather than in a facial serum. Locally referred to as lato, the edible seaweed is popularly prepared in coastal regions as ensaladang lato—a salad served with tomatoes, red onions, salted duck egg, and a vinegar dressing. Lato has a pleasantly briny flavor profile and a texture that’s similar to ikura and tobiko (fish roe), or even popping boba.
If we’re getting scientific about it, sea grapes are actually a type of marine algae that grows in warm, shallow coastal waters. It’s commonly found in Asia, in countries like the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and Japan. According to legend, sea grapes were accidentally—or perhaps fortuitously—introduced to a fish pond in Cebu, and by the 1950s, the country had begun commercially producing the algae.
Rich in dietary fiber, amino acids, Omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals such as iodine, calcium, and magnesium, it is known to help prevent hypertension and rheumatism, and is believed to be effective in fighting diabetes. It also has antibacterial, anti-fungal, and antioxidant properties.
From Salad to Skincare
Ever since snail mucin took over beauty counters more than a decade ago, people have been on the lookout for the next star skincare ingredient. Whether it’s vitamin C, spicules derived from sea sponges, or PDRN sourced from salmon sperm, curiosity—and innovation—continue to push boundaries.
And while the idea of applying these ingredients to your face may have seemed strange once, marine-derived actives have become par for the course. This is thanks, in no small part, to glowing testimonials, trending BeautyTok videos, and the numerous studies revealing their many benefits.
Today, the lato—also referred to as green caviar—has gone from humble salad ingredient to sought-after skincare hero. Below are a few reasons why it’s being hailed as the next big thing in beauty.
It reduces signs of aging.
High in amino acids that are essential for the production of collagen and elastin, sea grapes help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
It calms redness and inflammation.
Additionally, the amino acids help with inflammation, making formulas featuring this ingredient especially well-suited for acne flare-ups and post-procedure care.
It protects the skin’s natural barrier.
The Omega-3 fatty acids in sea grapes strengthen the skin’s lipid barrier by locking in moisture while keeping pollutants and irritants out.
It evens out skin tone and promotes skin renewal.
Sea grapes are also rich in polysaccharides, compounds that have shown to reduce skin pigmentation and support the skin’s natural renewal process.
It keeps your skin hydrated.
Polysaccharides also act as humectants that draw and lock in moisture, keeping your skin hydrated. It’s thought to provide similar moisturizing benefits for hair as well, even if it’s still relatively rare in haircare—for now.
It’s packed with antioxidants.
Sea grapes contain vitamins A, C, and E, which help neutralize free radicals that can lead to cellular damage and cause premature aging. Vitamin A is excellent for improving skin texture and softening fine lines and wrinkles, vitamin C brightens and supports collagen production, and vitamin E boosts moisture levels and encourages skin repair.
It’s a vegan alternative.
If snail goo isn’t your thing and you’re afraid salmon sperm might trigger an existing or latent seafood allergy, skincare products formulated with sea grapes are a good alternative.
Local beauty brand Russ & Rose is a big believer in the skincare benefits of the lato. “Sea grapes are naturally rich in minerals and water-binding compounds, which aligns with our belief in sustaining the skin rather than overwhelming it,” says Rustan Sagun, a licensed pharmacist who co-founded the brand with his sister, Cristina Rose Sagun, a nurse. He adds that they weren’t exactly looking for novelty when they chose lato as an ingredient. “Instead, we look for ingredients that support the skin in a steady, thoughtful way.” The brand specifically works with Caulerpa racemosa, a species shown in studies to be richer in phenolic compounds and antioxidant pigments than other sea grapes—making it particularly beneficial for skin wellness.
Following a similar philosophy, fellow F-beauty label Pure Culture also highlights lato as a hero ingredient in its products. Alex Gentry, co-founder of the brand, highlights its versatility. “It’s particularly well-suited for all skin types, including sensitive and acne-prone skin,” she says. “Its bioactive composition delivers hydration, reduces inflammation, and provides antibacterial benefits.”
A Shore Win: Local and Sustainable
Beyond versatility, sea grapes also stand out for two compelling reasons: they’re abundant in the Philippines and sustainably sourced. “Sea grapes are quiet, resilient, and deeply rooted in our local landscape,” says Sagun. Rather than mass-farming in a single location, the brand harvests the ingredient across different coastal areas in the country. “For us, responsible sourcing means working within what nature allows rather than forcing consistency at the expense of ecosystems.”
The brand prioritizes partners who respect seasonal cycles and handle extraction with care to preserve the integrity of the ingredient. “This seasonal sourcing allows for minimal processing, helping preserve their natural hydration-supporting properties.”
Pure Culture, meanwhile, sources its sea grapes specifically from Bohol, where clean, nutrient-rich tropical waters support the development of sea grapes with high concentrations of beneficial actives. These include “vitamin C, vitamin E, minerals, and polysaccharides, notably xylose and glucose,” says Gentry. Beyond this, the brand takes a globally benchmarked approach to sourcing, partnering with Croda, whose sea grape extracts carry internationally recognized certifications such as EcoCert and COSMOS—ensuring traceability, ethical harvesting, and environmentally responsible practices.
By prioritizing careful sourcing and gentle processing, “the brand is able to retain the full potency of sea grapes while meeting high standards in clean, microbiome-friendly skincare,” she says.
Even better, lato is a fast-growing, renewable resource, making it an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic ingredients. For consumers mindful of their environmental footprint, green caviar represents a sustainable option for achieving glowing, healthy skin.
Proudly Philippine-Made
What makes lato’s sustainability story even more compelling is how closely it ties to the rise of Filipino-led beauty. In a local scene long dominated by global labels and K-beauty, F-beauty has undoubtedly entered the chat, championing local ingredients, sustainability, and inclusivity. Skincare made by Filipinos, for Filipinos, is increasingly shaped by local skin needs, climate, and everyday lifestyles.
Within this growing landscape, lato is emerging as a hero ingredient to watch—one that reflects both the country’s natural resources and its evolving beauty philosophy. Prized for its hydrating, soothing, and age-supporting benefits, it’s a skincare standout we’re definitely excited to see more of. Whether you’re looking to support skin longevity, boost moisture, or calm sensitivity, sea grapes offer a natural, effective way to meet today’s beauty needs.
Glow with Green Caviar
Make sea grapes part of your skincare ritual with these expert-approved and proudly local picks.
Russ & Rose Lightweight Hydrating Cream
Blending the hydrating, antioxidant-rich properties of sea grapes with the calming benefits of oatmeal and the moisture-locking qualities of squalene and shea butter, this featherweight cream is designed to feel breathable, making it suitable for day and night use.
“During formulation, we kept coming back to the idea of hydration that adapts,” explains Russ & Rose’s Sagun. “Not heavy, not occlusive, but responsive. Sea grapes offered that balance. They hold water efficiently while remaining weightless on the skin, allowing us to create a cream that supports the barrier without feeling indulgent or excessive.”
Russ & Rose Lightweight Hydrating Cream
P615, The Beauty Edit Gallery at Spatio
At Pure Culture, sea grape extract is thoughtfully integrated across collections to address different skin needs. In the Wild Algae line, it helps soothe irritation, rebalance sebum, and support a healthy skin barrier—making it especially suited for oily and acne-prone skin. The ingredient also appears across the brand’s other ranges (the Bulgarian Rose and Dream line), where it’s used to support hydration, resilience, and skin comfort.
Pure Culture Wild Algae Super Skin Tonic 2.0
Looking to soothe stressed-out skin? This tonic is formulated with certified organic sea grapes harvested in Bohol to boost hydration, MicroSilver BG™ to help calm inflammation and irritation, and New Zealand native red seaweed to protect the skin from free radical damage. The current formulation—Version 2.0—also contains prebiotic Saccharide Isomerate (Pentavitin) that forms a moisture barrier that can last up to 72 hours.
“The product leverages the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of sea grapes to calm irritation and support a healthy microbiome,” says Gentry.
Pure Culture Wild Algae Super Skin Tonic 2.0
P899, The Beauty Edit Gallery at Spatio
Pure Culture Wild Agae Glow up Serum
This serum is especially engineered for a serious glow-up. Its unique blend of hyaluronic acid and sea grapes delivers intense hydration for dry skin, while vitamin C and New Zealand native black fern (mamaku) help brighten dullness and support a more even-looking complexion.
Pure Culture Wild Agae Glow up Serum
P599, The Beauty Edit Gallery at Spatio
Pure Culture Wild Algae Quench Creme
Here’s a daily moisturizing cream that keeps your skin hydrated and dewy without that oily sheen. Besides sea grapes, hero ingredients include niacinamide to balance oil production, Cica to repair the skin barrier, and New Zealand native red seaweed to support the skin’s elasticity.
Crafted to be lightweight enough for everyday use, it’s noncomedogenic and is perfect for oily and combination skin, as well as the hot and humid Philippine climate.
Pure Culture Wild Algae Quench Creme
P699, The Beauty Edit Gallery at Spatio
Discover lato-powered skincare and shop Russ & Rose, Pure Culture, and more at The Beauty Edit Gallery at Spatio, located on the 3/F of Opus Mall, Bridgetowne Destination Estate, Quezon City. An editorial-led retail concept—and the first-of-its-kind in the local scene—the gallery spotlights indie innovators, cult icons, and niche trailblazers shaping F-beauty today.
