The Science of Taramar

Using science, we have accumulated knowledge on the functional properties of bioactive compounds from seaweed and medicinal plants. 

Unique Approach to Skincare: Marine Biology meets Food & Nutritional Science

Decades of research, led by the founders, professors of Marine Ecology and Food Science, in the period between 1979 and the present (see publications), lie behind the development of the unique Taramar skin care brand.

Taramar Science Unveiling Nature’s Secrets:

  • Bioactive Functions of Seaweed and Medicinal Plants
    Using science, we have accumulated knowledge on the functional properties of bioactive compounds from seaweed and medicinal plants.
  • Compounds to Replace Toxic and Harmful Chemicals
    Using science, we have isolated unique compounds that have beneficial properties for skin and body. We use these compounds to replace all of the toxic and harmful chemicals that are currently found in most mainstream products.
  • Natural Preservation Methods
    Using science, we have designed safe and natural methods that preserve these functional properties through production and storage. NoTox® (patent pending).
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  • Spot-On Delivery of Ingredients
    Using science, we have demonstrated how we can use delivery systems to protect our fragile skinactives and promote their activity resulting in visual beneficial changes to the skin

Taramar Scientific Teamwork

The science of Taramar has been conducted in collaboration with scientists at European and USA Universities and Research Institutes (see authors in publication list) and most of the results have been published in peer reviewed journals.

Innovative Outcome of Unusual Collaboration

The joint efforts between these different sciences have resulted in the remarkable Taramar skin care brand which bears more resemblance to food than other skin care products that are generally based on pharmaceutical technology.

Our Team

Today, nine scientists, professors, PhDs, MScs, post-docs, and PhD students, work in the Taramar laboratory, towards new ingenious solutions, using only food grade (edible) compounds to create new and innovative skin care solutions.

Guðrún Marteinsdottir

Guðrún Marteinsdottir

CEO & Chief Innovation officer

PhD in Marine Ecology and professor at the University of Iceland
Curriculum Vitae

Ragnhildur Einarsdóttir

Ragnhildur Einarsdóttir

PhD student

Lipid Based Delivery Systems for Bioactive Ingredients

Kristberg Kristbergsson

Kristberg Kristbergsson

VP Research & development

PhD in Food Chemistry, MSc and M.Phil in Food Engineering and professor University of Iceland
Curriculum Vitae

Kristján Einar Guðmundsson

Kristján Einar Guðmundsson

PhD student

Physical Food Chemistry, Novel Delivery Systems

Gunnar Þór Kjartansson

Gunnar Þór Kjartansson

Production Manager

PhD in Food Biophysics   

Gróa Pétursdóttir

Gróa Pétursdóttir

Testing Officer

MSc in Biology, Dermatological Evaluation

Taramar Science Unveiling Nature's Secrets

1. Bioactives and Antioxidants

Our research shows that the Icelandic seaweed extracts contain bioactives that stimulate beneficial immunomodulating responses and protect the live cells from aging, due to oxidation and scavenging by free radicals. Indeed, the antioxidant power of our Saccharina is at least equal to (or even higher than) terrestrial sources of super food, such as green tea and cranberries.

3. NoTox®

Our biggest breakthrough was in 2015 when we discovered a way to avoid all preservatives. Through the development of 5 hurdle preservation system with one unique technical step that stops all microbial growth, we are able to attain ultra purity of our formula and place Taramar at the front of the green revolution in personal care products.

2. Green Formulations

We spent two years working on green formulations where we replaced all the synthetic fillers and toxic chemicals with natural and organic compounds from the Icelandic nature. Today, our formula is technically edible and remains stable at room temperature for more than a year.

4. ActiveTransfer

In our research using the live cell models, we discovered that some organic compounds are not easily transferred over cell membranes. An example of those are large molecules, such as Q10, collagen and Vitamin C. To facilitate the transfer of our bioactives to the sites of action, we encapsulate the bioactives in liposomes or solid lipid particles. The outcome is amazing with beneficial and quite rapid improvement of the skin that can be seen with the naked eye.