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
CEO & Chief Innovation officer
PhD in Marine Ecology and professor at the University of Iceland
Curriculum Vitae
Ragnhildur Einarsdóttir
PhD student
Lipid Based Delivery Systems for Bioactive Ingredients
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
PhD student
Physical Food Chemistry, Novel Delivery Systems
Gunnar Þór Kjartansson
Production Manager
PhD in Food Biophysics
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.