Is Sea Whip Extract Vegan? What Is Sea Whip Extract Made Of?

By Anett Rannamets. Updated: April 2023.
We may receive a commission for purchases made through the links in this post. Learn more.

Sea whip extract is an anti-inflammatory skincare ingredient extracted from corals. Since corals are classified as animals, sea whip extract is animal-based. Therefore, sea whip is never vegan.

The coral extract comes from the deep sea and has many different skincare benefits. Now, let’s find out more about it and why is it used in skincare.

What Is Sea Whip Extract? What Is Sea Whip Extract Made Of?

Sea Whip Extract is an active ingredient specially extracted for skin care. It is obtained from purple coral, a marine invertebrate called Pseudopterogorgia Elisabethae ​​which consists mainly of pseudopterosins.

Pseudopterogorgia Elisabethae is a species of soft coral found mainly in the Caribbean Sea. It lives at a depth of 25 meters to 30 meters and looks like a purple-colored seaweed. 

This living organism belongs to the group of extremophiles. This means that it can live in very extreme conditions where many other organisms would die.

The coral has commercial importance. It contains pain-relieving effects and is therefore used as a pain-relieving and soothing skincare ingredient. In addition, it is also used as an accessory in fish aquariums.

Although this species is not in danger of extinction and is recovering quickly, it is still a living creature. Therefore, the extracted compound is not vegan-friendly.

Sea whip extract is also known as gorgonian.

Why Is Sea Whip Used In Skincare?

Sea Whip is used in skincare because it soothes the skin, relieves pain, reduces redness, and moisturizes the skin.

Sea Whip contains protective and healing enzymes, which are also called survival enzymes. They reduce pain and protect the skin from environmental damage. Therefore, sea whip extract suits sensitive and reddened skin.

It is also often used to relieve discomfort caused by acne and to eliminate redness. Since acne can also be very painful, the extract helps to soothe the pain. As sea whip contains anti-inflammatory compounds, it has the ability to interrupt inflammation.

Moreover, sea whip extract is an overall healing skincare ingredient. It neutralizes irritants on the skin that cause sunburn, aging, and swelling. In addition to its soothing effect, sea whip also keeps the skin moisturized.

FAQ About Sea Whip

What is sea whip?

Sea Whip Extract is an active ingredient specially extracted for skin care. It is obtained from purple coral, a marine invertebrate called Pseudopterogorgia Elisabethae ​​which consists mainly of pseudopterosins.

Why is sea whip used in skincare?

Sea Whip is used in skincare because it soothes the skin, relieves pain, reduces redness, and moisturizes the skin. Sea Whip contains protective and healing enzymes, which are also called survival enzymes.

Is sea whip vegan?

No. Sea whip is not vegan.

Summary

The sea whip extract also known as gorgonian is a coral-obtained compound used for skin care and other commercial purposes. 

Gorgonian is extracted only from one specific coral found in the Caribbean. Therefore, it is not vegan as corals are classified as animals.

If you are looking for effective vegan skincare for acne-prone or sensitive skin, see our guides to the best vegan skincare for acne-prone skin and the best vegan skincare for sensitive skin.  

See also: 100% Vegan Skincare Brands

Anett is a passionate journalist, writer, and magazine editor with almost 7 years of experience. Through engaging articles, she brings kinder and more environmentally-friendly choices closer to everybody.