Seaweeds have emerged as one of the ocean's most promising sources of bioactive skincare ingredients. Rich in naturally occurring polysaccharides, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and protective compounds, many marine algae have evolved sophisticated mechanisms to survive constant exposure to UV radiation, salt, temperature fluctuations, and environmental stressors.​ These same characteristics have made seaweed extracts an increasingly important area of research in cosmetic science, with studies exploring their potential to support skin hydration, reinforce the skin barrier, and help defend against oxidative stress. Among the diverse varieties of marine algae being investigated, one species has attracted particular interest for its unique composition and remarkable water-binding properties: Nama sea grapes.

Nama sea grapes grow wild in the calm lagoon waters throughout the Pacific. Caulerpa racemosa, its scientific name, is a specific species of green algae found in marine environments, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. The sea grapes are small, round, and grow on branching stems, giving them a grape-like look, and have been a traditional delicacy used in various culinary dishes for their unique texture and briny flavor.

Nama sea grapes are packed with many vitamins and minerals, most of which support a healthy immune system, alongside notable levels of antioxidants like chlorophyll and betacarotene, amino acids for protein, even Omega-3s and dietary fiber. 

In conjunction with James Cook University in Australia, Caulerpa Racemosa was tested against other seaweeds in the family to determine its nutritional and mineral content, where it was found to have twice the antioxidants (100 mg g ‐1 FW) of its competitors. It was also discovered that nama has very high trace elements of selenium (124.0 vs. 3.9 ppm) versus Caulerpa Lentillifera, the more common, commercialized sea grape found throughout Asia and the Pacific Islands.

Selenium is commonly known for its health benefits, used frequently in agriculture and food fortification or in antifungal applications, but selenium also impacts thyroid function, protects cells from free radical damage, and can reduce inflammation. This study also found Caulerpa Racemosa is not responsive to large-scale aquaculture due to its inability to grow well in a lab setting; nama has to grow wild in order to develop properly and be as effective as it can. Aquaculture ranching using wild harvests could be a viable option, and will be tested in choice locations in Fiji to see if the environmental conditions effect vitamin and mineral development as has been postulated for many years. Wild Nama contains some of the most beneficial compounds discovered in skin science - proving our most potent skin repair solutions are found in nature.

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Nama Fiji has been in the works for thousands of years, drawing power from pristine natural ecosystems and ancient Fijian traditions; it’s truly a product that goes beyond skincare. Let nama’s dozens of beneficial minerals, vitamins, and antioxidants of the ocean repair your skin from within.

Nama Fiji’s passion for sustainability and community impact is evident from their product development to their locally sourced ingredients. Thanks to founder Debra Sadranu’s background in thalassotherapy, the organization spearheaded research on the benefits of Nama Sea Grapes (Caulerpa Racemosa), discovering its unique properties as a plant-based source of hyaluronic acid.

The resulting Nama Fiji product lines are marketed globally while adhering to strict eco- conscious principles, including plastic-free packaging opting instead for glass and bamboo, sustainably harvested natural ingredients processed locally, and a direct economic impact to the rural villages of the Fiji Islands.