“I tried the trio of masks—Silica, Lava, and Algae—and each had a different effect.”
From silica-rich geothermal waters to hand-foraged Arctic herbs, Iceland’s natural bounty shows up in every bottle. These four skincare brands stand out not just for their clean beauty credentials, but for how deeply they’re connected to place. I tested products from each brand and found high-performing formulas that deliver on hydration, tone, and texture without overpromising. Below, discover four Icelandic skincare brands that meet our Azure Road standards — and the one product I’d recommend from each.
Blue Lagoon Skincare's line of masks. Courtesy of Blue Lagoon Skincare.
Blue Lagoon Skincare
North Stars: Energy Efficiency, Waste Management, Production & Consumption
Blue Lagoon’s skincare line taps into its namesake geothermal waters in Iceland, using bioactive ingredients like silica, microalgae, and mineral-rich seawater. The company runs on geothermal energy and captures CO₂ emissions from nearby geothermal activity to cultivate its signature algae. Packaging includes recyclable glass, aluminum, and FSC-certified paper. Its core collection includes cleansers, moisturizers, masks, and serums designed to hydrate and support the skin barrier. For more targeted results, the premium BL+ line combines these natural actives with advanced biotechnology to address visible signs of aging, including fine lines, uneven tone, and loss of firmness.
I tested the trio of masks — Silica, Lava, and Algae — in that order, and each delivered something different. The Silica Mud Mask felt like a deep cleaning while leaving my skin prepped for the next step. The Lava Scrub Mask provided gentle exfoliation with fine particles that clarified without irritation. I finished with the Algae Mask, which is meant to boost hydration. While you can leave it on for ten minutes and then rinse, I opted to leave it on overnight. That’s where I saw the real benefit. I woke up with skin that felt plump and smooth. Used together in a weekly routine, they layered well and never left my skin feeling dry.
Our Favorite Product: Blue Lagoon Skincare Mask Duo, $171
The Græðir Essentials kit from Sóley. Courtesy of Sóley Organics.
Sóley Organics
North Stars: Heritage Value, Production & Consumption, Certifications
Sóley Organics was founded by actress Sóley Elíasdóttir and uses wild Icelandic herbs and spring water in small-batch production. The products are rooted in family herbal recipes passed down for generations. They’re free from synthetic fragrance, parabens, and harsh chemicals, with a lineup that includes balms, facial oils, and cleansers aimed at sensitive or reactive skin.
I used the Græðir healing balm on a dry, irritated area near my jaw, and by morning it felt noticeably calmer and less tight. The balm is thick but melts in easily, and the scent is earthy and clean. It’s the kind of product I’d keep on hand during winter or when my skin feels out of balance.
Our Favorite Product: Græðir Healing Balm, $35
Taramar Skincare from Iceland. Courtesy of Taramar Skincare.
Taramar
North Stars: Certifications, Wildlife & Ecosystems, Production & Consumption
Taramar combines clean beauty principles with scientific formulation. The brand uses organic Icelandic botanicals, including seaweed, and developed a patented process to ensure ingredients stay free of toxins. All products are made in small batches on the west coast of Iceland. The line includes a few targeted treatments for hydration, anti-aging, and barrier support.
I tried the Night Treatment for several evenings in a row. My skin looked slightly rosier in tone, and it felt smoother by the end of the week. The texture is light and absorbs well without leaving a film. It felt like a solid boost to my regular routine.
Our Favorite Product: Taramar Night Treatment, $130
Bioeffect is known for its scientific skincare products. Courtesy of Bioeffect.
4. Bioeffect
North Stars: Energy Efficiency, Water Management, Certifications
Bioeffect makes plant-based skincare using a barley-based EGF (epidermal growth factor) grown in geothermal greenhouses without pesticides or excess water. The formulas are simple — no fillers or added fragrance — and center around hydration, firming, and skin renewal. The lineup includes serums, moisturizers, and mists, and everything is made in Iceland.
The EGF Serum is easy to work into a nighttime routine. Just a few drops proved enough to cover my face and neck. After a week, my skin felt more hydrated, especially around my eyes and jawline. The product is a bit sticky during application. I recommend putting it on a few hours before going to bed so it can dry and doesn’t leave a residue on your pillow.
Our Favorite Product: Bioeffect EGF Serum, $180
Founder and CEO of Azure Road, Lauren Mowery is a longtime wine, food, and travel writer. Mowery continues to serve on Decanter Magazine’s 12-strong US editorial team. Prior to joining Decanter, she spent five years as the travel editor at Wine Enthusiast. Mowery has earned accolades for her writing and photography, having contributed travel, drinks, food, and sustainability content to publications like Food & Wine, Forbes, Afar, The Independent, Saveur, Hemispheres, U.S. News & World Report, SCUBA Diving, Plate, Chef & Restaurant, Hotels Above Par, AAA, Fodors.com, Lonely Planet, USA Today, Men’s Journal, and Time Out, among others.
Pursuing her Master of Wine certification, she has also been a regular wine and spirits writer for Tasting Panel, Somm Journal, VinePair, Punch, and SevenFifty Daily. Mowery is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Fordham Law School, and she completed two wine harvests in South Africa.
Follow her on Instagram @AzureRoad and TikTok @AzureRoad
