MEET JENEFER PALMER

MEET JENEFER PALMER

"OSEA is the story of a long line of women inspired by the sea."
-As told by OSEA Founder, Jenefer Palmer

OSEA started in the early 90’s from Jenefer's kitchen sink and has grown through her family's commitment to natural ingredients and love for the sea. Jenefer's husband Steve and children, Melissa, Mary and David are involved in every aspect of OSEA today. The line is beautiful and truly works.

You have been at this a long time… how have you seen the industry change?

When I started formulating OSEA in 90’s, Aveda was one of the only other trusted natural brands available. It’s so inspiring to see now in 2018 how the personal care landscape is expanding and embracing natural skin care. Retail boutiques such as Credo, Follain, The Detox Market and Bluemercury are really leading the way in promoting clean beauty.

What keeps you inspired?

I’m constantly inspired by the ocean which is endlessly beautiful and the source of our healing seaweeds that we harvest to formulate our skin care.

What is something you’ve learnt about beauty that has stayed with you?

Try to stay out of the sun or wear sun protective clothing. I wear wide brimmed hats and dark sunglasses– rain or shine.

What’s your beauty routine like?

At night, I wash my face with Ocean Cleansing Milk, followed by a few spritzes of Sea Vitamin Boost toning mist. I mix antioxidant-rich Brightening Serum with Hyaluronic Sea Serum for a dewy look. I finish with my absolute favorite product, the ultra-rich Advanced Protection Cream. A few times a week I exfoliate with our Vitamin C Probiotic Polish which leaves my skin glowing. Once a week, I will use a mask---often White Algae Mask to brighten and plump up my complexion.

What’s your biggest beauty secret or a hack you could share with us?

Moisturize! All. Day. Long. I store Essential Hydrating Oil in my purse and apply throughout the day for a radiant glow.

How do you stay healthy and balanced?

I drink tons of water, tea and take long hikes down to Zuma beach in Malibu. I meditate each morning upon waking and set a positive intention for myself to help motivate me throughout the day.

What’s your definition of beauty?

Beauty for me is making the healthiest lifestyle choices and feeding your skin with nutrient-dense ingredients that nourish and protect.

What piece of advice would you give someone trying to start her own beauty / wellness business?

1) Be an ingredient nerd. Read as much as you can about plant based ingredients as possible.
2) Study basic chemistry.
3) Learn how to cook. Formulating skin care is a lot like creating the perfect recipe.

What do you look for when you are shopping for beauty/wellness products?

I look for products that are plant-based vegan and that don’t contain any harsh synthetic ingredients. I love to support local family businesses as much as possible because it’s good for the environment and the economy.

How does living in Malibu inform what you do? What is your day to day like… do you have a routine you love to follow?

I have a view of the Pacific Ocean from my kitchen which keeps me centered and motivated. Malibu has a very established community of alternative healers and health nuts, so it’s always inspiring. Over the years I’ve learned the art of having a healthy work/life balance. I wake up at 8:00AM, meditate, exercise and then make breakfast. Then I’m either in my kitchen or in the lab formulating our products. I break up the day with a hike or a swim in the ocean.

What is something you are deliberate about?

I’m very deliberate about formulating our products with the purest and most sustainable ingredients possible which involves copious amounts of research. I spend most of my evenings reading about plants, mushrooms and essential oils.

What woman epitomizes beauty and grace for you?

Joni Mitchell, because she embodies the natural woman with little makeup, great skin, incredible creative talent and, of course, those fabulous cheekbones.

What’s your favorite self-care ritual?

I love taking hot baths in my outdoor tub filled with herbs and mineral-rich Gigartina Therapy Bath.

What are some of the beauty paradigms that you see we would be best to unhook from?

I’d love to see the bronzed/tanned skin trend disappear. The sun is glorious but terribly aging and damaging to the skin. I know I sound like a broken record, but it’s true.

Favorite things about where you live and what you do:

I love living on the coast as it keeps me active and inspired. I am so lucky to be able to work with my daughter, Melissa Palmer who is CEO of OSEA and my husband Steve, who manages operations. I’m grateful to have a family that not only supports my visions but helps me realize them.


What inspires you most in life at the moment? Any upcoming projects you are excited about?

I’m super inspired by Erewhon Organic Grocery Market. I spend hours in their herbal medicine section, researching herbs, seaweeds and mushrooms. And their fermented coconut yogurt is to die for!

Also, we have some really exciting new products I’m currently formulating, hopefully we’ll have them out later this year!

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