Beauty Boss: Jenefer Palmer, Founder of OSEA
Jenefer Palmer.
This week’s #BeautyBoss is Jenefer Palmer, Founder of OSEA—a line of skin care that draws inspiration from the ocean, sun, earth and atmosphere. The company began in her kitchen sink after she spent a decade working as the spa director at Murrieta Hot Springs. All of the products are plant-based and gluten-free, featuring innovative formulations of certified organic, bioavailable seaweed that have been blended with pure steam-distilled and cold pressed essential oils.
In 2002, OSEA was the first company to sign The Compact for Global Production of Safe Health and Beauty Products, an initiative from the Environmental Working Group whose mission is to insure that products are “free of chemicals that are known or strongly suspected of causing cancer, mutation or birth defects.”
In 2018, OSEA opened its Skincare Studio just a blocks from the beach in Venice, California, and offers a variety of healing and relaxing facial treatments in the chic beach bungalow space.
Spa Diary: OSEA Skincare Studio
We chatted with Palmer who shares the inspiration behind the brand, her favorite wellness and beauty tips, products she can’t live without, and more.
When was OSEA founded and what does the name mean?
The brand was founded in 1996. OSEA is actually an acronym for Ocean. Sun. Earth. Atmosphere.
What inspired the creation of the brand?
My grandmother Elsa Reuschle was one the first female chiropractors. She graduated in 1919—over 100 years ago! Both of my grandparents swam every day of the year in the frigid Long Island Sound. I learned so much from her, including the incredible healing benefits of seaweed. She was my inspiration for studying the healing arts, which led me to become the spa director at Murrieta Hot Springs in 1982.
As I was creating spa treatments, I began searching for skincare products free of harmful synthetic ingredients that actually delivered visible results—that’s when I realized I needed to create my own. OSEA was born from my desire to create natural-derived, effective marine-based skin care.
Does OSEA have a hero product?
We have two actually! Our Hyaluronic Sea Serum and Undaria Algae Body Oil.
What are your favorite products from the brand?
My favorite is the first product I ever formulated, Essential Hydrating Oil. I still use it every day to boost moisture, fight lines and wrinkles. It makes my skin glow—would you believe that for years I had to talk people into using facial oils?
Where are your products sold?
On our website, The Breakers, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, Omni La Costa Resort and Spa, Two Bunch Palms, Milk + Honey, Four Season Lanai, and Credo.
Future plans for the brand?
I’m so excited for the new products we’re launching this year! They’re years in the making. I know that’s a bit of a tease, but I promise they’ll be worth the wait!
Drawing inspiration from the ocean, sun, earth and atmosphere, OSEA products feature innovative formulations of certified organic, bioavailable seaweed blended with pure steam-distilled and cold pressed essential oils.
Secret to success?
You’re only as good as your team. Make sure to surround yourself with positive, kind people.
Beauty Secrets?
Sleep. My number one beauty secret is sleep. Cat naps, all-nighters, any type of sleep…
Avoid the sun! Or wear sun protective clothing. I wear wide-brimmed hats and dark sunglasses—rain or shine.
Wellness tips?
Move every day. Do some type of stretching or take a short walk—what’s important is that you do something daily that you enjoy. My current obsession is pilates, I go three times a week.
I meditate each morning upon waking and set a positive intention for myself to help motivate me throughout the day.
Eat your vegetables. Turns out your mother was right!
Best advice?
Love yourself and put yourself first. Then it's easy to be kind to others.
How do you like to relax?
A long bath and a good book.
For more information, visit oseamalibu.com and follow them on Instagram: @oseamalibu
[Images courtesy of OSEA]
Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk