Beauty Boss: Ása Brynjólfsdóttir, R&D Director for Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare

Ása Brynjólfsdóttir.

Our latest Beauty Boss is Ása Brynjólfsdóttir, Director of Research & Development for Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare—a line of clean and natural skincare products that combine the power of nature and science, creating high-performance formulas designed to optimize skin health over time.

Brynjólfsdóttir has created some of the most groundbreaking skincare solutions right on the premises of Iceland's Blue Lagoon, a famous geothermal spa in southwestern Iceland that is known for its powerful healing waters. She oversees oversees a team of scientists and engineers on the cutting edge of skincare research for Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare—a research center she helped develop from day one.

Growing up in East Iceland in a family devoted to forestry, Brynjólfsdóttir went on to study pharmaceutical science at the University of Iceland. Years later, her time spent at the renowned Blue Lagoon R&D Center resulted in her discovery of the BL+ COMPLEX, a combination of the Blue Lagoon's microalgae extracts and silica encapsulated in a delivery system for optimized results. The brand ultimately decided to develop an entire line based on the groundbreaking BL+ COMPLEX with her help featuring an ingredient that can be found exclusively in BL+ products—Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare's luxury collection of skin care.

We chatted with Brynjólfsdóttir, who shared the inspiration behind the brand, secrets for success, wellness tips, favorite beauty products, and much more.

When was Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare founded?

The healing power of the Blue Lagoon water first became apparent when curious locals started to bathe in the enchanting lagoon. This provided a sense of well-being and an incredible effect on the skin. The lagoon became the subject of research by many scientists. Soon after we opened a Medical Clinic offering natural psoriasis treatments based on the healing properties of bathing in the lagoon.

The first treatments combined bathing in the lagoon’s warm, bioactive waters and the application of raw silica mud to psoriasis lesions. From here the people visiting the Blue Lagoon Medical Clinic were requesting products to continue their treatments at home. That led to the development of the first product, the Silica Mud Mask, released in 1995. Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare was then born.

Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare is a line of clean and natural skincare products that combine the power of nature and science, creating high-performance formulas designed to optimize skin health over time.

When did you join the company and what drew you to it?

I started in 1993 straight out of school. I was the first employee and I am still here 30 years later. When I first came to the Lagoon, I was hosted by the medical doctor Grímur Sæmundssen, the founder and CEO of the Blue Lagoon Ltd., who was at the time part of a team conducting clinical studies concerning the effects of bathing in Blue Lagoon geothermal seawater on psoriasis.

At that time, there was only a small bathhouse and a temporary research center. He had a vision for a medical clinic for psoriasis patients based on bathing in geothermal seawater and also building up health tourism in Iceland using this unique natural resource. I felt an immediate connection to the project as it fit perfectly with my interest in using natural resources for improving quality of life.

Tell us more about your role as R&D Director for the brand and how you and your team have developed cutting-edge skincare research and sustainable efforts.

I lead a team of scientists and experts from different fields—immunologists, dermatologists, cosmetic scientists, chemists, pharmacists, engineers—who have come together, each with their own specialty, to research the unique ecosystem of the Blue Lagoon and its effects on the skin.

Examples of this include the effects of bathing in the water and sustainable harvesting methods of the bioactive ingredients. Green production methods pioneered at the R&D center are used for isolating, cultivating, and harvesting the signature bioactive elements of the Blue Lagoon water: silica, minerals, and microalgae.

This trinity of natural wonders is the fulcrum of Blue Lagoon Skincare, which has evolved from a single product—the iconic Silica Mud Mask—into a collection of face and body products, including our high-performance line of BL+ products and our best-selling collection of masks.

What is the Icelandic approach to beauty and skin care?

I think in that sense us Icelanders are no different from others in regard to beauty and skin care. Having said that, we do have extremes in weather, so nurturing the skin barrier is number one, two and three. Being prepared for the wind and the cold is key.

As R&D Director, Brynjólfsdóttir leads a team of scientists and experts from different fields to research the unique ecosystem of the Blue Lagoon and its effects on the skin in order to develop cutting-edge research and products.

What makes Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare unique from other brands?

 The extraordinary bioactive ingredients in our products are unique to the Blue Lagoon's geothermal seawater that is channeled from volcanic aquifers 2,000 meters below the surface in the Svartsengi lava field. For over three decades we have researched this mineral-rich water and the many benefits it has on the skin, from the treatment of psoriasis to increased barrier function and visible smoothing and firming. At our R&D center, located at the edge of the Blue Lagoon, these bioactive ingredients are sustainably derived and formulated into clean, efficient formulas designed to promote a radiant, healthy complexion.

What is the brand’s hero product?

Our very first product, the Silica Mud Mask, is our bestseller and hero product. It is what started it all.

What are your favorite products from the brand?

BL+ The Serum and BL+ Eye Serum—a very powerful duo. I‘m hooked.

Where are Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare products sold?

Today the products are sold on our brand website as well as in select retailers including Neiman Marcus, Moda Operandi, Onda Beauty and The Conservatory.  We are also available in our own stores in Iceland and at the Blue Lagoon.

Future plans for the brand?

We have big plans for Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare—and while we’re unfortunately not ready to reveal our plans in more detail than that, we are expanding our collections. Stay tuned!

Among the brand’s most popular products are its masks, which are formulated with the defining bioactive treasures of the Blue Lagoon: silica, algae, minerals, and lava.

Who inspires you?

I seek inspiration from a lot of admirable people around me, including my five kids who surprise me every day and are growing into beautiful individuals.

Secret to success?

Perseverance. If you want to succeed at something, keep at it. You'll get there.

Beauty secrets?

Drink your water, make sure you get good sleep, take care of your skin and smile.

Wellness tips?

Getting some exercise and spending time in nature every chance you get—it makes everything better.

Best advice?

To be responsible for your own future and happiness. Don‘t expect someone else to hand it to you. 

How do you like to relax?

I love my everyday yoga session in the mornings. It gets me calm and ready for practically anything. On the weekends I try to go on a hike with a friend or family member. Being outdoors in nature and a good chat—the perfect combo in my book.

For more information, visit Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare’s website and follow on Instagram: @bluelagoonskincare

[Images courtesy of Blue Lagoon Iceland Skincare]

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