In today’s wellness-driven fashion landscape, consumers want more than comfort—they want skincare benefits built into what they wear. This growing demand has led to the rise of “cosmetotextiles,” where materials actively support skin health. At the heart of this movement is SeaCell™, a fiber made from Icelandic seaweed and sustainably harvested cellulose.
SeaCell™ fiber stands out in skincare textiles for its natural antioxidant properties, skin-calming feel, and eco-conscious sourcing—making it ideal for wellness apparel, intimate wear, and luxury loungewear.
In this article, we’ll break down what SeaCell™ is, how it functions, and why it’s gaining traction among innovative brands and fabric developers.
What Is SeaCell™ Fiber and How Is It Made?
SeaCell™ is a branded fiber developed by smartfiber AG in Germany. It’s created by blending Icelandic seaweed (Ascophyllum nodosum) with lyocell—a cellulose-based fiber derived from wood pulp using closed-loop production. The seaweed is embedded into the fiber structure, not just coated, which means its skincare properties remain through repeated washing.
SeaCell™ combines the comfort and softness of lyocell with the wellness benefits of seaweed, making it a textile innovation rooted in nature and science.
How Is SeaCell™ Different from Other Cellulose Fibers?
Unlike modal or standard lyocell, SeaCell™ includes naturally occurring minerals like calcium, magnesium, and vitamin E from seaweed. These nutrients are preserved during the fiber’s creation and are released upon contact with the skin, offering anti-inflammatory and antioxidant benefits.
You can learn more from the official smartfiber AG website and their technical partners at Lenzing Group.
Is SeaCell™ Eco-Friendly?
Yes. SeaCell™ is produced using the same closed-loop system as TENCEL™—recycling 99% of solvents—and the seaweed is harvested gently, leaving the algae base intact for regrowth. The entire process is certified by OEKO-TEX®, GOTS, and meets ISO 14001 environmental standards.
Additionally, SeaCell™ fibers are biodegradable, making them a responsible choice for brands looking to lower their textile footprint.
What Are the Skin Benefits of SeaCell™ Fabric?
SeaCell™ isn’t just soft—it’s a wellness tool for your skin. With seaweed’s natural content of vitamins and antioxidants, the fiber soothes and nourishes the skin, particularly during long wear. This makes it perfect for garments in direct contact with sensitive areas.
SeaCell™ supports skin hydration, reduces irritation, and helps neutralize free radicals—ideal for skincare pajamas, undergarments, and therapeutic wraps.
How Does SeaCell™ Interact with the Skin?
When the SeaCell™ fiber touches your body, natural friction, heat, and moisture (from sweat) trigger the slow release of bioactive seaweed components. These include:
- Vitamin E – known for anti-aging and antioxidant support
- Zinc & magnesium – support skin regeneration
- Alginates – trap free radicals and promote healing
Scientific reviews from MDPI Textiles & Fibers and Textile Today confirm these interactions through dermatological studies.
Is SeaCell™ Suitable for Sensitive Skin?
Absolutely. SeaCell™ is hypoallergenic, non-irritating, and naturally pH-balanced. It's OEKO-TEX® certified to be free of harmful chemicals and tested for skin compatibility. This makes it a great option for:
- Post-surgical or medical wear
- Baby clothing and maternity loungewear
- Wellness spa robes and hotel-grade pajamas
Brands such as WelleCo and Lunya have incorporated SeaCell™ into skin-enhancing sleepwear collections for their comfort-conscious clientele.
Which Apparel Categories Benefit Most from SeaCell™?
SeaCell™ is redefining what it means to “wear wellness.” Its versatility and softness make it ideal for categories where comfort, performance, and skincare benefits converge.
Best uses for SeaCell™ include sleepwear, yoga wear, intimate apparel, loungewear, spa uniforms, and sensitive-skin garments.
What Garments Are Brands Currently Making with SeaCell™?
Popular product categories include:
- Yoga & fitness tops with sweat-wicking and skin-calming qualities
- Luxury robes & pajama sets for hotels or wellness resorts
- Bra liners, nursing tops, and maternity sets
- Base layers for eczema and skin conditions
Designers at Skin Worldwide and Organic Basics have introduced SeaCell™ pieces into their wellness and sustainable clothing lines.
How Does SeaCell™ Perform in Terms of Comfort and Durability?
- Breathability: Comparable to modal and superior to cotton
- Moisture wicking: Excellent, especially under humidity
- Softness: Smooth and buttery hand feel
- Durability: Stronger when blended with modal or cotton; withstands 40+ washes
At Fumao Fabric, we offer SeaCell™ yarns blended with TENCEL™, organic cotton, or modal to optimize handfeel, cost, and strength. All blends are tested in CNAS labs for pilling, shrinkage, and colorfastness.
How to Source Authentic SeaCell™ Fabric for Production?
Sourcing SeaCell™ isn’t about buying off the shelf—it requires working with licensed fiber producers, yarn spinners, and experienced knitting or weaving partners.
To ensure authenticity, buyers must request fiber origin certificates, test data, and partner with mills that specialize in functional or wellness textiles.
Who Are the Verified Fiber Suppliers?
SeaCell™ fiber is trademarked and licensed exclusively by smartfiber AG. Their approved yarn spinning partners are mostly located in Europe and select Asian countries. Trusted knitters and weavers can acquire SeaCell™ yarns from certified spinners.
You can cross-check suppliers through smartfiber's global sourcing program or contact partners like Südwolle Group or Lenzing Yarn Solutions.
How Does Fumao Fabric Support SeaCell™ Projects?
At Fumao, we:
- Source licensed SeaCell™ yarns directly
- Offer SeaCell™ blended jersey, rib knit, French terry, and interlock fabric
- Test every batch in CNAS-certified labs for fiber content, moisture regain, and pH level
- Provide OEKO-TEX® and GRS certificates for each production run
- Support low MOQs for wellness startups and scale-up for luxury retailers
We offer sampling within 5 days, lab dips in 3–4 days, and custom knitting in 18–25 days depending on GSM and construction.
Conclusion
SeaCell™ is not just a fiber—it’s a wellness solution. Whether you're designing skincare pajamas, postnatal wraps, or performance gear with a soft touch, SeaCell™ delivers natural benefits that your customers will feel and appreciate. It fuses nature’s healing with textile innovation, and its use is expanding rapidly in both luxury and wellness fashion segments.
At Shanghai Fumao, we help fabric buyers and fashion brands unlock the full potential of SeaCell™ by providing certified materials, tailored developments, and global shipping. Let your next textile product do more than clothe—let it care.
To start sourcing SeaCell™ fabric for your skincare textile line, contact our Business Director Elaine at elaine@fumaoclothing.com today.
