Many of us NYU students know how to incorporate sustainable fashion choices into our lives. We thrift, try our best to avoid fast fashion and shop at stores that recycle materials. But many of us tend not to apply those same practices to cosmetics. I hadn’t even heard of sustainable skincare before venturing to the opening of One Ocean’s two week pop-up in Soho.
One Ocean is a skincare line committed to saving both our skin and the ocean. The brand claims that they fuse natural marine ingredients together to produce the most powerful results possible. Their products are Leaping Bunny certified, and all of their packaging is 100% recyclable. Additionally, One Ocean has pledged to donate $250,000 to Oceana, an ocean conservation advocacy organization.
The store, contained in a small space on Elizabeth Street, was like a refreshing splash of ocean water on your face in the middle of New York City. The bright white aesthetic matched with the printed ocean wave wallpaper as well as the nostalgic scent of a day at the beach, and relaxing jazz music allowed me to momentarily escape my tense finals season mood.
One Ocean had a spread of all of their products — moisturizer, eye cream and body care — in the middle of the room, ready to be tried. Their website claims that the moisturizer includes “protective marine actives,” “nutrient-rich algae extract” and a “compound of potent peptides and proteins.” An employee showered me with free samples, enthusiastically told me about all of the positive results that she had seen in her skin after using all of the products.
After trying just a drop of their moisturizer on my hands, I could feel that it was neither average nor short-lasting. One Ocean’s moisturizer glided on smoothly and prevented dryness for the rest of the day.
But there’s a downside. The moisturizer that saved my skin was $82 for 1.7 fluid oz., and most of the prices escalate from there. This line may not be the most tempting option on a student budget, but personally, it’s a long-term investment I’m willing to make.
The One Ocean Pop-Up is certainly something to explore, even if it’s just to experience the peaceful environment of the physical space. I certainly will be returning before it closes to try out more products and to learn more about how to preserve the oceans.
The One Ocean Beauty Pop-Up will be at 251 Elizabeth St. until May 19.
Email Hanna McNeila at [email protected].