Inspired by the breathtaking natural beauty and long-standing traditions of Ireland’s northwest coast, three generations of the Walton family have scientifically harnessed the healing properties of seaweed and created VOYA, organic beauty products and treatments from the sea.

With sustainability at its heart, this revolutionary range of Soil Association certified organic products and treatments is a showcase of how science can release nature’s most powerful resources and still protect the earth.

Why seaweed?

Packed with minerals, vitamins and strong antioxidant properties, seaweed has proven to be hugely beneficial as a natural detoxifying and skin conditioning agent, quickly removing toxins whilst transferring nutrients. It is great for treating cellulite and has amazing anti-ageing capabilities, improving the suppleness and elasticity of the skin. It can also stimulate the renewal of damaged skin cells.

The Seaweed Harvest

Seaweed is a fully renewable natural resource in Ireland. Since the 18th century over 800 species of seaweed from Irish waters have been identified. Ireland is one of the least densely populated countries in Europe and the West Coast of Ireland is the least densely populated part of Ireland. There is no major industry on the West Coast, therefore the waters are some of the most unpolluted on earth.

At VOYA an expert harvesting team check the tide levels of the Atlantic Ocean weeks in advance to strategically plan which type of seaweed to harvest based on tides and weather conditions. They only use sustainable harvesting practices, which simply means that the seaweed is selected by eye and harvested by hand.

No machinery is used so as not to harm the delicate seabed or marine life. Only a small portion of the seaweed is cut at a time to ensure it grows back within 6 - 24 months. The harvesters like farmers move on to different parts of the reef to allow it to fully grow back and replenish, thus creating sustainable harvesting.

Seaweed harvesting at high and very low tides can be dangerous and sometimes the search for seaweed will have to be abandoned for this reason. It is the nature of dealing with a raw natural beauty product. Take a peek at it in action. 

The Process

Healing Powers
Voya’s expert harvesting team check the tide levels of the Atlantic Ocean weeks in advance. They strategically plan which type of seaweed to harvest based on the seasons tides and the weather conditions.

Hand Harvest
VOYA’s select the seaweed by eye and hand harvest it in a traditional manner passed down through generations of marine knowledge.

Environmentally Sustainable
Seaweed cutting is done manually to ensure the stems of seaweed remain in the ocean, thereby allowing the seaweed to regrow to a mature state within 12 months.

Goodness Sealed In
In its ‘wet state’ seaweed must be processed quickly. Typically, the time from cutting to initial processing happens within a period of four hours to ensure that the mineral content and gel properties are maintained at maximum levels.

Seaweed Drying Room
Throughout processing, the seaweed is maintained in drying rooms where temperature and humidity are tightly controlled.

Nature’s Regeneration
When exposed to hot water VOYA’s seaweeds products springs back to life releasing luxurious oils comprised of minerals, vitamins, and proteins. The natural properties of seaweed promote detoxification and absorption thereby enhancing the health and wellness experience.

Seaweed at home…

One of our favourite ways to experience this special ingredient is a seaweed bath. Seaweed baths have been used for generations in the care and repair of the skin, and have shown to help against signs of ageing and cellulite. Known to remineralise the body, seaweed works to hydrate and moisturise, while also working to detoxify and remove unwanted toxins.

With VOYA’s Lazy Days Seaweed Bath, you add the product to a hot bath, and the dried seaweed will naturally re-hydrate and spring back to life, releasing its soothing and moisturising properties. We love that the seaweed can be used for two baths, and also makes an excellent organic garden fertiliser after use!

Creating your own Seaweed Spa experience at home  

● For best results soak the seaweed and sea salt in a bath of hot water, ensure that you add cool water if desired to ensure a comfortable bath temperature.
● The seaweed will naturally hydrate and spring back to life. The hot water will release the plant's alginate properties, squeezing the seaweed will also help to release more gel. You can keep the seaweed in the net or release the seaweed from the net if desired.
● Take care when entering and leaving the bath as the gel is very slippery.
● You can reuse this seaweed bath product for 2 consecutive days/baths. If re-using the seaweed store in a basin or keep in a drained bath overnight, add in the extra sachet of salt during bath preparation.

Benefits

● Re-mineralises the body.
● Hydrates and moisturises nails, hair, and skin.
● Soothes aches and pains.
● Deeply detoxifies and removes unwanted toxins
● Aids the healing process of skin conditions: psoriasis and eczema.
● Helps against the signs of ageing and cellulite.
● Stimulates blood circulation and lymphatic system.
● Breaks down lactic acid.

To pick up your VOYA products whilst the Herb House is closed please head to their website.