Skincare
Ingredients
/
Oct 25, 2025
Discover the Hidden Power of Cetraria islandica
At the heart of Ljóma’s flagship cream, Crème Nord, lies the remarkable Iceland moss (Cetraria islandica). This isn’t just a pretty Nordic name or a botanical flourish—it brings meaningful science, Nordic heritage, and a story of resilience to your skin care. Let’s dive into why Iceland moss matters, how it works, and how you can embrace it in your skin-care ritual.
What is Iceland Moss?
Iceland moss is a lichen species commonly found in cold northern climates, alpine tundra, and open moorland. It grows in tough conditions—wind-blown rocks, exposed slopes, minimal nutrients—so it has developed unique survival strategies.
In terms of composition, Iceland moss contains a high proportion of complex polysaccharides (lichenin and isolichenin), as well as lichen acids such as cetraric acid, usnic acid and fumaric derivatives. It has also been used traditionally for soothing the throat or respiratory passages and as a nutritive in harsh climates.
Why Ljóma Uses Iceland Moss in Crème Nord
Ljóma’s brand ethos is rooted in “quiet routines, enduring materials, elemental care” and draws inspiration from Iceland’s mineral landscapes and Nordic minimalism.
By incorporating Iceland moss as a key ingredient in Crème Nord, the brand achieves a beautiful alignment of:
Symbolism: A plant/lichen that thrives in extreme Nordic conditions becomes a metaphor for skin that thrives despite stress, cold, wind, urban pollution.
Functionality: The biochemical makeup of Iceland moss brings benefits—soothing, protective, fortifying—that align with premium skincare goals.
In other words: this lichen isn’t just decoration—it’s part of the architecture of the product formulation.
What Science and Ingredient Profiles Suggest
Here are key functionalities of Iceland moss relevant to skin care:
Polysaccharides for hydration & barrier support: The lichenin content helps to retain moisture and has a film-forming potential, supporting the skin’s barrier.
Lichen acids + antioxidant/anti-inflammatory activity: Extracts show anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating potential. For example, the lichenic acids are recognized for antioxidant and soothing activities.
Resilience under stress = skin resilience: Because the lichen thrives under environmental stress (cold, UV, wind), its compounds are valuable in formulations targeting environmental damage and skin stress responses.
Traditional soothing uses: While mainly internal uses (throat, digestion), the soothing legacy helps support the ingredient’s credibility in calming formulations.
So when you use Crème Nord with Iceland moss, you're using a formulation that invites your skin to be stronger, calmer, more resilient.
