With the Icelandic winter slowly creeping in, I can already feel the effects of the weather showing up on my skin. As anyone who's been on winter trips to Iceland can tell you, facing the dry air and sharp wind every day can make your skin extra dry, flaky, and, honestly, a little miserable.
Good lip balm, hand cream, and a proper moisturizer are essential for getting through the season, but I wanted something that could really keep up with Iceland’s weather conditions. And just like how Icelandic outdoor clothing is the best for our climate, I figured the same logic might apply to Icelandic skincare!
That’s when I thought of the Blue Lagoon. Its silica-rich water is famous for its skin-soothing benefits, and the Icelandic government even offers a Blue Lagoon skin treatment grant to people with conditions like eczema.
I visited the spa once as a teenager, and it truly is one of those places you must visit at least once in your life, but booking a Blue Lagoon ticket every month isn’t exactly budget-friendly.
So I decided to try the next best thing: Blue Lagoon Skincare, the brand that promises to bring the lagoon’s benefits into your daily routine. Is it actually good, and does it live up to the spa experience? Here’s my honest review of some of their most popular products!
Key Takeaways From My Blue Lagoon Skincare Test
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Icelandic winter can be tough on the skin, but the Blue Lagoon products genuinely help.
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Products are on the pricier side, but you’re paying for science-backed formulas.
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The BL+ Serum impressed me the most and now lives in my daily morning routine.
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Mineral Mask gave my dry skin a noticeable hydration boost.
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The Silica Mask delivered the classic firm-and-clean feeling; most likely great for oily skin.
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I'd recommend starting with a BL+ product like the serum and one weekly mask.
The Blue Lagoon Products I Tried
I visited their main store on Laugavegur Street in Reykjavik to get a proper recommendation on what to try. You can also get their products at the Blue Lagoon Spa, Kringlan Shopping Mall, and after security at Keflavik Airport. Here’s what I picked up!
BL+ Serum: For Daily Care
For everyday care, I picked up the BL+ Serum, the brand’s best-known product featuring their "signature BL+ COMPLEX," which is in many of their key items. It’s Blue Lagoon’s main skincare technology, which uses algae and silica extracted from the Blue Lagoon’s geothermal water.
So, what does BL+ COMPLEX mean?
As I understand it, BL+ COMPLEX is a research-based ingredient that's meant to go "deep into the skin" to make it stronger, smoother, and more radiant. It also claims to boost collagen, protect from sun and pollution damage, and help slow the early signs of aging.
It definitely sets expectations high!
A Blue Lagoon Mask Combo: For Weekly Renewal
The Blue Lagoon Skincare brand is well known for its facemasks, so of course, I had to try them!
I went with the iconic Silica Mud Mask, the product that started it all back in 1995, and is still their bestseller. It’s the classic white silica formula that made the Blue Lagoon famous and is known for leaving skin feeling clean, firm, and refreshed.
My second choice was the Mineral Mask, meant to "Hydrate & Revitalize," which is something my skin desperately needs over the cold season. It's said to be infused with the geothermal seawater of the Blue Lagoon.
They also have two other popular facemasks. The Algea Mask claims to boost natural skin glow and reduce fine lines and wrinkles, and the Lava Scrub Mask exfoliates the skin, but I felt the other two covered my skincare needs nicely, especially when combined with the Blue Lagoon Serum.
The helpful Blue Lagoon Skincare staff member recommended combining these two masks, applying each one to different areas depending on your skin’s needs. Together, they have a deeper, more targeted effect, which is why they're described as a "weekly renewal" for your skin.
Testing the Blue Lagoon Skincare Products
On the first night, I tried the Silica Mud Mask on its own. The texture is thick and clay-like, and it creates that recognizable white-blue cast on the skin. After 15 minutes, I rinsed it off, and my skin felt firm, clean, and surprisingly smooth. It genuinely gives you a tiny taste of the Blue Lagoon spa at home.
Towards the end of the week, I gave the Mineral Face Mask a test. It's more liquid than the Silica Mask, and a little goes a long way, and it really gave my skin that hydration boost my skin was begging for. This is definitely one of the best hydrating masks I've tried, and I'm excited to see how it holds up throughout this winter.
I did try using both the masks together for a "weekly renewal" as recommended, but I found that the Mineral Mask was simply more suited to the current needs of my skin. I’ll keep reaching for it more regularly and use the Silica Mud Mask as needed.
Every morning, I used the BL+ Serum under my regular moisturizer. It comes in a glass bottle with a dropper, and the texture is slightly oil-like but absorbs fast into the skin.
It left a nice dewy finish without feeling heavy. It brought an unexpected but very pleasant surprise, as it works as a beautiful base under makeup!
A key aspect of the Blue Lagoon serum is that it promises long-term improvements in skin health and the reduced appearance of fine lines with longer use, so I'll update this review after a few more weeks of use. But so far, it’s earned a permanent spot in my morning routine!
So, Is Blue Lagoon Skincare Worth It?
I still need to decide which mask is my favorite, but the BL+ Serum is already a winner. It's lightweight, hydrating, and great under makeup. Overall, I’m really impressed by the quality of Blue Lagoon Skincare so far.
It’s not the most budget-friendly brand, but you are truly paying for research-based formulas, not just nice-smelling creams with no real effect.
If you’re curious to try the brand for the first time, I recommend starting with the BL+ Serum and one of the masks. If you visit the actual Blue Lagoon, you can even test some of the masks during your stay to see which one you like best.
If you don’t have time for a spa visit, you can’t go wrong with the classic Silica Mud Mask. It’s the heart of the Blue Lagoon band for a reason.
They also offer bundles and a travel-size starter kit, which gives you the best value if you’re unsure what to try, and if you fall in love with an item, it's possible to order from the international Blue Lagoon Skincare website.
Conclusion: I’m excited to keep using the Blue Lagoon Skincare products and will definitely stop by their store again to explore more from the range. I have my eye on the moisturizer and the award-winning BL+ Eye Serum, which has a loyal following and promises to reduce the appearance of dark winter under-eye circles!
