Ben Oakes

Winner of the 2025 Innovation Award

About Ben:

Founded in 2017 by Skye native Ben Oakes, the Isle of Skye Seaweed Company is redefining natural skincare with its innovative use of locally harvested seaweed. Combining tradition with modern science, Ben has created a range of eco-friendly, effective products that tap into the power of seaweed—a sustainable, nutrient-rich ingredient known for its hydrating and anti-aging benefits.

Ben takes a hands-on approach to sustainability, harvesting seaweed responsibly from the pristine waters around Skye under a licence from the Crown Estate of Scotland. This eco-conscious method ensures the marine environment is protected while providing a key ingredient for the skincare line. The seaweed is infused with coconut oil and blended with essential oils, butters, and waxes to create products free from parabens, palm oil, and harsh chemicals.

Ben is always pushing the boundaries with new product ideas. From the original Wild Seaweed and Peppermint lip balm to the recently launched Botanical Bath Bombs, he’s continually expanding the product range. Currently, there’s an exciting new creation in the works, still in the early stages of development.

While deeply connected to its local roots, the company is growing rapidly through an online platform and a network of retailers, taking advantage of the 650,000 tourists who visit Skye each year. Ben’s innovative approach to both product development and his business model has allowed him to expand responsibly, all while staying true to his sustainable values.

What the judges said:

“Ben has developed innovative skincare products from sustainably harvested seaweed and markets the range in an attractive manner to reflect the breath-taking landscape and often harsh and ever-changing weather of his native Skye.”

What Ben said:

"It's truly wonderful to be recognised by SRUC in this manner. It has been a long road, but this makes me feel like I made the right decision all those years ago and I am going down the right path.”