Blue Lagoon Iceland: origins, benefits and science

Deep in Iceland’s lava fields, amid stark landscapes and drifting steam, lies a place that could belong on a sci-fi set. The Blue Lagoon is more than a pretty pool: its water seems to glow, has a distinctive composition, and is said to be gentle on the skin. So what’s behind this phenomenon?

Despite its wild looks, the lagoon appeared by accident. In 1976, the Svartsengi geothermal power plant rose nearby, using underground hot water to generate energy. Mineral-rich runoff then seeped into the surrounding lava and gradually pooled into a small basin—a place born of infrastructure rather than untouched wilderness.

Locals noticed that the water wasn’t just striking to look at—it seemed to soothe the skin. Soon the Blue Lagoon turned into a place people visited not only to unwind, but also for what they considered its restorative qualities. It’s hard not to see the appeal.

The pool’s signature is its milky-blue color, created by a trio: silica (silicon dioxide), minerals, and blue-green algae. Together they produce that otherworldly hue and leave the skin feeling softer and cleaner.

Reports of therapeutic effects were borne out in practice. People with skin conditions such as psoriasis and eczema said they experienced improvements after bathing.

The results proved compelling enough that in 1992 a medical center opened on site, offering specialized treatments using the lagoon’s water and mud.

While many thermal pools require filtering and chemical treatment, the Blue Lagoon doesn’t. Its water completely renews every 48 hours, which limits bacterial growth and preserves the natural composition as it is.

The effect impressed visitors enough that a skincare line followed. Blue Lagoon Skincare produces creams, masks, and other products using minerals and algae from the lagoon itself. These items are popular worldwide, promising a taste of the water’s reputation without leaving home.

The Blue Lagoon is more than a photogenic backdrop. Its water blends beauty, the force of nature, and health benefits. Thanks to its unique makeup and steady renewal, it remains a place where nature and science move in step. As thousands continue to slip into its warm waters, researchers keep probing its mysteries.