Ingredient decoder

Algae extract: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Algae Extract

Acne verdict High clog risk

Rated a pore-clogger

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Seaweed extract that hydrates but rates high for clogging pores.

  • Emollient
  • Humectant
  • Masking
  • Oral care
  • Skin conditioning

Algae extract in plain English

Algae extract is a general name for extracts from seaweed or microalgae, used to hydrate and condition skin. Algae extracts rate high on classic comedogenic lists. Keep in mind these ratings come from old rabbit-ear tests of the raw ingredient, which can overstate the risk of a small amount in a finished product.

Is algae extract bad for acne?

It can be. Algae extract has a high clog risk rating for acne-prone skin. It has no score of its own in Fulton's 1989 table and is flagged on classic comedogenic lists, often because of its chemical family. If you break out easily, check where it sits on the ingredient list: the higher it appears, the more of it the product usually contains.

Why it is flagged: Algae extracts rate high on classic comedogenic lists.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Algae Extract
  • Algae
  • Algae extracts
  • Marine algae extract
  • Microalgae extract
  • Seaweed extract
  • Seaweed

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Frequently asked questions

Is algae extract comedogenic?

Algae extract has no score of its own in Fulton's 1989 rabbit-ear table, but it is flagged as a pore-clogger on classic comedogenic lists. Algae extracts rate high on classic comedogenic lists.

What does algae extract do in skincare?

In short: seaweed extract that hydrates but rates high for clogging pores. In formulas it is used for emollient, humectant, masking, oral care and skin conditioning.

What else is algae extract called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, algae extract can also appear as Algae, Algae extracts, Marine algae extract or Microalgae extract.

Sources