Ingredient decoder

Brown algae extract: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Brown Algae Extract

Acne verdict Moderate clog risk

Rated a pore-clogger

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Brown seaweed extract that may clog pores.

  • Skin conditioning

Brown algae extract in plain English

Brown algae extract comes from brown seaweeds and is used to condition and hydrate skin. Algae as a group rate high on classic comedogenic lists, based on old rabbit-ear tests of raw extracts. This species has little data of its own, and the small amounts in skincare may behave differently.

Is brown algae extract bad for acne?

It can be. Brown algae extract has a moderate 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: Part of the algae group that rates high. Specific species have less data.

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

Also called

  • Brown Algae Extract
  • Brown algae
  • Phaeophyta extract

Related ingredients

Browse all ingredients A to Z

Frequently asked questions

Is brown algae extract comedogenic?

Brown 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. Part of the algae group that rates high. Specific species have less data.

What does brown algae extract do in skincare?

In short: brown seaweed extract that may clog pores. In formulas it is used for skin conditioning.

What else is brown algae extract called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, brown algae extract can also appear as Brown algae or Phaeophyta extract.

Sources