Ingredient decoder

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

INCI name: Chlorella Vulgaris Extract

Acne verdict Moderate clog risk

Rated a pore-clogger

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Green microalgae extract that hydrates and may clog pores.

  • Skin conditioning

Chlorella extract in plain English

Chlorella extract comes from a green microalgae and is used to hydrate and condition 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 chlorella extract bad for acne?

It can be. Chlorella 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: A green microalgae. Algae as a group rate high, though this one has less data.

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

Also called

  • Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
  • Chlorella vulgaris
  • Chlorella pyrenoidosa
  • Chlorella
  • Chlorella pyrenoidosa extract

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Frequently asked questions

Is chlorella extract comedogenic?

Chlorella 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. A green microalgae. Algae as a group rate high, though this one has less data.

What does chlorella extract do in skincare?

In short: green microalgae extract that hydrates and may clog pores. In formulas it is used for skin conditioning.

What else is chlorella extract called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, chlorella extract can also appear as Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Chlorella vulgaris, Chlorella pyrenoidosa, Chlorella or Chlorella pyrenoidosa extract.

Sources