Ingredient decoder

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

INCI name: Laminaria Digitata Extract

Acne verdict Moderate clog risk

Rated a pore-clogger

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Brown seaweed extract that hydrates and may clog pores.

  • Skin protecting

Kelp extract in plain English

Kelp extract comes from a brown seaweed 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 kelp extract bad for acne?

It can be. Kelp 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 seaweed extract. 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

  • Laminaria Digitata Extract
  • KELP
  • Laminaria digitata
  • Laminaria japonica
  • Laminaria hyperborea
  • Laminaria ochroleuca
  • Laminaria saccharina
  • Saccharina latissima

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Frequently asked questions

Is kelp extract comedogenic?

Kelp 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 seaweed extract. Algae as a group rate high, though this one has less data.

What does kelp extract do in skincare?

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

What else is kelp extract called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, kelp extract can also appear as Laminaria Digitata Extract, KELP, Laminaria digitata, Laminaria japonica or Laminaria hyperborea.

Sources