← the glossary

Algae and seaweed extracts

AllowedReviewed September 18, 2026

Laminaria · Fucus Vesiculosus · Bladderwrack · Kelp · Spirulina · Chlorella · Ascophyllum · Chondrus Crispus · Plankton Extract · Undaria · Red Algae · Alaria Esculenta · Porphyra · Algae Extract

Marine botanicals used for hydration, minerals and film-forming.

What it does

Thickeners & film, Hydration

Our take

This is the largest single block on the pore-clogging lists, dozens of species, all flagged. Whether that generalises fairly from one seaweed to all of them is very doubtful, and we think it's where the flat lists are weakest. But the flag is consistent enough across sources that acne-prone skin should know it exists before buying a marine-based routine.

Suitable from

Young adult, 20+ · Middle aged, 40+

Best for

Dryness & hydration · Barrier repair · Aging & firmness

Skin types

Dry · Sensitive

Can it clog pores

High. We flag it for anyone whose skin congests easily. This flag is for the face only, it does not apply to body, hair or home care.

Instead try

If you're breaking out, a fragrance-free ceramide or squalane formula is a safer bet than a marine one.

Scope

This entry covers whole algae and seaweed extracts. It does not cover purified polysaccharides isolated from them, see Algin, which are water-soluble gums with no lipid phase.