Algae Extract
Generic umbrella INCI term for marine algae extracts. Provides humectant, antioxidant, and mild skin-conditioning effects whose potency depends on the species used.
What it does
When a product label reads 'Algae Extract' without a species name, it designates an extract from an unspecified marine macroalgae — typically brown, red, or green algae. Marine algae contain fucoidan, carrageenan, alginates, and other polysaccharides that provide humectant and film-forming properties, as well as carotenoids, polyphenols, and vitamins A, C, E that contribute antioxidant activity. The biological activity varies widely by species, harvest location, and extraction method, none of which the generic INCI reveals. In practice, 'Algae Extract' is most often a cost-effective humectant and antioxidant booster rather than a targeted active. Distinguished from specific-species entries (sea kelp, Chondrus crispus, Spirulina, etc.) in the encyclopedia — those have more targeted profiles and cleaner evidence.
Also known as
marine algae extract, sea algae extract, algae
Browse all 668 ingredients — grouped by what they do, each with whatever evidence we can cite.