Macrocystis pyrifera (Kelp)
AKA “Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract
Synthetic
Ingredient Facts
Macrocystis pyrifera (Kelp)
AKA: Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract
Synthetic · Humectant · EWG: 4
Synthetic
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Marine
Synthetic
Clean
Science: Functions: VISCOSITY CONTROLLING Safety Ratings: CIR: Safe as used
CAS #
347174-92-9
Form
Powder
See origin →
Functions
Thickener
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Controls Viscosity
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Used for centuries in traditional Asian medicine, particularly in China and Japan, as a nutrient-rich food and topical remedy for skin health and joint conditions. Applied in traditional skincare practices for its mineral and iodine content.
Skin Types
all-skin-types
Best For
Dullness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Safe
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
medical-approval
all-shades-safe
Moderate Irritant
Regulatory Status
USApermitted
EUrestricted
JAPANrestricted
CANADArestricted
Anti-herpetic Activity of Macrocystis pyrifera and Durvillaea antarctica Algae Extracts Against HSV-1 and HSV-2.
Castillo E, Duarte LF, Corrales N, Álvarez DM, Farías MA et al.
Frontiers in microbiology, 2020
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Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Blade/Pneumatocyst/Stipe Juice Extract
European Commission
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Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract
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EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Juice
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Protein
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp)
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Protein
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Macrocystis pyrifera ferment-containing creams for optimizing facial skin rejuvenation.
Gold M, Bae YC, Goldberg DJ, Jamal S, Lewis AB et al.
Journal of cosmetic dermatology, 2023
Macrocystis pyrifera Lipids Reduce Cytokine-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Signalling and Barrier Dysfunction in Human Keratinocyte Models.
Kok JML, Dowd GC, Cabral JD, Wise LM
International journal of molecular sciences, 2023
Macrocystis pyrifera Lipids Reduce Cytokine-Induced Pro-Inflammatory Signalling and Barrier Dysfunction in Human Keratinocyte Models.
Kok JML, Dowd GC, Cabral JD, Wise LM
International journal of molecular sciences, 2023
Physicochemical characterization and cosmetic application of kelp blanching water polysaccharides.
Liu P, Hu J, Wang Q, Tan J, Wei J et al.
International journal of biological macromolecules, 2023
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR