Porphyra umbilicalis (Red Algae) extract
AKA “red algae extract”
Extract
Ingredient Facts
Porphyra umbilicalis (Red Algae) extract
AKA: Red algae extract
Extract · Skin Conditioning · EWG: 3
Plant-Derived
Skin Conditioner
Marine
Extract
Not Clean
Porphyra umbilicalis (red algae) extract is a cosmetic ingredient used as skin conditioning. Rated moderate hazard by EWG.
Family
Bangiaceae
Plant Part
Thallus
CAS #
223751-76-6
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Skin Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Conditions Skin
Antioxidant Protection
Reduces Inflammation
Fights Bacteria
Softens & Smooths
Traditional Use
Red algae has been harvested and consumed in traditional Japanese, Korean, and Celtic diets for centuries. Modern cosmetic use focuses on its polysaccharides and minerals; traditionally valued as a food and minor skincare ingredient.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
UV Photoprotection, Cytotoxicity and Immunology Capacity of Red Algae Extracts.
Álvarez-Gómez F, Korbee N, Casas-Arrojo V, Abdala-Díaz RT, Figueroa FL
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 2019
Valorization of the Red Algae Gelidium sesquipedale by Extracting a Broad Spectrum of Minor Compounds Using Green Approaches.
Castejón N, Parailloux M, Izdebska A, Lobinski R, Fernandes SCM
Marine drugs, 2021
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Red Algae-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
Porphyra umbilicalis (red algae) extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
Porphyra umbilicalis (red algae) extract
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
Verified Jun 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR