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Ascophyllum nodosum (Kelp) extract
AKA “Kelp Extract, Knotted Wrack Extract, Seaweed Extract”
Extract
Ingredient Facts
Ascophyllum nodosum (Kelp) extract
AKA: Kelp Extract, Knotted Wrack Extract, Seaweed Extract
Extract · Antioxidant · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Antioxidant
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Marine
Extract
Clean
Kelp extract from North Atlantic seaweed naturally conditions and hydrates hair and skin, locking in moisture for a softer, smoother feel.
Family
Phaeophyceae (Brown Algae)
Plant Part
Thallus
CAS #
84775-78-0
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.
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Antioxidant
Fights free radicals — the unstable molecules from UV, pollution, and stress that break down collagen and cause premature aging.
Conditions Skin
Anti-Aging Benefits
Brightens Skin
Softens & Smooths
Traditional Use
Seaweed has been used in traditional Asian skincare and medicine for centuries. Kelp extracts were adopted by modern cosmetics in the 20th century for their mineral content and hydrating properties.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Hydration
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Caution
EWG
4
CIR
Insufficient
Pregnancy
Caution
CIR Safety Findings
all-shades-safe
Moderate Irritant
Regulatory Status
USAunder review
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
Alaria esculenta (sea kelp) extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Ascophyllum nodosum (kelp) powder
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Ascophyllum nodosum [Kelp] Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp)
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
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Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Blade/Pneumatocyst/Stipe Juice Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract
European Commission
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)
→
Chondrus Crispus Seaweed Extract
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
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
→
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