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Nannochloropsis oculata (Algae) extract
AKA “Algae Extract”
Extract
Ingredient Facts
Nannochloropsis oculata (Algae) extract
AKA: Algae Extract
Extract · Humectant · EWG: 4
Plant-Derived
Humectant
Skin Conditioner
Marine
Extract
Clean
A nutrient-rich algae extract that deeply hydrates and conditions skin, helping it feel soft and supple. Sourced from pristine waters in Japan, Ireland, and Korea.
Plant Part
Whole Plant
Form
Liquid
See origin →
Functions
Humectant
A moisture magnet. Pulls water from the air and deeper skin layers up to the surface to keep skin plump and hydrated.
Conditioning
A catch-all term for ingredients that improve how skin looks and feels — softer, smoother, more supple. The workhorse behind most moisturizers.
Locks In Moisture
Traditional Use
Modern microalgae ingredient developed in the late 20th century. Introduced to cosmetics as a natural source of proteins, minerals, and bioactive compounds; no significant traditional use history.
Skin Types
●all-skin-types
Best For
Dryness
Melanin-Rich Skin
Suitable
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safe
Yes
EWG
4
CIR
Insufficient
Pregnancy
Yes
CIR Safety Findings
all-shades-safe
Regulatory Status
USAunder review
EU⚠ restricted
JAPAN⚠ restricted
CANADA⚠ restricted
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
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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
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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
→
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Brown Algae-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Final Report: Safety Assessment of Red Algae-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics
Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel
International Journal of Toxicology
→
Algae Exopolysaccharides
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Algae Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Dunaliella Salina (Algae) Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Nannochloropsis oculata (algae) extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Porphyra umbilicalis (red algae) extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Spirulina Platensis [Algae*] Extract
European Commission
EU Cosmetic Ingredient Database (CosIng)
→
Algae Peptides
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Chlorella Vulgaris Dermochlorella Algae Extract
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
Porphyra umbilicalis (red algae) extract
Environmental Working Group (EWG)
EWG Skin Deep Cosmetics Database
→
In vivo UVB-photoprotective activity of extracts from commercial marine macroalgae.
Guinea M, Franco V, Araujo-Bazán L, Rodríguez-Martín I, González S
Food and chemical toxicology : an international journal published for the British Industrial Biological Research Association, 2012
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The Anti-melanogenesis Activities of Some Selected Red Macroalgae from Northern Coasts of the Persian Gulf.
Namjoyan F, Farasat M, Alishahi M, Jahangiri A, Mousavi H
Iranian journal of pharmaceutical research : IJPR, 2019
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Screening of Bioactive Properties in Brown Algae from the Northwest Iberian Peninsula.
Silva A, Rodrigues C, Garcia-Oliveira P, Lourenço-Lopes C, Silva SA et al.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 2021
→
Screening of Bioactive Properties in Brown Algae from the Northwest Iberian Peninsula.
Silva A, Rodrigues C, Garcia-Oliveira P, Lourenço-Lopes C, Silva SA et al.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 2021
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Antioxidant screening and phenolic content of ethanol extracts of selected Baja California Peninsula macroalgae.
Tenorio-Rodriguez PA, Murillo-Álvarez JI, Campa-Cordova ÁI, Angulo C
Journal of food science and technology, 2017
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Cyanobacteria and Red Macroalgae as Potential Sources of Antioxidants and UV Radiation-Absorbing Compounds for Cosmeceutical Applications.
Vega J, Bonomi-Barufi J, Gómez-Pinchetti JL, Figueroa FL
Marine drugs, 2020
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Cyanobacteria and Red Macroalgae as Potential Sources of Antioxidants and UV Radiation-Absorbing Compounds for Cosmeceutical Applications.
Vega J, Bonomi-Barufi J, Gómez-Pinchetti JL, Figueroa FL
Marine drugs, 2020
→
Comprehensive Extraction and Biological Activities of Mycosporine-like Amino Acids and Glyceroglycolipids Extracts from Two Macroalgae Ecklonia kurome
Wei X, Hu X, Li T, Li Y, Yu Y et al.
Foods (Basel, Switzerland), 2025
→
Verified Feb 2026
Data: CosIng · EWG · CIR