What a 5/5 rating means
On the comedogenic scale, a 5 is the top of the scale — highly likely to clog pores when used at meaningful concentration. That means Algae Extract deserves attention if you break out easily, especially when it appears high on an ingredient list.
This rating is disputed. Credible sources land on different numbers for Algae Extract, so we publish the range (5) rather than a false single figure. When sources disagree this openly, your own experience carries real weight.
One thing the number cannot tell you is concentration. Ingredients are listed in descending order, so Algae Extract near the end of a label is present in tiny amounts and matters far less than the same ingredient near the top.
About Algae Extract
It is a marine or algae extract, marketed for minerals and antioxidants. Marine algae extracts score high (often 4-5) on both comedogenicity and irritancy in classic testing, though the category is broad and results vary by species.
On a label it can read as Algae Extract, Algae, Algea, Marine Algae — worth knowing when you scan an ingredient deck.
Algae Extract in makeup and skincare
It features in 'anti-ageing' serums, masks, and luxury complexion products. Its irritancy is rated separately at 4/5, which is worth noting for sensitive or reactive skin.
Lower-rated alternatives to Algae Extract
If you want a similar role with a friendlier comedogenic score, consider:
- Hyaluronic Acid — comedogenic rating 0/5 (Low risk).
- Niacinamide — comedogenic rating 0/5 (Low risk).
Algae Extract comedogenic FAQ
Is Algae Extract comedogenic?
It can be. Algae Extract is rated 5/5 (high risk) on the 0–5 comedogenic scale, so it has a real chance of clogging pores on acne-prone skin, especially high on an ingredient list. Sources disagree on Algae Extract, so the rating is less settled than most.
What is the comedogenic rating of Algae Extract?
Algae Extract has a comedogenic rating of 5/5 (high risk). Of the 190 ingredients in our dataset with a published rating, none rate higher than Algae Extract, 177 rate lower, and 12 others share its 5/5. Among the 7 rated marine and algae extracts, none rate higher and 5 lower. The figure is drawn from 2 cited sources, listed on this page.
Is Algae Extract pore-clogging?
It is one of the more likely ones. At 5/5, Algae Extract is in the high-risk band. It matters most when it appears near the top of an ingredient list, where it makes up a larger share of the product. Comedogenic ratings come mostly from rabbit-ear assays and small human patch tests of the pure ingredient at high concentration, so they are a screening guide, not a prediction for your skin or a medical claim.