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 Red Algae deserves attention if you break out easily, especially when it appears high on an ingredient list.
One thing the number cannot tell you is concentration. Ingredients are listed in descending order, so Red Algae near the end of a label is present in tiny amounts and matters far less than the same ingredient near the top.
About Red Algae
It is a marine or algae extract, marketed for minerals and antioxidants. A red seaweed extract rated 5/5 for comedogenicity in classic lists.
On a label it can read as Red Algae, Rhodophyceae Extract, Rhodophyta — worth knowing when you scan an ingredient deck.
Red Algae in makeup and skincare
It features in 'anti-ageing' serums, masks, and luxury complexion products. Its irritancy is rated separately at 2/5, which is low.
Lower-rated alternatives to Red Algae
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).
Red Algae comedogenic FAQ
Is Red Algae comedogenic?
It can be. Red Algae 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.
What is the comedogenic rating of Red Algae?
Red Algae has a comedogenic rating of 5/5 (high risk). Of the 190 ingredients in our dataset with a published rating, none rate higher than Red Algae, 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 1 cited source, listed on this page.
Is Red Algae pore-clogging?
It is one of the more likely ones. At 5/5, Red Algae 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.