Ingredient
Phaeophyceae
Marine algae / seaweed · INCI: Phaeophyceae
Reviewed by Elysiana, licensed esthetician
How we read it
Highly comedogenic
Known to clog pores. If you break out easily, this is the one to skip.
Is Phaeophyceae comedogenic?
Yes. Phaeophyceae is a known pore-clogging ingredient, and we read it as highly comedogenic. If you're acne-prone, it's worth avoiding, especially when it sits near the top of an ingredient list.
Why we read it this way
Marine algae and seaweed derivatives are commonly grouped as pore-clogging and are best treated with caution on acne-prone skin.
The nuance
Often used at low levels as a thickener or hydrating extract; reactions vary by person and by how much is used.
One ingredient rarely tells the whole story. Run the whole label and see everything in the product at once.