Ingredient decoder

Nori extract: is it comedogenic? What it does in skincare

INCI name: Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract

Acne verdict Moderate clog risk

Rated a pore-clogger

  • ComedogenicNo published rating
  • IrritancyNo published rating

What it does

Red seaweed extract that hydrates and may clog pores.

  • Skin conditioning

Nori extract in plain English

Nori extract comes from a red seaweed and is used to hydrate and condition skin. Algae as a group rate high on classic comedogenic lists, based on old rabbit-ear tests of raw extracts. This species has little data of its own, and the small amounts in skincare may behave differently.

Is nori extract bad for acne?

It can be. Nori extract has a moderate clog risk rating for acne-prone skin. It has no score of its own in Fulton's 1989 table and is flagged on classic comedogenic lists, often because of its chemical family. If you break out easily, check where it sits on the ingredient list: the higher it appears, the more of it the product usually contains.

Why it is flagged: A red seaweed extract. Algae as a group rate high, though this one has less data.

Clean routine and still breaking out? The cause may be internal. See what is driving it

Also called

  • Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract
  • Porphyra umbilicalis
  • Porphyra yezoensis
  • NORI
  • Porphyra yezoensis extract

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Frequently asked questions

Is nori extract comedogenic?

Nori extract has no score of its own in Fulton's 1989 rabbit-ear table, but it is flagged as a pore-clogger on classic comedogenic lists. A red seaweed extract. Algae as a group rate high, though this one has less data.

What does nori extract do in skincare?

In short: red seaweed extract that hydrates and may clog pores. In formulas it is used for skin conditioning.

What else is nori extract called on ingredient labels?

On ingredient lists, nori extract can also appear as Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, Porphyra umbilicalis, Porphyra yezoensis, NORI or Porphyra yezoensis extract.

Sources