Agar
What Agar is & what it does
A seaweed-derived gelling agent that builds firm, stable gels and adds a smooth, cushiony body. It is plant-based and well tolerated.
Is Agar safe?
Agar is a seaweed-derived gelling agent long used in foods and cosmetics and is generally considered safe and well tolerated. In skincare it mainly thickens and stabilizes a formula rather than acting on the skin. Patch testing any new product remains sensible for sensitive skin.
What does Agar do in skincare?
Agar is a natural gelling and thickening agent that gives gels, masks, and creams their body and stable texture. It helps suspend other ingredients and create a smooth, cohesive product. Its role is structural rather than that of a skin active.
Is Agar natural or synthetic?
Agar is natural, extracted from red algae and seaweed. It is a plant-based polysaccharide rather than a synthetic polymer. Because it comes from seaweed, it is typically suitable for vegan formulas.
Sunscreens with Agar
We rate 30 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:
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Comfort Zone Water Soul Eco Sun Cream SPF30
94/100
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Davines Su Protective Sun Cream SPF 30
94/100
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Biore Uv Aqua Rich Watery Essence Spf 50+ Pa++++ (2018 Formula)
88/100
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And Mirai Protect Uv Ex Spf 50 Pa++++
88/100
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Biore Biore Uv Nobi Nobi Kids Milk Spf 50+/Pa++++
87/100
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Biore Biore Uv Kids Milk Spf 50
86/100
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Comfort Zone Sublime Skin Color Perfect SPF 50
86/100
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Kao Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel Multi-vitamin SPF 50+ Pa++++
82/100
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Biore UV Aqua Protection Lotion SPF 50 Pa++++
82/100
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Biore UV Aqua Rich Aqua Protect Lotion SPF 50+ PA++++ (2025)
82/100