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Laminaria Japonica Extract

What Laminaria Japonica Extract is & what it does

Laminaria Japonica Extract is derived from a species of brown seaweed (kelp) commonly known as kombu, native to the waters of East Asia. In skincare and sunscreen formulas it is used as a marine-sourced conditioning and humectant ingredient, valued for its naturally occurring polysaccharides, minerals, and amino acids. A notable property is its ability to help bind water at the skin surface, supporting a hydrated, smooth feel.

Is Laminaria Japonica Extract safe?

Laminaria Japonica Extract is widely used in cosmetics and is generally considered well tolerated at the levels found in skincare and sunscreen products. As a seaweed-derived ingredient it can carry naturally occurring iodine, so anyone with thyroid or iodine sensitivities may want to consult a professional. If you have sensitive skin, patch testing a new product is always sensible.

What does Laminaria Japonica Extract do in skincare?

It mainly acts as a marine-sourced conditioning and humectant ingredient. Rich in polysaccharides, minerals, and amino acids, it helps bind water at the skin surface for a hydrated, smooth feel. Some formulas include it for its antioxidant-supporting plant compounds.

Is Laminaria Japonica Extract natural or synthetic?

It is natural in origin, being extracted from a species of brown seaweed (kelp) commonly known as kombu. The raw material is processed and standardized for cosmetic use, but the base ingredient comes from a plant source rather than being synthesized.

Sunscreens with Laminaria Japonica Extract

We rate 46 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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