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Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract

What Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract is & what it does

Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract is derived from a red seaweed, commonly known as laver or nori, that grows along rocky coastlines. In skincare and sunscreen products it is used mainly as a conditioning and humectant agent that helps the skin hold moisture. The extract is rich in marine polysaccharides and minerals and is often marketed for its hydrating and skin-soothing properties.

What does Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract do in skincare?

Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract, from a red seaweed (laver or nori), is used mainly as a conditioning and humectant ingredient that helps the skin retain moisture. It supplies marine polysaccharides and minerals and is often included for its hydrating and skin-soothing reputation. It is a supporting "active" rather than a core function ingredient in most formulas.

Is Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract safe?

Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract is a seaweed-derived ingredient generally considered safe and well tolerated in cosmetic use. It is valued as a gentle, naturally sourced conditioning agent. People with seaweed or iodine sensitivities may wish to patch test before regular use.

Is Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract vegan?

Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract is derived from red seaweed, an algae, so the ingredient itself is plant or algae based rather than animal derived. This makes it suitable for vegan formulas in principle. Overall vegan status still depends on the rest of the product and any brand certification.

Sunscreens with Porphyra Umbilicalis Extract

We rate 38 sunscreens that contain it, showing the top 10 by overall score:

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