Enteromorpha Compressa Extract

Enteromorpha compressa (green algae) extract is typically used at low concentrations as a soothing/antioxidant or film-forming botanical, and it is not considered a classic irritant active. However, like many marine/botanical extracts, batch variability and residual proteins/iodine/salts can trigger stinging or dermatitis in a subset of highly reactive or eczematous patients, especially on compromised skin. Given limited standardized human patch-test data compared with core emollients and the real-world risk of botanical sensitivity, I rate it as gentle but not “very gentle.” Safety Notes: Enteromorpha compressa (green algae) extracts are commonly used as minor supporting botanicals in mass-market leave-on products (serums, creams, sunscreens) at very low levels (around 0.001–0.05%), often as part of a broader marine/seaweed complex. In more feature-driven consumer products (mask packs, gel creams, ampoules) where the algae extract is a highlighted claim ingredient, commercial usage more often falls around 0.5–2%. High-strength OTC formulations occasionally reach ~5% when supplied as a true extract (not a diluted stock), with rinse-off masks/treatments generally tolerating the upper end more easily than leave-on due to sensorial and stability constraints.