Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Extract of the green single-cell alga Chlorella vulgaris. Contains chlorophylls, carotenoids, peptides, and beta-glucan. Marketing promotes it as a detox/anti-pollution active, but clinical skin evidence is limited – most data come from in-vitro studies. Pregnancy-safe.
Evidence by route
Topical application
Antioxidant activity is documented in vitro; controlled human skin trials are scarce. Detox and anti-pollution claims are weakly supported. Traffic light YELLOW – a niche ingredient with overstated reputation.
- Bito T et al. Potential of Chlorella as a Dietary Supplement. Nutrients 2020;12:2524. PMID 32825362
How to read tiers A–F
- DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data
Tolerability and safety
- Irritation potential
- Low
- Allergen risk
- Low
- Pregnancy
- Safe
- Suitable for
- Normal, Dry, Combination, Oily, Sensitive
About this ingredient
Chlorella vulgaris is a single-cell green microalga of the Chlorellaceae family. It is known as a nutraceutical and food supplement thanks to its very high content of chlorophyll, carotenoids, protein (40-60%), and B-group vitamins. In cosmetics it is used as an aqueous or glycolic extract of enzymatically lysed cells. INCI: Chlorella Vulgaris Extract. Marketed cosmetic effects. Manufacturers promote the extract as: • antioxidant (chlorophylls, carotenoids); • anti-pollution (binds heavy metals); • skin detox (absorbs toxins); • collagen synthesis stimulator (via peptide fractions). Actual evidence. In fibroblast and keratinocyte cultures, chlorella extract shows antioxidant activity and stimulates collagen I/III synthesis. However, controlled human skin trials are scarce – most published RCTs concern oral chlorella for metabolic outcomes, not topical cosmetic use. The claimed skin-detox effect is mechanistically unconvincing: there is no evidence that topical chlorophyll can pull dust or PM2.5 out of the skin. Pregnancy safety. Topical use is safe. Systemic absorption through intact skin is minimal. Oral chlorella during pregnancy is controversial (potential anticoagulant interactions, theoretical immune-activation risk), but this does not apply to cosmetic use of the extract. Skin tolerance. Low irritation and allergen profile. Non-comedogenic. Suitable for most skin types. The dark green tint can color a formula – manufacturers typically work with a decolorized fraction.
Frequently asked questions
Is Chlorella Vulgaris Extract safe during pregnancy?
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract is considered safe during pregnancy at typical cosmetic concentrations. Systemic absorption through the skin is minimal.
What skin types is Chlorella Vulgaris Extract for?
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract suits: normal, dry, combination, oily, sensitive.
What is Chlorella Vulgaris Extract and what does it do in cosmetics?
Extract of the green single-cell alga Chlorella vulgaris.
Is Chlorella Vulgaris Extract comedogenic?
On the Fulton scale 0/5 – non-comedogenic. For acne-prone skin, a rating of 3 or higher suggests choosing an alternative.
What's the INCI name for Chlorella Vulgaris Extract?
The INCI name is Chlorella Vulgaris Extract. It may also appear as: Chlorella Extract.
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