Undaria Pinnatifida (wakame) extract is a brown seaweed-derived ingredient used in skincare for its antioxidant, moisturizing, and skin-conditioning properties, attributed to compounds like fucoidan and fucoxanthin. It is often included to support skin barrier function and provide protection against environmental oxidative stress.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Localized redness or itching, more likely in those with seaweed or marine allergies. |
| Skin irritation | Uncommon | Mild transient redness or stinging, typically in sensitive skin. |
| Iodine sensitivity reaction | Very rare | Seaweed extracts may contain iodine, a theoretical concern for iodine-sensitive individuals. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.
Peer-reviewed papers on this ingredient, via PubMed.