Micro-filtered blue-green algae is a processed extract of cyanobacteria (often Aphanizomenon flos-aquae or Spirulina) used in skincare for its content of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and antioxidant pigments. It is typically included to support skin conditioning, hydration, and protection against oxidative stress.
| Reported effect | How often | Notes |
|---|---|---|
Mild skin irritation or redness | Uncommon | Localized reaction more likely on sensitive or compromised skin. |
Allergic contact dermatitis | Rare | Hypersensitivity to algal proteins or co-extracted components. |
Sensitivity due to microcystin contamination | Rare | Relevant only with poorly sourced or inadequately filtered raw material. |
Acneiform or comedogenic reactions | Very rare | Reported anecdotally; depends on formulation rather than the extract itself. |
Frequencies reflect typical cosmetic use reported in the literature, not a guarantee for your skin.