Safety Assessment of Brown Algae-Derived Ingredients as Used in Cosmetics

The Expert Panel for Cosmetic Ingredient Safety (Panel) assessed the safety of brown algae-derived ingredients; 82 brown algae-derived ingredients were found in the in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary (Dictionary), however, several of these ingredients may be equivalent according to accepted scientific names. The Panel reviewed the available data to determine the safety of these ingredients, which are frequently reported to function in cosmetics as skin-conditioning agents. Impurities, particularly arsenic, may be present in these ingredients. Industry should continue to use good manufacturing practices to monitor and limit these possible impurities. The Panel concluded that 68 brown algae-derived ingredients are safe in cosmetics in the present practices of use and concentration described in this safety assessment. The Panel also concluded that the data are insufficient to determine the safety of the remaining ingredients under the intended conditions of use in cosmetic formulations.