KORA Organics Active Algae Lightweight Moisturizer

KORA Organics Active Algae Lightweight Moisturizer

Efficacy41/100IrritancyHigh·0% recommend (2 reviews)

Works for

Moisturizing
Helianthus annuus seed oil, Glycerin + 12 more
Works
What the product description says
“Active Algae Lightweight Moisturizer”
Source: KORA Organics

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: anhydroxylitol, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: helianthus annuus seed oil, cocos nucifera fruit extract.

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~5.2–7.8%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.6–7%
TriheptanoinKey activeEffect: HighA synthetic triglyceride. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~2–3%
Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~1.2–1.8%
Lactobacillus fermentKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~0.55–1.35%
LactobacillusKey activeEffect: HighA non-living ingredient made by fermentation with the bacteria Lactobacillus. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help reduce inflammation~0.35–0.8%
Cocos nucifera fruit extractKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~0.3–0.75%
AnhydroxylitolKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrir function~0.2–0.7%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice· HumectantEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~23–35%
Glyceryl stearate citrate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin~1.6–2.4%
LysolecithinEffect: LowLecithin derivative. It helps oil and water mix together and can enhance penetration of other ingredients. It helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.4–0.95%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.75%
LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.35–0.8%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.2–0.75%
Anti-aging
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 1 more
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Visibly improves dullness, fine lines & wrinkles and improves the appearance of pores”
Source: Kora Organics

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.This ingredient - camellia sinensis leaf extract - could be helpful for preventing or repairing signs of aging in theory, but there is no evidence that it actually works.

This ingredient camellia sinensis leaf extract might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~23–35%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.75%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.2–0.75%
Evens skin tone
Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Not delivered
What the product description says
“A lightweight gel moisturizer that provides long-lasting, soothing hydration, and evens skin tone, without any excess shine.”
Source: Kora Organics

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.75%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Lactobacillus ferment + 2 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.2–0.75%
Lactobacillus fermentEffect: LowA fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative~0.55–1.35%
Pelargonium graveolens flower oilEffect: LowAn essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation~0.2–0.75%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.2–0.75%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
6 strong irritants: Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Ocimum basilicum oil + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 12 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
PullulanCreates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effectHigh~0.35–0.8%est.
Pelargonium graveolens flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidationHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Rhododendron ferrugineum extract—High~0.2–0.75%est.
Ocimum basilicum oilUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
Rosa centifolia flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.7%est.
AlcoholCan be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial propertiesHigh~0.15–0.7%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~23–35%est.
Isoamyl laurateHelps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product textureMedium~4–6%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.2–0.75%est.
Comedogenic
1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
1 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Cocos nucifera fruit extractAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.3–0.75%est.

User reviews

Would you recommend?
0%·yes

0 of 2 community members would buy it again.

0% would100% wouldn't
  • Lisatenholt· Aug 2024Doesn't recommend

    This causes irritation on me. Not used together with other products (just washed face). Used vitamin C in the morning, this cream in the evening. Face burns and is super red. Also got a breakout, can be cause by either this or a new sunscreen I am testing out, not sure. Also this is not hydrating enough. Will stay far away from this.

  • Cbm· Jun 2022Doesn't recommend

    This product was not hydrating enough for me. Also it irritated my skin if I used actives the night before. I prefer the turmeric glow moisturiser

What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~23–35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Glycerin~4.6–7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Helianthus annuus seed oil~5.2–7.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil
Isoamyl laurate~4–6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Helps stabilize emulsions and create a nice product texture

More about Isoamyl laurate
Water~2.8–4.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Triheptanoin~2–3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A synthetic triglyceride. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Triheptanoin
Glyceryl stearate citrate~1.6–2.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together while softening the upper layer of the skin

More about Glyceryl stearate citrate
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii extract~1.3–1.9%
Formula
Coco-caprylate/caprate~1.2–1.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate
Polyglyceryl-3 stearate~0.95–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 stearate
Lactobacillus ferment~0.55–1.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidationReduces irritation

A fermentation product created by bacteria Lactobacillus. The fermented product has anti-bacterial properties and might be helpful in calming down inflammation, but studies are lacking. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Can be used as a preservative

More about Lactobacillus ferment
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.5–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin
Xylityl sesquicaprylate~0.45–1%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing
More about Xylityl sesquicaprylate
Lysolecithin~0.4–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Lecithin derivative. It helps oil and water mix together and can enhance penetration of other ingredients. It helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lysolecithin
Sclerotium gum~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum
Dilinoleic acid/butanediol copolymer~0.45–1.05%
Formula
Chlorophyllin-copper complex~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Lactobacillus~0.35–0.8%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A non-living ingredient made by fermentation with the bacteria Lactobacillus. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help reduce inflammation

More about Lactobacillus
Xanthan gum~0.35–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Pullulan~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Mattifying

Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect

More about Pullulan
Potassium sorbate~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Citric acid~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Anhydroxylitol~0.2–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and repair the skin barrir function

More about Anhydroxylitol
Lecithin~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Tocopherol~0.2–0.75%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Morinda citrifolia fruit extract~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Cocos nucifera fruit extract~0.3–0.75%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera fruit extract
Pelargonium graveolens flower oil~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

An essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation

More about Pelargonium graveolens flower oil
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.2–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Rhododendron ferrugineum extract~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Silica~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica
Castor oil/ipdi copolymer~0.35–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps improve the product texture

More about Castor oil/ipdi copolymer
Ocimum basilicum oil~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Ocimum basilicum oil
Rosa centifolia flower oil~0.2–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Can be irritating

More about Rosa centifolia flower oil
Alcohol~0.15–0.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Antibacterial

Can be drying and contribute to skin irritation. Used in formulars to dissolve other ingredients, create a thinner product consistency or for its antibacterial properties

More about Alcohol
Citronellol~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Geraniol~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Ingredient list view

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Glycerin, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Isoamyl laurate, Water, Triheptanoin, Glyceryl stearate citrate, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii extract, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Polyglyceryl-3 stearate, Lactobacillus ferment, Hydrogenated lecithin, Xylityl sesquicaprylate, Lysolecithin, Sclerotium gum, Dilinoleic acid/butanediol copolymer, Chlorophyllin-copper complex, Lactobacillus, Xanthan gum, Pullulan, Potassium sorbate, Citric acid, Anhydroxylitol, Lecithin, Tocopherol, Morinda citrifolia fruit extract, Cocos nucifera fruit extract, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Rhododendron ferrugineum extract, Silica, Castor oil/ipdi copolymer, Ocimum basilicum oil, Rosa centifolia flower oil, Alcohol, Citronellol, Geraniol

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

KORA Organics
$12.50
Buy
Sephora
$46.00
Buy
Amazon USPrice as of 11/10 15:00 GMT
$51.00
Buy
SpaceNK US
$56.00
Buy
KORA Organics50 mL
$62.00
Buy

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
KORA OrganicsActive Algae Lightweight MoisturizerYOUR PRODUCTEau de JonzacREhydrate Night Resoursing Gel-Balm OrganicFaceGymLiftwear Gel-Cream MoisturiserW3LL PEOPLEFresh Dew Snow Mushroom Gel-Cream Moisturizer
Match—58%58%57%
Price$12.50$27.65+$15.15$73.79+$61.29—
Shared key ingredients—4 of 104 of 104 of 10
Key difference—Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideNiacinamideNiacinamide
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ———
View product Shop Shop Shop

More alternatives: Blue Lagoon Skincare Hydrating CreamNaturopathica Argan & Retinol Advanced Wrinkle Remedy Night Gel Cream

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.
We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.
Open dupe finder

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5
  6. 6
KORA Organics Active Algae Lightweight Moisturizer
KORA OrganicsActive Algae Lightweight Moisturizer

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.