Alga Maris

Common questions

Is Alga Maris healthy?

Alga Maris scores 80/100 on Scout's independent analysis of ingredients, additives, and lab results — a fair-to-good score — solid, with tradeoffs. This sunscreen features beneficial ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are mineral UV filters known for their safety and efficacy.

Which ingredients drive Alga Maris' score?

In Scout's ingredient-by-ingredient analysis, Coconut Alkanes, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Zinc Oxide count in its favor; Talc, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate are flagged as ingredients of concern. The full breakdown, with why each one matters, is in the Key ingredients section on this page.

You might also like

See more

Alga Maris

Algamaris
80 Good

Analysis updated August 2026 · How Scout scores

View on Amazon

At a glance

Beneficial ingredients 9
Harmful ingredients 3
Owned by Laboratoires de Biarritz
Category Sunscreen
Summary

This sunscreen features beneficial ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which are mineral UV filters known for their safety and efficacy. The inclusion of natural oils and aloe vera further enhances its skin-friendly profile. However, the presence of talc, which has potential health concerns, slightly detracts from its overall ingredient safety.

Key ingredients 24

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder
Very Good

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder is derived from aloe vera and is known for its soothing and hydrating properties. It is widely used in cosmetics for its skin-calming effects. It is considered safe and beneficial for all skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

It provides excellent hydration and soothing benefits, making it ideal for sensitive skin.

See more about Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder →
Coconut Alkanes
Good

Coconut Alkanes are derived from coconut oil and are used as a natural emollient. They provide a silky texture and help to moisturize the skin. They are considered a safer alternative to synthetic silicones.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though some individuals may experience mild irritation.

Benefits

They offer a lightweight, non-greasy feel and help to lock in moisture.

See more about Coconut Alkanes →
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Good

This ingredient is a mixed triester derived from coconut oil and glycerin. It is used for its skin-replenishing and moisturizing properties. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

Rarely, it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to smooth and soften the skin, enhancing the product's texture.

See more about Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride →
Zinc Oxide
Good

Zinc Oxide is a mineral sunscreen agent that provides broad-spectrum UV protection. It is known for its safety and efficacy in protecting the skin from sun damage. It is often used in natural and sensitive skin formulations.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may leave a white cast on the skin.

Benefits

It offers effective sun protection and is gentle on the skin.

See more about Zinc Oxide →
Prunus Domestica Seed Oil
Good

Prunus Domestica Seed Oil is a natural oil rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. It helps to nourish and moisturize the skin. It is valued for its emollient properties and pleasant scent.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in those with nut allergies.

Benefits

It provides deep hydration and helps to improve skin elasticity.

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Good

Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, or sunflower seed oil, is rich in vitamins and fatty acids. It is used for its moisturizing and skin-conditioning properties. It is well-tolerated by most skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in those with seed allergies.

Benefits

It helps to nourish and protect the skin, improving its overall health.

See more about Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil →
Glycerin
Good

Glycerin is a humectant that attracts moisture to the skin. It is widely used in cosmetics for its hydrating properties. It is considered safe and effective for all skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with glycerin.

Benefits

It helps to maintain skin hydration and improve skin barrier function.

See more about Glycerin →
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Good

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate is an emollient derived from coconut oil. It provides a lightweight, non-greasy feel and enhances skin softness. It is considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It improves the texture and spreadability of cosmetic products.

See more about Coco-Caprylate/Caprate →
Tocopherol
Good

Tocopherol, or Vitamin E, is an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from free radical damage. It is widely used in cosmetics for its skin-conditioning properties. It is considered safe and beneficial for all skin types.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with tocopherol.

Benefits

It provides antioxidant protection and helps to improve skin health.

See more about Tocopherol →
Aqua
Neutral

Aqua, or water, is a common solvent used in cosmetic formulations. It helps dissolve other ingredients and provides a base for the product. It is generally considered safe and non-reactive.

Risks

There are no significant risks associated with water in cosmetics.

Benefits

Water is essential for hydration and acts as a carrier for other beneficial ingredients.

See more about Aqua →
Titanium Dioxide
Neutral

Titanium Dioxide is another mineral sunscreen agent that provides UV protection. It is commonly used in combination with Zinc Oxide for broad-spectrum coverage. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

Inhalation of its powder form can be harmful, but this is not a concern in creams.

Benefits

It provides effective sun protection and is suitable for sensitive skin.

See more about Titanium Dioxide →
Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate
Neutral

This ingredient is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components. It is derived from natural sources and is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It helps to stabilize formulations.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It improves the texture and stability of cosmetic products.

Sorbitan Olivate
Neutral

Sorbitan Olivate is an emulsifier derived from olive oil and sorbitol. It helps to blend and stabilize oil and water components in formulations. It is considered safe and non-irritating.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and stability of cosmetic products.

See more about Sorbitan Olivate →
Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate
Neutral

This ingredient is an emulsifier that helps to mix oil and water components. It is derived from natural sources and is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It contributes to the product's stability.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It improves the texture and consistency of cosmetic formulations.

See more about Polyglyceryl-3 Diisostearate →
Alumina
Neutral

Alumina is used as a thickening agent and absorbent in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe for topical use.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with alumina in topical applications.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and consistency of cosmetic products.

See more about Alumina →
Stearic Acid
Neutral

Stearic Acid is a fatty acid used as an emulsifier and thickener. It helps to stabilize formulations and improve texture. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with stearic acid.

Benefits

It contributes to the stability and texture of cosmetic products.

See more about Stearic Acid →
Glyceryl Caprylate
Neutral

Glyceryl Caprylate is an emulsifier and skin-conditioning agent. It helps to blend oil and water components and provides moisturizing benefits. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with glyceryl caprylate.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and moisturizing properties of cosmetic products.

See more about Glyceryl Caprylate →
Magnesium Sulfate
Neutral

Magnesium Sulfate, also known as Epsom salt, is used as a thickening agent. It helps to improve the texture and stability of formulations. It is generally considered safe for topical use.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with magnesium sulfate in topical applications.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and consistency of cosmetic products.

See more about Magnesium Sulfate →
Gelidium Sesquipedale Extract
Neutral

Gelidium Sesquipedale Extract is derived from red algae and is used for its skin-conditioning properties. It helps to hydrate and soothe the skin. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It provides hydration and soothing benefits to the skin.

Propanediol
Neutral

Propanediol is a glycol used as a solvent and humectant in cosmetics. It helps to improve the texture and moisture content of formulations. It is considered safe for use in cosmetics.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with propanediol.

Benefits

It enhances the texture and hydration properties of cosmetic products.

See more about Propanediol →
Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate
Neutral

Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate is an emulsifier that helps to blend oil and water components. It is derived from natural sources and is considered safe for use in cosmetics. It contributes to the stability of formulations.

Risks

There are minimal risks associated with this ingredient.

Benefits

It improves the texture and stability of cosmetic products.

See more about Polyglyceryl-4 Caprate →
Talc
Bad

Talc is used for its absorbent properties and smooth texture. However, it has been associated with health concerns, particularly when contaminated with asbestos. Its safety is debated in cosmetics.

Risks

There is a potential risk of contamination with asbestos, which is a known carcinogen.

Benefits

It provides a smooth, silky feel and helps to absorb moisture.

See more about Talc →
Sodium Benzoate
Bad

Synthetic preservative that can form benzene in the presence of vitamin C.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and extend its shelf life.

See more about Sodium Benzoate →
Potassium Sorbate
Bad

Synthetic preservative — flagged in daily-use products.

Risks

There are minimal risks, though it may cause irritation in sensitive individuals.

Benefits

It helps to preserve the product and extend its shelf life.

See more about Potassium Sorbate →

Get the full breakdown in the Scout appTake Scout shopping

Scan any product to see lab results, healthy alternatives, and your personalized analysis.

Download on theApp Store GET IT ONGoogle Play

More in Sunscreen