Chlorella Sp. Ksf0041 Extract: What Is It, Cosmetic Uses, Benefits & Side Effects

Curious about this ingredient? In this article we're explaining exactly what it is and why it's used within cosmetic formulations.
Updated on: June 24, 2025
Share:
Inside this article:

We verify all information on this page using publicly available nomenclature standards from The Personal Care Products Council (PCPC), the European Commission's CosIng database and documentation provided directly by ingredient manufacturers. Our analysis is based on technical data from these sources to ensure accuracy and reliability.

What Is Chlorella Sp. Ksf0041 Extract?

Chlorella Sp. Ksf0041 Extract comes from a specific strain of freshwater microalgae that is grown in clean, closed tanks where light, nutrients and temperature are tightly controlled. Once the algae reach peak density the cells are harvested, their tough walls are gently ruptured to release the inner material then the mixture is filtered and concentrated. The resulting extract is rich in proteins, amino acids, vitamins A, B and C, minerals, chlorophyll and carotenoids, all of which give the material its skin friendly profile. Interest in Chlorella began in the mid-20th century as a potential food source; by the early 2000s brands looking for natural actives noticed its antioxidant and soothing traits and started adding specialized strains like Ksf0041 to face creams and masks. Today you will most often spot Chlorella Sp. Ksf0041 Extract in hydrating or anti-aging serums, daily moisturizers, recovery masks, after-sun lotions and eye treatments where a boost of conditioning and protection is desired.

Chlorella Sp. Ksf0041 Extract’s Cosmetic Benefits/Uses

This algae derived extract supports formulas in two key ways:

  • Skin conditioning – its mix of proteins, sugars and vitamins helps soften the surface of the skin, improves moisture retention and leaves the complexion feeling smoother and more supple
  • Skin protecting – natural antioxidants such as chlorophyll and carotenoids help neutralize free radicals generated by daily environmental stress which in turn supports the skin’s barrier and keeps it looking healthier over time

Who Can Use Chlorella Sp. Ksf0041 Extract

This gentle algae extract is generally suitable for all skin types including oily, dry, combination and sensitive because it hydrates without heavy oils and its antioxidant components are non irritating for most people. Those with very reactive or algae specific allergies should approach with caution, as with any botanical ingredient, but no common skin type is automatically excluded.

Because it is sourced from a cultivated freshwater microalga and no animal derivatives are involved in its harvesting or processing, products containing Chlorella Sp. Ksf0041 Extract are normally considered appropriate for both vegans and vegetarians.

No evidence suggests that the ingredient poses unique risks during pregnancy or while breastfeeding when used on the skin. Still, this is not medical advice and anyone who is pregnant or nursing should have their healthcare provider review any skincare routine just to be safe.

The extract does not heighten sensitivity to sunlight, so it is not classed as a photo sensitizer. Daily SPF is still recommended for overall skin health but there is no special sun caution linked to this ingredient.

Potential Side Effects/Adverse Reactions

Responses to topical Chlorella Sp. Ksf0041 Extract vary from person to person. The points below outline potential, though unlikely, adverse effects. When the ingredient is correctly formulated most users experience none of these issues.

  • Redness or mild stinging in very sensitive skin
  • Allergic contact dermatitis in individuals with algae or marine based sensitivities
  • Congestion or breakouts in extremely acne prone skin if the final product contains heavy occlusives alongside the extract
  • Cross reaction in those allergic to iodine rich seaweeds, though this is rare

If any irritation or discomfort develops discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional

Comedogenic Rating

Rating: 1 / 5. Chlorella Sp. Ksf0041 Extract is mostly water soluble and contains very little oil so it is unlikely to clog pores on its own. Any breakout risk usually comes from richer base ingredients that might appear alongside it in a finished product rather than from the extract itself. For this reason it is generally considered suitable for people prone to acne or frequent breakouts. If you are highly sensitive to algae derivatives keep an eye on how your skin responds but the ingredient by itself sits low on the comedogenic scale.

Summary

Chlorella Sp. Ksf0041 Extract conditions skin by supplying proteins, amino acids and vitamins that reinforce surface softness and moisture levels while its natural antioxidants help protect the skin barrier from daily environmental stress. These dual benefits make it a handy addition to hydrating and anti aging formulas. The extract is gaining traction with clean beauty brands yet it remains more of a niche algae active than mainstream staples like hyaluronic acid. Overall safety is high with very few reports of irritation or sensitivity. As with any new skincare ingredient try a small patch first to confirm compatibility before full application.

Was this article helpful?
More from Glooshi:
ADVERTISEMENT
Get all our top headlines in beauty.
Delivered right to your inbox each week. Zero spam, all goodness, opt-out at anytime.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send good feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Send bad feedback:

All feedback is greatly appreciated, anonymous, and will be used to improve the quality of our articles.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.