Wolves edged 1-0 ahead in the first minute of added time at the end of the first half through Romain Saiss.
Brighton only partially cleared a corner from the right and Ruben Neves dinked the ball over their defence for Saiss to volley into the bottom left corner.
Enock Mwepu had Brighton's best two chances but the Zambia international twice fired over from close range when well placed.
Solly March also should have done better with a first half opportunity and there was disappointment for Yves Bissouma as he picked up his fifth booking of the season.
The defeat caps a tough week for Albion who have struggled with injuries and covid.
Scroll down and click through to see who shone and who struggled.
Enock Mwepu had Brighton's best two chances but the Zambia international twice fired over from close range when well placed.
5. Marc Cucurella 6
Bombed up and down the left and linked well with Moder. Needs a goal or an assist to take his game to the next level
6. Enock Mwepu 5
Actually played quite well in the first half despite a glaring miss towards the end. Also missed a good opportunity in the second when he fired over from Moder's freekick
7. Yves Bissouma 5
Picked up his fifth booking and will miss Man United this Saturday. Lacked the drive normally associated with his game
8. Solly March 5
Missed a great chance on 20 minutes when he blazed wide with his right foot when well placed. Shifted to the left in the second half but couldn't find a telling pass against a well-drilled Wolves