Dunaliella Salina … Extract
INCI: DUNALIELLA SALINA/ISOCHRYSIS GALBANA/NANNOCHLOROPSIS GADITANA/PHAEODACTYLUM TRICORNUTUM/TETRASELMIS CHUII EXTRACT
Reviewed by Daisy · Last updated 2 Jun 2026
Also known as: Dunaliella Salina/isochrysis Galbana/nannochloropsis Gaditana/phaeodactylum Tricornutum/tetraselmis Chuii Extract
Marine microalgae extract rich in antioxidants and skin-conditioning compounds
Best For Skin Types
All, Dry, Sensitive, Mature
Addresses
Usage Frequency
Daily
What Is Dunaliella Salina … Extract?
This ingredient is a blend of marine microalgae extracts—including Dunaliella Salina, Isochrysis Galbana, Nannochloropsis Gaditana, Phaeodactylum Tricornutum, and Tetraselmis Chuii. These microscopic organisms are cultivated in saltwater environments and harvested for their concentrated nutrient profiles. The extracts contain natural carotenoids, polysaccharides, and other bioactive compounds that accumulate in the algal cells as protective mechanisms against UV exposure and oxidative stress.
In skincare formulations, these extracts function primarily as antioxidants and skin-conditioning agents. They help neutralise free radicals and support the skin's natural moisture barrier through their polysaccharide content.
Benefits for Your Skin
How It Works
Marine microalgae have evolved to survive in harsh marine environments by producing high concentrations of protective compounds, particularly carotenoids and other polyphenols. When incorporated into skincare, these compounds work as antioxidants by donating electrons to unstable free radicals, stabilising them and preventing them from damaging skin cells and collagen.
The polysaccharide content functions as a humectant and film-former, helping to draw moisture into the skin and create a protective layer that reduces transepidermal water loss. This dual mechanism—antioxidant defence plus hydration support—addresses both acute oxidative stress and the structural integrity of the skin barrier.
Clinical Evidence & References
Marine microalgae extracts have been studied for their antioxidant potential, and individual species (such as Dunaliella Salina) have shown promise in vitro for free radical scavenging. However, dedicated clinical trials specifically examining this multi-algae blend in human skin are limited, and most evidence remains at the cellular or laboratory level rather than in controlled human studies.
The antioxidant benefits are plausible given the known composition of these organisms, but the magnitude of benefit in real-world skincare use remains unclear. These ingredients are generally included as part of a broader antioxidant strategy rather than as a primary active treatment.
How to Use
Marine algae extracts are typically found in serums, moisturisers, and treatment masks at moderate concentrations. They work well alongside other antioxidants (such as vitamin E or niacinamide) and are compatible with most other skincare ingredients. Apply to clean skin as part of your regular routine; no special timing or frequency restrictions apply.
Safety & Precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Clinic
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