Dunaliella salina
Harm score: 1 (Natural substances)
Dunaliella salina, also known as diatom, oak, scrub oak, or summer squid, is a unicellular green algae that is able to survive in extremely salty environments where other organisms cannot compete. This algae is known for its high concentrations of carotenoids, especially beta-carotene, which is a powerful antioxidant. Dunaliella salina is found all over the world, especially in salt lakes and salt lagoons, but also in oceans and seas.
The uses of Dunaliella salina are very diverse nowadays. Thanks to its richness in antioxidants, it is widely used in the cosmetics industry, especially in the form of creams, gels or skin regeneration series. It has also been used in the past as a natural source of beta-carotene, which is used in the production of food additives and nutraceuticals. It is also used in research for the production of biofuels and helps to study the adaptation of organisms to extreme conditions. In recent years, it has also begun to be used as a feed source for aquarium fish and corals, as it promotes their growth and health.