Dulse: the radiance of red algae

Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is a red algae harvested on the rocky coasts of the North Atlantic. Rich in marine minerals and antioxidant pigments, it is prized in cosmetics for helping to revive the appearance of dull and tired skin, with all the invigorating energy of the ocean.

Dulse (Palmaria palmata) is a red algae that grows attached to rocks and other algae along the cold coasts of the North Atlantic. In France, it is mainly harvested in Brittany, where its low-tide collection follows a precise calendar, from spring to late summer. Its purple to dark red color comes from pigments (phycoerythrins) unique to red algae, which help capture light underwater and give it its recognizable hue.

This marine algae is known for its richness: it concentrates minerals, trace elements, and plant proteins, a profile that explains its use both in food, traditionally in Brittany, and in cosmetics. It is this same mineral richness that is of interest in skincare formulation, where dulse brings an invigorating note from the ocean.

After harvesting, the algae is rinsed then dried at low temperature. Dehydrated, it can be stored for a long time and comes in several forms: flakes, fine powder, or concentrated extract for skincare formulas. Each form retains the plant's minerals and trace elements; the more dosable extract is what is most often found in a serum or cream.

For the skin, this marine raw material can be incorporated into a daily routine: a few drops of a dulse-enriched serum, applied upon waking, are enough to benefit from its remineralizing contribution. It is a simple active ingredient to use, finding its place alongside a nourishing vegetable oil like prickly pear.