Natural beta-carotene
The power of sun and salt lakes — in every molecule
Natural β-carotene from the microalga Dunaliella salina — an antioxidant nature itself designed to shield life from the blazing sun.
1966the year the USSR first cultivated Dunaliella for β-carotene production
up to 10 %β-carotene in the cell's dry weight — a record among living organisms
9-cisa natural isomer absent from synthetic beta-carotene
100 %natural origin — no chemical synthesis
The alga
Dunaliella salina — thriving where almost nothing survives
Dunaliella salina is a single-celled green alga that lives in salt lakes and lagoons. It tolerates salinity that kills nearly every other organism — right up to drying salt ponds.
Two natural mechanisms keep it alive. Glycerol inside the cell balances the osmotic pressure of the brine, while β-carotene acts as a built-in sunscreen: it absorbs excess light and neutralises reactive oxygen species.
That is why these algae turn salt lakes pink and orange — and why Dunaliella has become the world's leading natural source of beta-carotene.
Benefits
Why beta-carotene is so valuable
Its unsaturated molecular structure lets it absorb light and quench free radicals. The body uses it gently, converting it into vitamin A only as needed.
Antioxidant protection
Binds free radicals and reactive oxygen species, helping protect cells from oxidative stress.
Provitamin A
A source of vitamin A, which is essential for normal vision, skin and mucous membranes.
Immune support
Vitamin A contributes to the normal function of the immune system, and β-carotene helps protect immune cells from damage.
Skin and glow
Supports the skin's natural defence against sun stress and gives it a healthy, warm tone.
Natural or synthetic?
Dunaliella salina
Synthetic
OriginMicroalga, sun and saltChemical synthesis
IsomersNatural blend of 9-cis and all-transAll-trans only
Accompanying carotenoidsα-carotene, lutein, zeaxanthinNone
Food additive codeE160a(iv)E160a(i)
Production
From salt lake to finished raw material
Since 1966, cultivation has evolved from extensive growing in lagoons to intensive cultivation under carefully controlled conditions.
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01Salt lakes
Sun, sea salt and clean water — the natural habitat where Dunaliella grows without competitors.
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02Cultivation
The alga is grown in ponds and photobioreactors, with light and salinity tuned so the cells build up maximum carotene.
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03Harvest and extraction
The biomass is gently separated from the brine, dried, and its carotenoids extracted while preserving the natural isomer ratio.
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04Finished raw material
Standardised powders, oil suspensions and extracts, with quality control for every batch.
Applications
Where natural beta-carotene works
Dietary supplements
Capsules, tablets and multivitamin formulas with natural provitamin A and mixed carotenoids.
Cosmetics
Serums, creams and oils with antioxidant action and a warm natural pigment.
Food
Natural colour E160a(iv) for beverages, dairy, confectionery and pasta.
Feed and aquaculture
Natural carotenoids for fish, shrimp and poultry feed — for health and natural colouring.
Contact
Let's talk about a beta-carotene supply
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