In water too salty for many organisms, Dunaliella salina finds a way to live. This microscopic alga can accumulate carotenoids, including beta-carotene, as conditions change. Its ability to accumulate carotenoids under environmental stress has made it especially interesting to researchers studying antioxidant chemistry. [Carotenogenic Activity of Two Hypersaline Greek Dunaliella salina Strains under Nitrogen Deprivation and Salinity Stress (2023). Water.]
Carotenoids are pigments with roles in photosynthesis and protection against oxidative stress. Research on Dunaliella shows that salinity and nutrient availability can influence their accumulation. That relationship between environment and chemistry helps explain the alga’s appeal to researchers interested in antioxidant ingredients. [Carotenogenic Activity of Two Hypersaline Greek Dunaliella salina Strains under Nitrogen Deprivation and Salinity Stress (2023). Water.]
What began as an unusual adaptation eventually became a skincare research question. In SYN-EYE, the algal extract becomes one part of a wider idea: combining several kinds of skin-care ingredients in a single eye-area complex.
dsm-firmenich identifies four active components in SYN-EYE CB: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate and Dunaliella salina extract. The complex brings together a peptide, panthenol, sodium hyaluronate and a cultivated microalgal extract, combining hydration support with research focused on the appearance of the eye area. [dsm-firmenich. SYN-EYE CB official ingredient page.]
The most directly relevant eye-area evidence comes from testing that complete complex. In its 2025 technical presentation, the supplier describes a half-face comparison involving 30 Caucasian women per group, aged 35 to 55. Participants applied the test products twice daily, with assessments at baseline and after 7, 14 and 28 days. The active test formula contained 1% SYN-EYE CB. [dsm-firmenich (June 2025). SYN-EYE CB master presentation, especially slides 12–16.]
The supplier reported improvements in the appearance of eye-area lines after seven days, including comparisons with placebo, and a visibly lighter colour in the dark-circle area after fourteen days compared with baseline. Instrumental measurements, image analysis and photographs were used to assess the changes. [dsm-firmenich (June 2025). SYN-EYE CB master presentation, especially slides 12–16.]
For Earth & Halo, the compelling part is the formulation thinking: an algal extract working alongside a peptide, provitamin B5 and a hyaluronate ingredient. The alga’s carotenoid biology helps explain why it belongs in the complex, while the visible eye-area results come from testing the complete SYN-EYE blend. Apple Of My Eye brings that ingredient into a broader finished formula of its own.
Explore SYN-EYE as part of Apple Of My Eye Eye & Lip Contour, our approach to thoughtful daily care around the eyes and lips.
