Palmaria palmata, also known as Dulse, is a red macroalgae widely distributed along the Atlantic coast. Traditionally used as a food source, it is a good source of trace elements such as iron, magnesium, and potassium. It also contains vitamin B6 and protein, making it a valuable additional source of vitamins and minerals.
| Appearance | Liquid extract |
| Available extract forms | Glycerin extract, water-glycerin extract, water extract, alcohol-based extract |
| Key nutrients | Protein, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iodine, vitamins B6, B12, A, C, folate |
| Key compounds | Amino acids, antioxidants, mycosporine-like amino acids, beta-carotene, pantothenic acid (B5) |
| Primary application | Cosmetics |
| Also available as | Powder |
*All values are reference figures and may vary by batch. Please request a current certificate of analysis for precise specifications.
Palmaria palmata grows in the intertidal zone of cold coastal waters in the North Atlantic and Pacific, attaching to rocks and other algae via adhesion organs. It is found throughout Great Britain, Ireland, and Iceland, as well as in North America from Arctic Canada to New Jersey and from Alaska to California. It is also harvested in Japan and Korea.
The regular harvest season runs from September to April, with some regions beginning as early as June. To ensure sustainable harvesting, parts of the fronds are left intact after each harvest, allowing populations to recover and continue reproducing.
ALGANEX supplies Palmaria palmata powder to B2B buyers in the food, cosmetics, and animal feed sectors. The product is available in organic and conventional variants, as well as in powder, flake, and dried raw algae forms. Contact us for bulk pricing, sample requests, and supply chain information. Our team responds within twelve hours and supports product developers and buyers with customized sourcing solutions.
Palmaria palmata, commonly known as Dulse, is an edible red macroalgae from the Palmariaceae family. Harvested for centuries in the cold coastal waters of the North Atlantic and Pacific, it is used as a food ingredient, dietary supplement, and cosmetic component.
It is used as a food ingredient, dietary supplement, cosmetic formulation component, animal feed, and agricultural fertilizer. In cosmetics, it acts as a film-former and natural emollient. In the food industry, it is used as a snack, seasoning, flavor enhancer, and sea vegetable [3, 4, 5, 6, 7].
Palmaria palmata contains protein, dietary fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium, calcium, iodine, vitamins B6, B12, A and C, folate, beta-carotene, amino acids, and antioxidants. It also contains mycosporine-like amino acids with photoprotective properties [4, 7].
Palmaria palmata powder is used in moisturizers, cleansers, massage oils, hand creams, conditioners, soaps, bath salts, eye gels, and shaving creams. It acts as a film-former for smooth
texture, functions as a natural emollient to support skin moisture, and contains compounds with antibacterial properties [5, 6, 7].
Yes. Palmaria palmata has been used as food for centuries in Ireland, Scotland, Iceland, North America, Japan, and Korea. It can be used as a snack, flavor enhancer, seasoning, or sea vegetable, and incorporated into soups, salads, bread dough, and stews. When fried, it develops a bacon-like flavor.
The regular harvest season runs from September to April. In some regions, harvesting can begin as early as June. Sustainable harvest practices leave parts of the fronds intact to allow population recovery.
Palmaria palmata is available as powder, flakes, and dried raw algae, in both organic (DE-ÖKO-070) and conventional variants.
Due to its high iodine content, intake of Palmaria palmata is not recommended for individuals with hypothyroidism. As with all algae products, applicable regional regulations regarding iodine content in food and supplements should be reviewed before use.
1. Pier Kuipers in Guiry, M.D. & Guiry, G.M. 06 June 2024. AlgaeBase. World-wide electronic publication, National University of Ireland, Galway. algaebase.org
2. Palmaria palmata – Wikipedia. wikipedia.org
3. Fitzgerald C, et al. Potential of a renin inhibitory peptide from the red seaweed Palmaria palmata... J Agric Food Chem. 2014;62(33):8352-6. PubMed 25062358
4. Lafeuille B, et al. Impact of Harvest Month and Drying Process on the Nutritional and Bioactive Properties of Wild Palmaria palmata... Mar Drugs. 2023;21(7):392. PubMed 37504923
5. Campos PMBGM, et al. Spirulina, Palmaria Palmata, Cichorium Intybus, and Medicago Sativa extracts in cosmetic formulations... Cutan Ocul Toxicol. 2019;38(4):322-329. PubMed 30821523
6. Castejón N, et al. Exploring the Potential of Icelandic Seaweeds Extracts... Mar Drugs. 2021;19(12):662. PubMed 34940661
7. Lalegerie F, et al. Mycosporine-like Amino Acids in Palmaria palmata (Rhodophyta)... Mar Drugs. 2024;22(3):121. PubMed 38535462