History & Origins
In the south of France, at the doorstep of the walled city of Aigues-Mortes, lays a wild and protected land: the Salt Lakes of Camargue.
In the core of this preserved ecosystem, generations of craftsmen have been harvesting salt since Antiquity. The Salt Lakes of Camargue, which used to be a royal property, belong to the European salt leader, Compagnie des Salins du Midi, since 1856.
The Aigues-Mortes Salt Lakes in Camargue are unique in the world and shelter an incomparably rich fauna and flora. Compagnie des Salins du Midi is conscientiously committed to the protection of this environmental biodiversity and day after day, works on maintaining favourable breeding conditions for thousands of migratory birds and protected species.
Research & Development
In 2010, Compagnie des Salins du Midi appointed a team of experts in microalgae processing to carry out researches on the site of Aigues-Mortes on the microorganisms with promising potential.
“In addition to the salt, you have in hands an untapped gem of which you do not have awareness of”, said R&D Director Laurent Broquet.
The scientific investigation revealed the incredible antioxidant properties of a microalgae, the Dunaliella Salina of Camargue, which blooms only in the heart of the Aigues-Mortes Salt Lakes. The scientists then logically explored the microalgae’s qualities in cosmetics applications and brought to light remarkable effects on hydration, protection and cell renewal of the skin.
Dunaliella Salina
The Dunaliella Salina of Camarque is a halophytic unicellular green microalgae, which develops in highly saline environment. In France, it is particularly present in the Aigues-Mortes Salt Lakes in Camargue, where the favourable climatic conditions allow its bloom and boost its high-quality properties.
Very few organisms are able to grow in such level of salinity. In order to survive in this extreme environment, through a massive biological production, the Dunaliella Salina produces a huge quantity of carotenoids, whose strong antioxidant powers are well-known for their remarkable effects on the skin. In the same way, the microalgae also produces a large quantity of glycerol which brings hydration, smoothness and protection.
As a real bundle of energy, the Dunaliella Salina of Camarque is a natural active cosmetics ingredient and essential weapon against skin ageing. On top of that, it brings amazing healthy glow and brightness to the skin.
The Miracle of the Pink Waters
Once a year during summer, in Aigues-Mortes Salt Lakes, stands out an extraordinary phenomenon. The Dunaliella Salina of Camargue, at its peak of growth, blooms with such vitality that it turns the waters where it lives into a shiny pink:
This is the Miracle of the Pink Waters.
At this very moment, the properties of the Dunaliella Salina of Camargue are at their most powerful. It turns into an exceptional natural cosmetics ingredient, which we harvest with a unique expertise.
Did You Know?
In ancient times in Camargue, during the harvesting period, the salt workers used to spread some blooming Dunaliella Salina on their skin to protect against the sun’s harmful effects. Their spouses soon turned more and more enthusiastic with this natural beauty elixir and became very famous in the region for the legendary radiance and youth of their skin…