Astaxanthin
A carotenoid produced by microalgae, the most potent antioxidant in nature, with 6,000× the singlet-oxygen quenching of Vitamin C.
Its conjugated polyene chain straddles cell membranes, quenching ROS both inside and outside the lipid bilayer simultaneously.
- Strongest natural antioxidant
- UV protection support
- Reduces fine lines
- Visible pink/red tint
What the evidence supports.
- All skin types
No notable contraindications reported.
Mid-routine serum or treatment step.
Concentration range in well-formulated products: 0.005%–0.1%
Year-round.
Salmon, krill, lobster, astaxanthin gives them pink colour.
No specific deficiency signals tracked for this ingredient.
Stains formulas red-pink; combine with TiO2 or pearlescent fillers to balance colour.
The research behind Astaxanthin.
Every claim on this page traces to published research. Findings below are drawn from randomized trials and systematic reviews, each links to the study on PubMed.
Annals of Internal Medicine, 2013
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2019
Maturitas, 2017
Inflammation and Allergy Drug Targets, 2014
No flagged conflicts. Still, patch-test new actives.
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