Ingredients

Astaxanthin

Written by Reviewed by the SYNC editorial team Published Last reviewed Editorial standards

Astaxanthin — a red-orange carotenoid pigment sourced mainly from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, known for being one of the more potent antioxidants studied in skincare. Applied topically, it helps neutralize free radicals and support skin resilience against oxidative and environmental stress.

Key points

  • Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid that gives salmon, krill, and certain algae their characteristic reddish hue.
  • It is often cited as a strong singlet-oxygen quencher, giving it notable antioxidant activity in laboratory studies.
  • Topically it is used to help defend skin against free radicals produced by UV exposure and pollution.
  • Because of its deep color, it is typically used at low concentrations and may impart a slight tint to formulas.

Frequently asked

Where does astaxanthin come from?

Most cosmetic astaxanthin is derived from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis, which produces the pigment as a natural protective response to stress.

Is astaxanthin an antioxidant?

Yes, it is a carotenoid antioxidant widely studied for its ability to neutralize free radicals and help protect skin from oxidative damage.

Related topics

This is a foundational entry in the SYNC Skin Encyclopedia and is expanded over time. Educational information only — not medical advice.

Encyclopedia

Further reading

This entry was written and checked against the sources below. They are published by clinical and scientific bodies, they are listed most readable first, and each one opens in a new tab. They are background for the whole entry rather than footnotes to individual sentences.

  1. Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease: A Comprehensive Review PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin deterioration PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation PubMed Central Peer-reviewed, open access pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Astaxanthin in Skin Health, Repair, and Disease PubMed Peer-reviewed (abstract) pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

SYNC does not publish medical advice. Nothing here replaces a consultation with a doctor or a pharmacist about your own skin.