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Astaxanthin

A red carotenoid from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. Antioxidant data come from lab tests and mice; there are no controlled studies of applying it to human skin

Evidence by route

C

Topical application

For topical use there are only cell and mouse data: in mice, liposomes with astaxanthin prevented UV-induced skin thickening and collagen loss. The only human study with topical use had no control and was combined with oral capsules, so the contribution of the skin product is unknown. Moisture and elasticity improved only with oral intake, which does not apply to topical use

  • C

    Anti-aging

    Studies report collagen preservation in mice and lower MMP-1 in cell culture. The only human study with topical use had no control and was combined with oral intake

  • C

    Protection

    Data on UV protection with topical astaxanthin come only from mice (liposomes before irradiation) and lab antioxidant tests, not from people

  • D

    Moisturizing

    Skin moisture rose only with oral intake; there are no measurements for astaxanthin applied on its own

  • Hama S et al. Protective effects of topical application of a poorly soluble antioxidant astaxanthin liposomal formulation on ultraviolet-induced skin damage. J Pharm Sci. 2012;101(8):2909-16. PMID 22628205
  • Eren B et al. Antioxidant properties evaluation of topical astaxanthin formulations as anti-aging products. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019;18(1):242-250. PMID 29745467
  • Tominaga K et al. Protective effects of astaxanthin on skin deterioration. J Clin Biochem Nutr. 2017;61(1):33-39. PMID 28751807
  • Tominaga K et al. Cosmetic benefits of astaxanthin on humans subjects. Acta Biochim Pol. 2012;59(1):43-7. PMID 22428137
  • Zhou X et al. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Skin Ageing. Nutrients. 2021;13(9). PMID 34578794
  • Ng QX et al. Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies. J Diet Suppl. 2021;18(2):169-182. PMID 32202443
How to read tiers A–F
  • CWeak evidence. In vitro data, open-label studies, or expert consensus
  • DNo data, or very weak or conflicting data

Tolerability and safety

Working concentrations
The only human study with topical use applied 2 mL of a 78.9 μM solution daily, while participants also took 6 mg a day by mouth (Tominaga 2012). An effective topical concentration has not been established
Irritation potential
Low
Allergen risk
Low
Pregnancy
Unknown
Suitable for
Oily, Dry, Combination, Normal

About this ingredient

Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid; the studies used astaxanthin from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. It dissolves poorly in water, so for skin application researchers packed it into liposomes (Hama 2012). Data on its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory action come from lab and animal work. In hairless mice, liposomes with astaxanthin applied before UV exposure prevented skin thickening and collagen loss (Hama 2012). In cell culture it reduced UVB-induced inflammatory cytokines in keratinocytes and MMP-1 secretion by fibroblasts (Tominaga 2017). Gels with astaxanthin showed antioxidant activity in lab tests (Eren 2019). It is added to antioxidant serums and creams and to oral skin supplements. There are no controlled studies of astaxanthin applied to human skin. In the only study with topical use, 30 women took 6 mg a day by mouth and applied 2 mL of a 78.9 μM solution daily for 8 weeks. There was no control group, so the topical part cannot be judged (Tominaga 2012). Oral results do not transfer to topical use. In a meta-analysis of 9 RCTs, oral astaxanthin improved skin moisture and elasticity but did not reduce wrinkle depth (Zhou 2021). Irritation, sensitization and comedogenicity of topical astaxanthin have not been studied in people. There are no data on use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Frequently asked questions

Is Astaxanthin safe during pregnancy?

Safety data for Astaxanthin during pregnancy is insufficient. Best avoided when in doubt.

What skin types is Astaxanthin for?

Astaxanthin suits: oily, dry, combination, normal.

What is Astaxanthin and what does it do in cosmetics?

A red carotenoid from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis.

What's the INCI name for Astaxanthin?

The INCI name is Astaxanthin.

What concentration of Astaxanthin is effective?

The only human study with topical use applied 2 mL of a 78.9 μM solution daily, while participants also took 6 mg a day by mouth (Tominaga 2012). An effective topical concentration has not been established

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