What it does
A carotenoid antioxidant from microalgae positioned as one of the most potent free-radical scavengers in skincare. Supports skin elasticity and brightens uneven tone.
Best for
Daytime antioxidant defense, mature skin, and high-UV environments. Common in luxury and K-beauty firming lines.
The full picture
Astaxanthin is a deep-red carotenoid produced by the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis under stress conditions (the same pigment gives salmon and flamingos their color). Research suggests it is significantly more potent than vitamin E and vitamin C as an antioxidant, particularly against singlet oxygen radicals generated by UV. Topical use has been studied for its effects on skin elasticity, fine line depth, and barrier function. It is naturally pigmented, so high-concentration formulas can tint a cream slightly orange.
Evidence
Topical and oral astaxanthin have been shown to improve skin elasticity, fine line depth, and barrier function in controlled studies.
Read the source: PubMed: astaxanthin and skin ->