Astaxanthin
3,3'-Dihydroxy-beta,beta-carotene-4,4'-dione / Astaxanthin
Carotenoid; claimed to be 6000x stronger antioxidant than vitamin C; lipid-phase antioxidant; photoprotective; anti-inflammatory; natural from microalgae (H. pluvialis) or synthetic; pink/red colour, formulation challenge at higher concentrations; growing clinical evidence for photoaging
Function & Common Use
Active (antioxidant)
Antioxidant
Premium antioxidant serums anti-aging products
Biotechnological (Haematococcus pluvialis) / Synthetic
Concentration Limits
No limit
No limit
No specific 21 CFR cosmetic limit identified in source checked; EU limit reference: None
No specific MFDS limit identified in source checked; verify if ingredient is used in a Korean functional cosmetic category
Pregnancy: No specific restriction identified in source checked; standard cosmetic use
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Astaxanthin safe to use in skincare?
Astaxanthin has a Low concern rating from The Clean Sheet. Carotenoid; claimed to be 6000x stronger antioxidant than vitamin C; lipid-phase antioxidant; photoprotective; anti-inflammatory; natural from microalgae (H. pluvialis) or synthetic; pink/red colour, formulation challenge at higher concentrations; growing clinical evidence for photoaging
Is Astaxanthin allowed in India?
Astaxanthin is currently classified as "Permitted" under Indian cosmetics regulations. No concentration limit is specified for India.
What is Astaxanthin used for in cosmetics?
Astaxanthin functions as: Active (antioxidant). It is commonly found in: Premium antioxidant serums anti-aging products.
Regulatory Status
Cosmetic ingredient; standard TGA cosmetic framework applies; no therapeutic goods listing required unless therapeutic claims are made
Not specifically listed as restricted cosmetic ingredient in NHPID source checked; standard Health Canada cosmetic notification applies
Identifiers
Want to check if your product contains Astaxanthin?
Analyse a Product