Functional Ingredient

Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a red-orange xanthophyll carotenoid, commonly sourced from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. Its structure allows it to span different regions of a cell membrane.

It contributes to antioxidant-focused formulations and complements nutrients used for skin and cellular wellness.

In everyday life, Astaxanthin adds targeted antioxidant support for cell membranes, complementing everyday skin, eye and active-lifestyle wellness.

Its contribution depends on ingredient form, quantity and the complete formulation.

Ingredient overview

What it is

Astaxanthin is a red-orange xanthophyll carotenoid, commonly sourced from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. Its structure allows it to span different regions of a cell membrane.

  • Scientific identity: Astaxanthin; compound family: Keto-carotenoid, xanthophyll family.
  • How it works: Produced by microalgae: Algae make it; salmon, trout and shrimp acquire their colour by eating it rather than producing it themselves. Absorbed with dietary fat: Like all carotenoids it needs fat for uptake and is carried on lipoproteins.
  • Primary function: It contributes to antioxidant-focused formulations and complements nutrients used for skin and cellular wellness.
  • What it supports: Astaxanthin adds targeted antioxidant support for cell membranes, complementing everyday skin, eye and active-lifestyle wellness.
  • Important consideration: Its contribution depends on ingredient form, quantity and the complete formulation.

Formulation rationale

Why we use it

CARPEDIEM selected Astaxanthin for a clearly defined role within a thoughtfully balanced formulation.

  • Formulation purpose: It contributes to antioxidant-focused formulations and complements nutrients used for skin and cellular wellness.
  • Used in: CARPEDIEM Hair Skin Nails and CARPEDIEM Women’s Beauty & Wellness Stack.
  • Works alongside: Astaxanthin complements Reduced Glutathione, Hyaluronic Acid and Biotin to support a more complete functional-wellness formulation.
  • Meaningful contribution: Astaxanthin adds targeted antioxidant support for cell membranes, complementing everyday skin, eye and active-lifestyle wellness. Supports antioxidant-focused pathways associated with healthy cell membranes.
  • Quality and scientific context: Its contribution depends on ingredient form, quantity and the complete formulation. 3 ingredient-specific studies are included because the research reports a relevant benefit.

Ingredient intelligence

How it works

A carotenoid whose shape lets it span a cell membrane end to end.

Step 01 / 04

Made by algae.

Microalgae produce it. Salmon, trout and shrimp get their pink colour by eating it rather than making it.

01 / 04

Molecule class

Keto-carotenoid

Source

Microalgae

Unusual trait

Spans the whole membrane width

Note

Not converted to vitamin A

Descriptive of the ingredient's established biology. Not a claim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Functional role

All key functions

The complete functional profile connected with this ingredient.

Provides a naturally occurring carotenoid studied for antioxidant-related activity.

Contributes to formulas designed around cellular wellness and balanced skin nutrition.

Supports antioxidant-focused pathways associated with healthy cell membranes.

Offers a distinctive red-orange plant-derived pigment from microalgal sources.

Complements other carotenoids and nutrients used in beauty-wellness formulations.

Adds targeted nutritional diversity to a broader cellular antioxidant profile.

Adds targeted antioxidant support for cell membranes, complementing everyday skin, eye and active-lifestyle wellness.

Works alongside Reduced Glutathione and Vitamin C to create a more coordinated, science-led nutritional formula.

Scientific evidence

Selected research

Open the original paper, PubMed record or DOI page for the full publication.

01

The Protective Role of Astaxanthin for UV-Induced Skin Deterioration in Healthy People—A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

Nutrients

This randomized, double-blind trial evaluated oral astaxanthin in healthy adults exposed to ultraviolet stress. Results supported improvements in selected measures of skin condition, while the modest study size means the findings should be interpreted as supportive rather than conclusive.
2018
02

Astaxanthin supplementation mildly reduced oxidative stress and inflammation biomarkers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

A meta-analysis of randomized trials reporting modest changes in selected oxidative-stress and inflammatory biomarkers. Biomarker effects do not necessarily establish a direct clinical benefit.
2022
03

Effects of diet containing astaxanthin on visual function in healthy individuals: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study

A randomized double-blind study in healthy adults examining an astaxanthin-containing diet and selected visual-function measures. Findings are product- and outcome-specific.
2023

Related ingredients

Complementary by function

Functional Ingredient

Reduced glutathione

Vitamin

Vitamin c

Functional Ingredient

Hyaluronic acid

Vitamin

Biotin

Ingredient intelligence

How it works

A carotenoid whose shape lets it span a cell membrane end to end.

Step 01 / 04

Made by algae.

Microalgae produce it. Salmon, trout and shrimp get their pink colour by eating it rather than making it.

01 04

Molecule class

Keto-carotenoid

Source

Microalgae

Unusual trait

Spans the whole membrane width

Note

Not converted to vitamin A

Descriptive of the ingredient's established biology. Not a claim to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.