Astaxanthin

Functions
Antioxidant
Pigment
Colorant
Skin conditioning
CAS Number(s)
472-61-7
EINECS number(s)
207-451-4
FDA UNII
8XPW32PR7I

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with a pink-red color, a powerful natural antioxidant found in aquatic animals like fish, krill, and shrimps. This carotenoid is responsible for red pigmentation and has biological and nutritional functions. Aquatic animals cannot synthesize astaxanthin, therefore it is an essential element of their diet and plays an important role in the marine feed chain.

Thanks to free radical scavenging property, Astaxanthin protects cell and mitochondrial membranes and DNA from oxidative damage, considered a more effective antioxidant than other carotenoids like lycopene, lutein, and beta-carotene. In comparison with vitamin E known powerful antioxidant, it exhibits more effectivity in the same quantities, noticeably decreasing DNA and cellular membrane damage.

Astaxanthin is an excellent replacement for synthetic pigments and colorants for decorative cosmetics. It is a food-grade colorant approved by FDA and marked as E161j. In addition, Astaxanthin reduces inflammation and skin irritation which makes it an ideal natural ingredient for skin care preparations.

Synonyms
3,3'-Dihydroxy-beta,beta-carotene-4,4'-dione

Related ingredients

Beta-Carotene
Beta-Carotene
This carotenoid is found primarily in carrots and is used to give personal care products a yellow to orange-red color. The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A.
Lutein
Lutein
Lutein is one of the carotenoids, an anti-aging ingredient, powerful free-radicle quenching antioxidant found in plants, fruits, and leafy green vegetables. Lutein stimulates the skin’s renewal process; helps fight the damaging effects of sunlight, pollution, stress, and aging.
Lycopene
Lycopene
Lycopene G is carotenoid derived from fruits and vegetables. It has antioxidant ability to defend skin from UV radiation and damage.
Apocarotenal
Apocarotenal
Apocarotenal is a carotenoid with orange-to-orange-red color found in many fruits and vegetables (citruses, spinach, etc) that is used in foods, drugs, personal care applications, and decorative cosmetics as a safe colorant or pigment.
Canthaxanthin
Canthaxanthin
Canthaxanthin is a red-pigmenting carotenoid found in the Chanterelle mushroom, in the skin pigment of certain crustaceans, and in the skin and organs of many birds and fish.
Hydrolyzed Tomato Skin
Hydrolyzed Tomato Skin
Hydrolyzed Tomato Skin is a liquid water-soluble ingredient that contains a carotenoid lycopene. This biotechnological ingredient is derived from natural and renewable raw material a by-product from the food industry.