Antioxidant

Astaxanthin

The most powerful natural antioxidant — astaxanthin exceeds vitamin C by 6000 times and vitamin E by 550 times in antioxidant activity. The pink pigment of microalgae protects against photoaging, inflammation, and free radicals.

AntioxidantPhotoagingAnti-inflammatoryCarotenoid

✓ Safe

Comedogenic Rating

0/5

Irritation Potential

0/5

What is it?

Astaxanthin — a xanthophyll carotenoid (C40H52O4) that gives a pink-red color to salmon, shrimp, and flamingos. In cosmetics, it is obtained from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis — the richest natural source (1.5–3% of dry weight). A unique molecule: it can embed through the lipid bilayer of the membrane, protecting both the inner and outer layers — which β-carotene and lutein cannot do. ORAC: 2,822,200 — compared to 1,890 in vitamin C.

Premium antioxidant in anti-aging products. Effective in concentrations of 0.02–0.1%. Prone to photodegradation — more stable in opaque packaging and in combination with vitamin E.

Key Benefits

✦

Record antioxidant power against photoaging

Protects against UVA/UVB-induced oxidative stress — neutralizes singlet oxygen and free radicals in lipid membranes. Clinical studies: 8 weeks of oral + topical astaxanthin reduce wrinkle depth by 26%, increase firmness by 23%.

◈

Powerful anti-inflammatory effect

Inhibits NF-κB and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) — key mediators of inflammation. Reduces levels of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6. The effect is comparable to ibuprofen without side effects. Especially effective in chronic skin inflammation and rosacea.

✧

Protection against collagen degradation

Reduces MMP-1 (collagenase) activity — an enzyme that breaks down collagen under UV exposure. Increases pro-collagen and hyaluronic acid synthesis in fibroblasts. Regular use (8–12 weeks) shows a significant increase in skin density.

Suitable for

Mature skinSkin after tanningNormal skin

Main Actions

✓ Antioxidant protection✓ Protection against photoaging✓ Anti-inflammatory action

Topical vs oral

Astaxanthin is effective both topically (0.02–0.1% in products) and orally (4–12 mg/day in capsules). Studies show the best effect with combined use. Topically — protection against external photoaging. Orally — systemic antioxidant protection from within.

CategoryAntioxidants

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