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Astaxanthin

A red marine carotenoid — among the more promising antioxidant supplements for skin and eyes.

Reviewed by Bodil Isaksson, Licensed Biomedical Scientist (Sweden)Last reviewed July 2026Supplement guide

SupplementsAntioxidantsSkinEyes

Astaxanthin is the pigment that makes salmon and shrimp pink, produced by microalgae. It’s a powerful carotenoid antioxidant with a growing, if still modest, evidence base — mostly for skin.

Key takeaways

  • A potent carotenoid antioxidant from algae (the pigment in salmon and krill).
  • Best evidence: skin photoprotection and ageing — randomised trials at 4–12 mg/day for 8–16 weeks improved elasticity, moisture and UV resistance.1
  • Smaller signals for eye comfort and exercise/endurance.
  • Very safe; high intakes can faintly tint the skin. Fat-soluble — take with a meal.

What it is

Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid from the microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. It sits in cell membranes and is a strong quencher of reactive oxygen species.

The evidence

A systematic review of human trials found oral astaxanthin improved skin ageing measures — elasticity, hydration and wrinkle progression — and enhanced UV resistance.1 Eye and exercise findings are promising but smaller.

Dose & how to use

4–12 mg/day with a fatty meal, for at least 8–12 weeks.

Safety & who benefits

Very safe. Most relevant for skin ageing / sun exposure, and worth a look for eye comfort. Sourced from algae — suitable for most diets.

Bottom line: one of the better-evidenced antioxidant supplements for skin — safe, algae-derived, and worth 8+ weeks to judge.

References

Adult research summary for education, not a prescription. These are food supplements, not treatments for disease.

  1. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Skin Ageing. Nutrients 2021. pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

This article summarises nutrition science for education. It is not a substitute for individual medical advice; consult a professional before starting a supplement, in pregnancy, or alongside medication.