Astaxanthin: The Red Diamond of Antioxidants for Young-looking Skin

April 5, 2023

As reported by Mintel¹on new product development in anti-aging, brands targeting the youth market have shifted their focus from directly targeting wrinkles and sagging to incorporating ingredients that offer value-added benefits, such as antioxidants and barrier repair. This approach to skincare reflects a change in consumer attitudes, as younger generations prioritize overall skin health and prevention over treating visible signs of aging.

To combat that, antioxidants, functions to protect and support the skin by neutralising free radicals to delay skin ageing. Let us funnel down to the strongest natural antioxidant ,astaxanthin , derived from the microalgae Haematococcus Pluvialis. Known for its unique chemical composition, it is an emerging skincare ingredient amongst the many such as vitamin A, hyaluronic acid and more rapidly gaining popularity amongst consumers.

What is Astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin belongs to the group of carotenoids, and more precisely, to the xanthophylls and is considered the strongest natural antioxidant. Several natural organisms are able to produce astaxanthin, such as bacteria, algae and yeasts, but the highest concentrations of natural astaxanthin can be derived from the freshwater microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. Due to its enormous antioxidant effect, astaxanthin is called the red diamond among radical scavengers and has been proven to counteract reactive oxygen species (ROS) much more efficiently compared to other antioxidants. Thanks to its unique molecular structure, it is non-pro-oxidative.

Did You Know?

Astaxanthin acts in all cell membrane layers and has a high antioxidant capacity and is more effective than other well-known antioxidants such as retinols, collagen and vitamins C and E.

How does it help?

As an effective ingredient for reducing the negative effects of pollution on the skin, astaxanthin has been shown to counteract oxidative stress caused by environmental stressors. This makes it an ideal ingredient for anti-pollution skincare, as it can penetrate deep into the skin’s layers and provide long-lasting protection against pollutants.

In addition to its anti-pollution properties, astaxanthin has also been found to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This makes it a valuable addition to anti-aging skincare formulations, as well as to other skincare products that aim to improve skin health and protect against environmental stressors.

What Can Maha Offer?

Here at Maha, we are proud to offer ASTACOS® OL50, a natural active ingredient containing ≥ 5% astaxanthin, specifically developed for use in cosmetic formulations.The astaxanthin-rich oleoresin is derived from the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and standardised with certified organic jojoba oil.