Evidence supporting the use of: Astaxanthin
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3

Astaxanthin is a carotenoid pigment found in certain algae and seafood, and its use in skin care is primarily supported by scientific evidence, though most studies are small or preliminary. Astaxanthin has strong antioxidant properties, which help neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by UV radiation and environmental stressors, both of which contribute to skin aging, wrinkles, and loss of elasticity. Several clinical trials have demonstrated that oral supplementation or topical application of astaxanthin can improve skin moisture, elasticity, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and age spots. For example, a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in 2012 found that 6 mg of astaxanthin daily for 8 weeks improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles in middle-aged women. Other studies have shown protective effects against UV-induced skin deterioration and reductions in transepidermal water loss. However, most research is short-term, involves small sample sizes, and is often funded by manufacturers. While the antioxidant rationale and some human evidence are compelling, large-scale, independent trials are needed to firmly establish its efficacy. Nonetheless, astaxanthin is widely used in skin care supplements and topical products, and its use for general skin health is supported by a moderate level of scientific evidence.

More about astaxanthin
More about Skin Care (general)

Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)

3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dione
Abalone
Algal protein
Allantoin
Almond fruit
Aloe vera
Alpha hydroxy acids
alpha-terpineol
amaranth
Anserina
anthocyanidins
anthocyanins
apple
apricot
arbutin
argan nut oil
Asam gelugor
Ascophyllum nodosum
astaxanthin
avocado
azelaic acid
beet
behenic acid
beta-carotene
beta-zeacarotene
Biopeptide
birch
bird\'s nest
bisabolene
black currant
Black spruce
borage
bottle gourd
Brassica
butternut
California chia
camphor oil
candelilla wax
Carnosine
castile soap
catalase
cereal grass
chervil
chickweed
citral
cocoa butter
colostrum
copaiba oil
cryptoxanthin
cucumber
currant
d-alpha tocopherol
David\'s milkberry
dog rose
dulse
dulse leaf
Dunaliella salina
egg
emu oil
flavans
Gac
geraniol
Glucosylceramide
glyceryl oleate
Glycolic acid
Glycosylceramides
goji berry
Haematococcus pluvialis
Heartsease
heartwood
Himalayan salt
Houttuynia
hyaluronic acid
Kachnar
keratin
L-cysteine
L-glutathione
L-histidine
Leptospermum scoparium
Lilium polyphyllum
limonene
linoleic acid (LA)
linseed oil
loquat
lovage
lychee
magnesium
mandarin
mango
manzanita
Mesua
mixed carotenoids
Mung bean
Nectarine
Night jessamine
Oak
oat
omega-3 fatty acids
orchid
oryza
palmitic acid
Panthenol
Pelvetia canaliculata
Phlebodium decumanum
Phytoene
Phytofluene
procyanidin
procyanidol
pumpkin
radish
red clover
rockweed
root tuber
rose
Sargassum
sarsaparilla
sea salt
sesame
Shark oil
silica
silicon
Silk protein
Snakeroot
spinach
Taraxacum
Triglycerides
Tropical jewel hisbiscus
Tyrosinase
Urolithin A
vegetable oil
Verbascoside
vitamin A
vitamin C
vitamin E
Watercress
Watermelon
Witch Hazel
Xanthophyll
Yuzu
Zinc