Evidence supporting the use of: Haematococcus pluvialis
For the health condition: Skin Care (general)
Synopsis
Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 3
Haematococcus pluvialis is a freshwater microalga renowned as one of the richest sources of natural astaxanthin, a potent antioxidant carotenoid. Scientific evidence supports the use of astaxanthin, derived from H. pluvialis, in skin care formulations, primarily due to its antioxidant and photoprotective properties. Multiple in vitro and clinical studies have shown that oral and topical astaxanthin can reduce oxidative stress, protect skin cells from ultraviolet (UV)-induced damage, diminish wrinkles, and improve skin moisture and elasticity.
For example, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials have reported that supplementation with astaxanthin (often 4-6 mg per day) for 6-12 weeks can result in significant improvements in skin texture, elasticity, and moisture content, as well as reductions in age spot size and wrinkle depth. The proposed mechanism is that astaxanthin’s antioxidant capacity helps neutralize free radicals generated by UV radiation, thereby reducing inflammation and preventing collagen breakdown.
While most of the evidence comes from studies using astaxanthin rather than whole H. pluvialis extract, the microalga remains the principal commercial source. There is limited but promising evidence for topical use as well. Overall, the available research justifies the inclusion of H. pluvialis-derived astaxanthin in skin care for general skin health and photoprotection, though larger and longer-term studies would further strengthen the evidence base.
More about Haematococcus pluvialis
More about Skin Care (general)
Other ingredients used for Skin Care (general)
3,3'-dihydroxy-B-carotene-4,4'-dioneAbalone
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
Other health conditions supported by Haematococcus pluvialis
Aging (prevention)Arthritis
Cancer (natural therapy for)
Cancer (prevention)
Cancer Treatment (reducing side effects)
Cardiovascular Disease
Cataracts
Chemotherapy (reducing side effects)
Cholesterol (high)
Diabetes
Free Radical Damage
Inflammation
Parkinson's Disease
Skin Care (general)
Wrinkles
