While known by the experts as “the king of antioxidants”, astaxanthin doesn’t have the same name recognition as, say, vitamin C.
This is baffling, as it is one of the most potent antioxidants ever discovered – it rivals the aforementioned in strength, boasting 6,000 times the potency of vitamin C. So, it is not surprising that it is so ubiquitously included in the ingredient line-ups of beauty products and supplements.
The component is naturally found in marine animals, especially salmon, trout, shrimp and lobster – and it’s the reason they are all pink in colour. But the benefits to the skin and body are why it has caught the attention of wellness communities.
The powerful carotenoid antioxidant improves the skin’s appearance and soothes irritation. In supplement form, it works to repair, combat wrinkles, support joints, improve eye health, and there is even some suggestion that it plays a role in cognitive enhancement. It’s so varied and so important - so why aren’t we already incorporating it into our diet?
We caught up with Pupinder Ghatora, Pharmacist and Co-Founder of INGENIOUS Collagen to get the lowdown on this seemingly remarkable powerhouse ingredient.
What is astaxanthin,and what does it do?
Confirming our research, Ghatora explains, “natural astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment found in a variety of marine organisms such as algae, salmon, trout, shrimp, and lobster, as well as in flamingos. It contributes to their characteristic pink coloration and is recognised as one of the most powerful antioxidants known, demonstrating antioxidant activity up to 6,000 times greater than that of vitamin C”. He continues, “This is important as oxygen free radicals are a common contributing factor in many illnesses and also play a major part in ageing. Astaxanthin renders these inert and therefore reduces the risks of them causing damage to cells”.
What are the benefits of an astaxanthin supplement?
The pharmacist explains, “What sets it apart from most antioxidants is how it works at the cellular level, reinforcing the very membranes that house our DNA and coordinate essential cell communication and nutrition”.
He breaks it down, “Its unique molecular structure means natural astaxanthin defends both the inner and outer layers of each cell membrane, something most antioxidants can’t achieve. This translates to comprehensive protection from oxidative stress, the silent culprit behind ageing and cellular degeneration. Natural astaxanthin also actively reduces oxidative stress within the mitochondria, the energy centres of our cells. This not only supports sustained energy and vitality but plays a key role in preventing premature ageing”.
Who should take astaxanthin and who should avoid?
According to the expert, “Natural astaxanthin is ideal for those looking to support healthy ageing, protect their skin, joints and eyes and enhance overall cellular health. It’s particularly beneficial for active individuals, busy professionals under stress and anyone focused on long-term wellness”.
However, he cautions, “It’s not for everyone. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult their doctor before use. Individuals with allergies should check the source and those on blood-thinning medication should speak to a healthcare professional before considering taking it”.
Ghatora concludes, “As always, supplements should be taken with intention and informed care and it’s important to speak with your medical practitioner before starting anything new”.
Shop the best astaxanthin supplements below
Solgar Astaxanthin 5 mg Softgels
Solgar is a trusted brand and one that the Shopping desk at The Standard has often called upon to solve a variety of our concerns. This is why it was one of our first ports of call in a bid to find an effective astaxanthin supplement. There is a solid 5mg dose of the starred ingredient, and it is sourced from freshwater algae.
The supplements are very easy to swallow in softgel form, and most reviewers noticed an impact in just a few weeks of adding them to their diet. One explained, “Although these are half the dose of my previous brand, I started to notice a difference in my skin, hair and nails after two weeks, and a month later, a much bigger difference. My hair is growing back, nails are stronger, and small wrinkles have plumped out. The previous brand was a higher dose, but it tasted awful and I didn't notice anything working. The Solgar are like little miracle pills”.
There are a few negative reviews, but these comment on packaging issues rather than the product itself.
Buy now £12.25, Amazon
WeightWorld Vegan Astaxanthin Supplements
Often derived from algae, astaxanthin can be found and packaged up for those following a vegan diet. That is the case with the WeightWorld iteration of the supplement, which is free from any seafood or animal-derived ingredients. What’s more, they are allergen-friendly. You won’t find gluten, lactose or genetically modified components. Instead, the supplements combine the named astaxanthin element in softgel form and with an eight-month supply - so you really get bang for your buck.
Among the predominantly five star reviews, customers praise their ease in consumption (”[These] gummies are so good with nice taste”) but it is worth noting that there is a smaller dose in the capsule than the 18mg on the packaging suggests, just 0.9mg of astaxanthin, which is the complaint for all the one star comments.
Buy now £16.14, Amazon
Igennus Astaxanthin Complex
One of the highest-rated astaxanthin supplements on Amazon, this formula comes with over 3,000 reviews that rave about the impact that it has had on the condition of their skin. The brand calls on the powerhouse ingredient to act as a potent antioxidant hit, using a dose of 4mg that has been derived from microalgae from a closed, climate-controlled environment. What this means is that not only is it cultivated in an eco-conscious way, but it is done so to maximise the quality and ensure it is bioavailable so it is easily absorbed when consumed without overloading our internal systems.
This supplement comes in softgel form and is relatively small in size, so they are easy to add to your daily routine. Don’t expect transformational results overnight, but as one reviewer explained, “Skin’s looking a bit clearer, and I’ve noticed a wee boost in energy, nothing dramatic but decent enough”.
Buy now £15.29, Amazon
Higher Nature Astaxanthin & Blackcurrant Concentrated Blackcurrant Fruit Extract
This antioxidant-rich supplement from Higher Nature is designed to support healthy skin and eyes. It sets the named ingredient blackcurrant with astaxanthin and combined they create a powerful plant-based blend that is lauded for its ability to bring elasticity and more hydration to the skin and protect from UV rays and free radicals.
The reviews speak for themselves with one claiming that the beginnings of cataracts gradually disappeared after taking one of these supplements daily. Another praises its ability to protect the skin after being allergic to typical SPFs.
Buy now £27.90, Amazon
Feelsupreme NR with Astaxanthin | NAD+ Booster
Best for: antioxidant power
Between NR and NMN, NR has been shown to be the most effective at raising NAD+ levels and that’s exactly what you’ll find in Feelsupreme’s NR with Astaxanthin supplements. As well as NR, these supplements excel when it comes to other benefits.
Astaxanthin - known as ‘the king of carotenoids’ because of its reputation as one of the most powerful antioxidants ever discovered - also plays a role in these supplements when it comes to boosting the body’s anti-ageing abilities. Astaxanthin is 550 times more effective as an antioxidant than vitamin E and is nearly 6,000 times stronger than vitamin C, making it an impressive tool for boosting the immune system.
Buy now £31.99, Amazon
Ingenious Active
While INGENIOUS is known for its best-selling collagen supplement, its Active supplement combines everything its customers love about the beauty supplement and adds vitamins C, E, Zinc and ActiGin, making it the brand's most hard-working and multi-tasking product.
Studies have shown that the INGENIOUS Active supplement can increase endurance by 20 per cent, increase energy levels by 42 per cent, decrease muscle damage by 69 per cent, and reduce post-exercise inflammation by 35 per cent.
On top of this, it has all the benefits of INGENIOUS Beauty, including reducing fine lines and wrinkles by up to 85 per cent, increasing skin hydration by 79 per cent, improving skin elasticity by 83 per cent and rejuvenating hair growth. This is largely due to the marine collagen included in the supplement, along with hyaluronic acid and natural astaxanthin.
INGENIOUS has also used patented science to protect the collagen from breaking down in the stomach to ensure that you reap the full benefits when it is broken down further along in the digestive system. A further clinical trial found that 98 per cent of women who used the supplement experienced a significant improvement in the quality of their skin.
It also contains a hero ingredient called ActiGin which has been clinically shown to increase exercise intensity performance and help build your stamina. A supplement that can boost our energy levels and make us look younger? Sign us up.
Buy now £64.00, Victoria Health
Youth & Earth V14 Longevity Reds Daily Blend
Best for: Longevity
Not only does this red power contain a huge array of antioxidant-rich superfruits and vegetables including acai berry, beetroot, acerola cherry, carrot and pomegranate (to name just a handful), several minerals and plenty of essential vitamins such as vitamin D3, K2 and C, it also has 14 longevity-enhancing compounds.
Within these compounds is spermidine, which promotes cellular renewal and healthy ageing, magnesium malate, which supports energy production and muscle function and carotenoids such as astaxanthin, lutein, and zeaxanthin, which support eye health, brain function and they help protect your skin.
Youth & Earth claim that within 30 days you will feel a surge in energy and improved focus, after 60 days, your mind will feel sharper and more resilient and by 90 days, the ingredients that support your cells and ageing markers supposedly work together to enhance longevity, keeping you feeling strong and youthful.
The line up of ingredients is extremely impressive and despite it being one of the more expensive options, with just under a month’s supply (28 sachets) coming in at £99.99, you’d be paying considerably more for these ingredients as individual supplements.
Buy now £89.99, Youth & Earth
Unbeelievable Health Bee Prepared Max Strength 20 Capsules
The Unbeelievable Health Bee Prepared supplement is nutritionist-recommended to help you replenish vitamins that might be missing from your diet. Immunity-boosting properties include bee propolis to fight infection, black elderberry to help treat cold and flu symptoms, olive leaf, beta-glucans, astaxanthin (a powerful antioxidant) and reishi mushroom. When you are feeling rundown or sense an illness coming on, take one capsule daily and up to four a day to speed up your recovery.
Buy now £11.65, Amazon
Manifesto Nutrition Beauty Gummies
Best for: Perimenopause and menopause
Founded by beauty industry expert Anna Marcovici, this gummy supplement brand focuses on making midlife a positive place for women. These vitamins are specifically-designed for those going through hormonal changes during perimenopause and menopause. Formulated by nutritionists, the cherry flavoured gummies taste delicious and include ingredients like astaxanthin, a potent skin-rejuvenating antioxidant that is said to be 6,000 times more powerful than vitamin C. They also include acai berry extract, biotin, selenium and vitamins like E, C, A, along with zinc, inulin and fruit pectins - all selected to support beauty and overall health during midlife.
Despite their sweetness, the gummies contain a tiny amount of isomalt (0.8 grams), which is less than a cherry. They come in a sleek, reusable aluminium tin with monthly refills available in compostable pouches.
Buy now £35.00, Cult Beauty
Ingenious Collagen supplement
Best for: a clinically proven formulation
There can be a lot of misinformation in the supplement game but Ingenious Beauty’s offering has been clinically proven to give your body a collagen boosting - with hydrating and glow-getting results. The brand has been endorsed by the Professor of Pharmaceutical Innovation, King’s College London and put through its paces in a double-blind placebo-controlled trial where it was proven to reduce wrinkles.
Each capsule contains ingredients we know and love in our skincare: hyaluronic acid and astaxanthin - the latter of which is an antioxidant that is said to be 6000 times as powerful as vitamin C. The marine collagen is protected to ensure that it isn’t destroyed through the digestion process.
Use for a month to three months to start seeing noticeable effects.
Buy now £60.00, Victoria Health
Vitl Skin & Beauty
Best for: Affordability
This purse-friendly option doesn’t compromise on ingredients or quality. Each daily dose is filled with a cocktail of bioavailable vitamins, minerals, plant extracts and amino acids to nourish the skin from within.
The inclusion of vitamins C, D, E and B help stimulate collagen production, regulate hormones and shield the skin from the dulling and ageing effects of UV exposure.
Vitamin B12 is essential for promoting healthy skin by supporting normal red blood cell formation, ensuring skin gets the oxygen it needs to stay radiant. Phytonutrients and vitamin A derivative – astaxanthin offer antioxidant protection, while L-cysteine aids in keratin production to keep the hair and nails strong. Essential minerals like selenium, zinc, iron and iodine are added to maintain the connective tissues and skin pigmentation. The formula is vegan-friendly, non-GMO and free from fillers, bulking agents, artificial colour and preservatives.
For those seeking personalised advice, Vitl offers an online Q and A style consultation to help tailor vitamins specifically to your skin goals.
Buy now £11.99, Vitl
