Antioxidant
Astaxanthin
Also known as: Haematococcus pluvialis, Natural astaxanthin, Red algae extract, Astaxanthin (eye)
Astaxanthin is a carotenoid with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, naturally present in krill and microalgae. It crosses the blood–brain barrier and may support eye, skin, and cellular health.
Last reviewed June 2026 · Evidence graded from peer-reviewed research, not editorial opinion. Educational only — not medical advice.
Every Astaxanthin product we have scored
| # | Product | Score | Per serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Pure Encapsulations Astaxanthin | 93 A | $0.79 |
| 2 | Jarrow Formulas Astaxanthin - 12mg | 93 A | $0.83 |
| 3 | Nutricost Astaxanthin Softgels | 92 A | $0.26 |
| 4 | Swanson Ultimate Ocular Antioxidant - Featuring Lutemax 2020 | 91 A | $0.51 |
| 5 | Thorne Advanced Nutrients | 88 A | $2.40 |
| 6 | Nootropics Depot NKO™ Krill Oil Softgels | 85 A- | $0.50 |
| 7 | Life Extension MacuGuard Ocular Support with Saffron & Astaxanthin | 85 A- | $0.55 |
| 8 | Natural Factors Astaxanthin Plus | 82 A- | $0.42 |
| 9 | Codeage Beauty Tonic | 76 B+ | $1.00 |
| 10 | Kirkland Signature Krill Oil 500mg, 180 Softgels | 76 B+ | $0.17 |
| 11 | Live Conscious KrillWell | 76 B+ | $0.97 |
| 12 | Life Extension Super Omega-3 Plus | 75 B+ | $0.66 |
Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing. Per-serving cost is list price divided by servings per container. No brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Common questions
How much Astaxanthin should I take?
The typical range is 4-12 mg daily. Safe long-term
When should I take Astaxanthin?
With fat-containing meal. Yes.
Which form of Astaxanthin is best?
Softgels — With fat source. Other forms in the catalog: Naturally in krill oil, Synthetic astaxanthin, Microalgae-derived (Haematococcus pluvialis).
Is Astaxanthin safe?
Commonly reported: Red/orange stool (harmless). Serious warnings: None. Safe
Which Astaxanthin supplement scores highest?
Pure Encapsulations Astaxanthin, at 93/100. Scored on dose accuracy, form, label transparency and third-party testing — no brand pays to be listed or ranked.
Primary uses
- Eye health
- Skin protection
- Endurance
- Anti-inflammatory
- Eye fatigue
- Retinal protection
- Eye strain
- Circulation
- UV protection
- Skin elasticity
- Skin aging
- Wrinkles
What systematic reviews concluded
Outcomes that systematic reviews of Astaxanthin reached a verdict on: 13 with a benefit, 3 with no effect, 1 unclear. Each is quoted from a review and linked to it on PubMed. How these were read.
Reviews found a benefit (13)
“Astaxanthin significantly reduced creatine kinase levels (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI: -0.83 to -0.07).” PMID 42197030
“Lactate dehydrogenase also favored astaxanthin (SMD = -0.93, 95% CI: -1.39 to -0.48), although heterogeneity was substantial.” PMID 42197030
“significant increases were observed in progressive motility (MD = 6.79, 95% CI: 3.37 to 10.21, p = 0.00) and sperm viability during thawing (MD = 7.56, 95% CI: 4.91 to 10.21, p = 0.00).” PMID 41714661
“Astaxanthin also significantly improved the percentage of sperm with normal morphology (MD = -24.53, 95% CI: -45.25 to -3.81, p = 0.02).” PMID 41714661
“astaxanthin significantly improves markers of total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in follicular fluid” PMID 39269488
“Astaxanthin alone resulted in a notable increase in the No. of good-quality embryos (MD = 1.17, 95% CrI = 0.19, 2.16; CINeMA: Very low certainty).” PMID 41254684 · 2 reviews
and 7 more.
Reviews found no effect (3)
“No significant effects were observed for malondialdehyde or interleukin-6.” PMID 42197030 · 2 reviews
“Astaxanthin did not significantly improve VO2max, time-trial performance, or maximal workload/power output.” PMID 42197030
“-7.49 to 18.84, p = 0.40) or DNA damage (MD = -12.07, 95% CI: -25.72 to 1.57, p = 0.08) after thawing.” PMID 41714661
Not enough to say: interleukin-6.
1 finding from reviews in specific patient groups (such as cancer, pregnancy or surgery) is not shown here.
How it works
- 6000x stronger than vitamin C
- Crosses blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers
- Protects from UV damage
Dosage
- Typical range
- 4-12 mg daily
- Timing
- With fat-containing meal
- With food
- Yes
- Duration
- Safe long-term
- Special populations
- Eye health, outdoor athletes, skin aging
Forms
- Softgels
- Naturally in krill oil· 70/100
- Synthetic astaxanthin· 70/100
- Microalgae-derived (Haematococcus pluvialis)· 70/100
Safety
Common side effects
- Red/orange stool (harmless)
Contraindications
- None
Products containing Astaxanthin
Top-scoring supplements in our catalog that list Astaxanthin on the label. Each product is graded on Formulate's ingredient-level rubric — dose accuracy, form, transparency, and third-party testing.
Evidence notes
Exceptionally potent antioxidant
Grade B: Some human trials support key claims; further confirmation needed.
Related in Antioxidant
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Medical disclaimer. This page is educational and does not replace advice from a qualified healthcare provider. Individual needs and risks vary — consult a professional before starting, stopping, or combining supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing, taking medication, or managing a health condition.