Regulatory Status
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Safety Data
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Dermal Penetration Profile
Skin absorption and penetration characteristics of Astaxanthin, relevant to systemic exposure and MoS calculations.
Source: Mar Drugs 2011
Expert Verdict
Astaxanthin is the most potent singlet oxygen quencher known (approximately 6,000× more potent than vitamin C), with double-blind clinical evidence showing increased minimal erythema dose and reduced UV-induced transepidermal water loss at 4 mg/day oral dosing. Primary formulation challenges include intense orange-red pigmentation (cosmetically limiting above 0.01%) and poor water solubility requiring nanoemulsions or solid lipid nanoparticles for optimal delivery. Typical cosmetic use range is 0.001–0.05% with excellent tolerability and no sensitization at these concentrations.
Regulatory Flags
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Astaxanthin safe in cosmetics?
Astaxanthin is the most potent singlet oxygen quencher known (approximately 6,000× more potent than vitamin C), with double-blind clinical evidence showing increased minimal erythema dose and reduced UV-induced transepidermal water loss at 4 mg/day oral dosing. Primary formulation challenges include intense orange-red pigmentation (cosmetically limiting above 0.01%) and poor water solubility requiring nanoemulsions or solid lipid nanoparticles for optimal delivery. Typical cosmetic use range is 0.001–0.05% with excellent tolerability and no sensitization at these concentrations. The EU classifies Astaxanthin as "permitted". Safety rating: EXCELLENT.
Is Astaxanthin allowed in the EU?
Astaxanthin EU regulatory status: permitted. This is based on EU Regulation 1223/2009 and its amendments.
What does Astaxanthin do in cosmetics?
Astaxanthin functions as: Antioxidant; carotenoid; singlet oxygen quencher (approximately 6,000× more potent than vitamin C); free radical scavenger (HAT mechanism); photoprotective; anti-inflammatory; lipophilic skin active. It is classified as a Antioxidant in our database. CAS number: 472-61-7.
What is the Margin of Safety for Astaxanthin?
adequate The Margin of Safety (MoS) is calculated using SCCS methodology. A MoS above 100 is generally considered safe. Use the MoS Calculator tool to calculate MoS for your specific formulation and product category.
Compliance Tools
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Related Ingredients
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