Common Name(s): 3,3'-dihydroxy-beta-carotene-4,4'-dione,ketocarotenoid
CAS Number: 472-61-7
DESCRIPTION
What It Does: Provides the most powerful natural antioxidant activity from the unique membrane-spanning ketocarotenoid.
Why It's Used: Maximum natural antioxidant โ astaxanthin's unmatched singlet oxygen quenching capacity from marine microalgae provides superior photodamage prevention per unit applied.
How It Works: Unique spanning carotenoid structure crosses membrane bilayer quenching radicals at both inner and outer membrane surfaces simultaneously. singlet oxygen quenching kq ~3ร10ยนโฐ l/mol/s โ highest of all carotenoids. 11 conjugated double bonds for exceptional electron transfer. inhibits nf-kb for anti-inflammatory activity.
Typically Found In: Premium anti-aging serums,sunscreen boosters,photoprotection products
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Primary Category: Active ingredient โ antioxidant
Secondary Functions: Free radical scavenging,anti-aging
Application Areas:
Facial Skincare
Body Care
Hair Care
Beard Care
Color Cosmetics (Makeup)
Dietary/Oral Supplements
Typical Concentration Range: 0.01%โ0.2%
SOURCING & ETHICS
Vegan Status: Conditional - supplier confirmation required
Halal Status: Unverified - supplier confirmation required
Source Notes: Plant-derived extract or synthetic. [audit 2026-07-29 rev2: status downgraded on audit. determination requires shariah-panel sign-off.]
SKIN COMPATIBILITY
Irritancy Rating: 1/5 โ very low
Comedogenicity Rating: 0/5
Sensitivity Concerns: Non-irritating; well-tolerated.
Safe for Sensitive Skin: Yes
SAFETY & COMPATIBILITY
Safety Profile: Excellent safety profile. ewg score: 1.
Works Well With: Vitamin c,vitamin e,ferulic acid,spf,other antioxidants
Avoid Combining With: No significant incompatibilities
SCIENTIFIC NOTE
Astaxanthin's membrane-spanning structural uniqueness: its 3.6nm molecular length exactly spans a phospholipid bilayer membrane, allowing simultaneous quenching of radicals at both membrane surfaces. no other known antioxidant achieves this dual-surface protection โ the structural basis for astaxanthin's extraordinary antioxidant potency.
Last Verified: 2026-03-12
Primary Sources: Cosing database,naguib astaxanthin antioxidant comparison study