Supplements · Carotenoids
Astaxanthin
アスタキサンチン (Asuta kisanchin)
Also known as: 3,3'-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4'-dione
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| Category | Supplements |
|---|---|
| INCI name | Astaxanthin↗ |
| Japanese labeling name | アスタキサンチン |
| Common Japanese notations | アスタキサンチン |
| CAS number | 472-61-7↗ |
| Origin | Natural (Haematococcus microalgae, salmon, krill) or synthetic |
| Typical functions | Antioxidant, FFC active for various claims |
| Regulatory status in Japan | Astaxanthin appears in multiple FFC notifications. Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary. |
Astaxanthin is a deep-red carotenoid responsible for the pink color of salmon, shrimp, and krill. The most-cited commercial source is the freshwater microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. In Japan, astaxanthin is one of the most-notified Foods with Function Claims ingredients across multiple claim categories.
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Classification
Tags below link to other ingredients sharing the same attribute, so you can pivot from one ingredient to its peers.
Common OEM product categories
Finished-product categories where Japanese OEM manufacturers commonly formulate with this ingredient.
- FFC supplements (eye fatigue, skin moisture)
- Antioxidant cosmetic formulations
- Functional beverages
Ingredient profile
Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid with hydroxyl and keto groups on each ionone ring, producing a strongly antioxidant character. Commercial preparations are produced from Haematococcus microalga cultures, krill / salmon byproducts, or synthetic routes.
OEM applications
In supplements, astaxanthin appears in soft gels with claims around eye fatigue support, skin moisture, and athletic recovery — depending on the specific Consumer Affairs Agency notification.
In cosmetics, astaxanthin is used in antioxidant-positioning formulations.
Regulatory classification in Japan
Multiple FFC notifications involving astaxanthin have been submitted to the Consumer Affairs Agency.
Regulatory classification in other markets
| EU | Astaxanthin is approved as a Novel Food in specific preparations and concentrations. Cosmetic use is permitted under CosIng listings. |
|---|---|
| USA | Sold as a dietary supplement and used in cosmetics. |
| China | Verify against current regulatory listings. |
| Korea | Permitted. |
Market reference formulations
Example finished products will be added after verification.
All brand names and product names referenced anywhere on this site are the property of their respective owners. Example entries are provided for informational purposes only and do not imply endorsement.
Typical OEM use levels
Formulation ranges per finished-product application. Verify against the cited source before production.
| Application | Typical range | Regulatory limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Functional Food (FFC) — eye fatigue / skin claim (Japan) | Daily intake 6–12 mg per FFC notifications | Per consumer-affairs notification; published in 機能性表示食品DB | Multiple FFC claims registered including 眼の調節機能 / 抗酸化 / 肌の潤い(消費者庁 機能性表示食品データベース) |
Stability & compatibility
- pH range
- Stable in oil phase; pH-dependent in aqueous formulations
- Temperature
- Sensitive to heat (>70°C accelerates degradation) and oxygen exposure
- Incompatibilities
- Strong oxidizers
- Direct light
- Iron / copper without chelation
Must be encapsulated or oil-dispersed for cosmetic / supplement use. Pair with mixed tocopherols and avoid prolonged hot processing. Source: published stability literature on Haematococcus astaxanthin.
Storage requirements
How the receiving OEM facility needs to handle inbound raw material.
- Temperature
- Refrigerated 4°C ideal; freezer for long-term stock
- Conditions
- Opaque, oxygen-impermeable packaging; oil-encapsulated form preferred
- Shelf life
- 24 months sealed cold; oil dispersion stable longer than free crystals
Astaxanthin stability literature (Haematococcus)
Supply concentration
Where this ingredient comes from — useful for single-source-risk planning.
- Primary regions
- Toyama (AstaReal / Fuji Chemical Industries) — historical Japanese production center
- Import dependence
- Bulk astaxanthin supply globally distributed (US, Israel, India also producers); Japanese pharma-grade is domestic
Industry references
Certifications commonly available
Certification schemes commonly obtainable for this raw material. Always confirm the specific supplier's current certificate before contracting.
| Scheme | Availability | |
|---|---|---|
| GMP | Standard | |
| Halal | On-request | Haematococcus pluvialis (algae) source enables Halal cert |
| Kosher | On-request | |
| Vegan | Common | Algae-derived (Haematococcus); synthetic / Paracoccus also non-animal |
| USP Pharmaceutical Grade | Common | AstaReal / Fuji Chemical Industries grades |
| Non-GMO | Common |
Alternative ingredients
Related ingredients commonly evaluated as substitutes.
Quick answers
- What is Astaxanthin?
- Astaxanthin is a deep-red carotenoid responsible for the pink color of salmon, shrimp, and krill. The most-cited commercial source is the freshwater microalga Haematococcus pluvialis. In Japan, astaxanthin is one of the most-notified Foods with Function Claims ingredients across multiple claim categories.
- What is the regulatory status of Astaxanthin in Japan?
- Astaxanthin appears in multiple FFC notifications. Cosmetic use under JSCI dictionary.
- What products typically use Astaxanthin?
- FFC supplements (eye fatigue, skin moisture) / Antioxidant cosmetic formulations / Functional beverages
- Where does Astaxanthin come from?
- Natural (Haematococcus microalgae, salmon, krill) or synthetic
- What is the INCI / JSCI labeling name for Astaxanthin?
- INCI: Astaxanthin / JSCI: アスタキサンチン
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From the same origin
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Regulatory guidance
Take the next step
FAQ for OEM buyers
Q. What is astaxanthin and where does it come from?
Astaxanthin (3,3'-dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4'-dione, CAS 472-61-7) is a deep-red xanthophyll carotenoid responsible for the pink color of salmon, shrimp, krill, and flamingos. The most-cited commercial natural source is the freshwater microalga Haematococcus pluvialis (also written H. lacustris), which can be induced under stress to accumulate astaxanthin to 1–5% of its dry weight. Krill and yeast (Phaffia / Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous) are alternative sources; chemical synthesis is also used principally for animal feed (E161j) rather than human supplements.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
Q. What is astaxanthin's regulatory status as a Novel Food in the EU?
Haematococcus pluvialis-derived astaxanthin is authorized as a Novel Food in the EU (Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/2470) for use in food supplements. EFSA's 2014 Scientific Opinion set an Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.034 mg per kg body weight per day for astaxanthin from the H. pluvialis source — corresponding to approximately 2 mg/day for a 60 kg adult. Higher daily intakes commonly used in older supplement products (4–12 mg/day) exceed this ADI and have prompted reformulation in EU markets.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
Q. Are there Foods with Function Claims (FFC) registered for astaxanthin in Japan?
Yes. Astaxanthin is one of the most-notified ingredients in Japan's FFC system, with multiple notifications across claim categories including eye-fatigue support (eye health), skin moisture support, and reduction of physical fatigue. Each notification specifies the source, daily dose, and exact claim wording — daily doses range from approximately 4 mg to 12 mg of free astaxanthin in registered Japanese FFC products, depending on the claim. Verify the specific notification before adopting any claim language.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
Q. How is astaxanthin formulated for cosmetic use?
Astaxanthin (INCI: Astaxanthin) is used in antioxidant skincare formulations principally as an oil-soluble red pigment in serums, creams, and eye care, typically at 0.01–0.1% in finished products. It is highly oxidation-sensitive and light-sensitive, and is supplied as oleoresin / oil-dispersed concentrates or as encapsulated powders to improve formulation stability. Pairing with vitamin E and packaging in opaque, oxygen-barrier containers is standard practice.
Sources · Last reviewed: 2026-04-26
Use cases
FFC-notified eye-health supplements
- Positioning
- Soft-gel daily supplement with FFC-notified eye-fatigue support claims for the Japanese domestic market.
- Typical usage level
- FFC-notified products typically dose at 4–6 mg per daily serving for eye-fatigue claims; verify the exact level claimed in the relevant Consumer Affairs Agency notification.
Skin-moisture / inner-beauty supplements
- Positioning
- FFC-notified inner-beauty soft-gel supplements with skin-moisture support claim, often paired with collagen peptides or hyaluronic acid.
- Typical usage level
- Japanese FFC products in this category typically dose around 4–6 mg astaxanthin per daily serving — verify per-notification.
Antioxidant cosmetic serums and eye creams
- Positioning
- Premium antioxidant skincare with visible red color as a natural-ingredient signal; positioning around free-radical defense and anti-aging.
- Typical usage level
- 0.01–0.1% astaxanthin in finished cosmetic formulation.
- Formulation notes
- Pair with vitamin E and use opaque, oxygen-barrier packaging; expected formulation stability window is approximately 12–24 months when properly formulated.
Sources
Functional beverages and shots
- Positioning
- Single-serve functional beverage shots (50–100 mL) targeting the active-lifestyle and beauty consumer.
- Typical usage level
- Encapsulated astaxanthin at 2–6 mg per serving; oxidation protection is critical for shelf life.
- Formulation notes
- Use water-dispersible encapsulated powder (cyclodextrin or starch encapsulation) for clear-beverage applications; verify EU ADI compliance for products sold into EU.
Search the academic literature
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Official regulatory databases
External links to public Japanese / international regulatory authorities. We are not affiliated.
References
- Japan Consumer Affairs Agency — Foods with Function Claims notification database
- EU Novel Food regulation — astaxanthin specifications
Last updated: 2026-04-22. Ingredient entries are reviewed at least annually against current regulatory listings.