Astaxanthin

Astaxanthin is a chemical found in types of algae (including _Haematococcus pluvialis_), fungi, bacteria, and aquatic organisms. It is a naturally occurring red pigment that gives certain species of shrimp their red coloring. It is also used commercially as a food additive since it’s considered Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Studies find that astaxanthin has a wealth of benefits when applied to skin. It is a rich source of antioxidants that fight the oxidative stress that leads to visible skin aging. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that soothe reactive skin. Perhaps most interesting is that some studies point to astaxanthin’s ability to boost the UV protection of sunscreens because of its natural ability to deflect UV rays. Note: astaxanthin is _not_ an FDA approved UV filter, so it should not be relied upon solely for sun protection. Still, its potential to improve sunscreen performance makes it an exciting ingredient to see included in skin care products. Use levels of astaxanthin in skin care typically range from 0.01–0.07%. These low amounts, which will impart color to a formula, are a testament to how potent this antioxidant is.

Related ingredients: Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract