Astaxanthin Oil 10% — Cosmetic Grade

What Is Astaxanthin Oil 10%?

Astaxanthin Oil 10% is a highly concentrated carotenoid active delivering 10% Astaxanthin (CAS 472-61-7) in MCT Oil (Medium Chain Triglycerides), ready for direct incorporation into the oil phase of cosmetic formulations. Astaxanthin is a xanthophyll carotenoid naturally produced by the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and is widely recognised as one of the most potent naturally occurring antioxidants known to science. Its singlet oxygen quenching capacity is estimated at up to 6,000× that of Vitamin C and 550× that of Vitamin E. EINECS: 207-451-8.

For those new to actives, astaxanthin is the ingredient responsible for the vivid pink-red colour of salmon, flamingos, and shrimp — nature’s way of protecting organisms from intense UV and oxidative stress. In skin care, this same protection translates to powerful photoprotection, anti-aging, and skin-tone correction benefits. The 10% concentration in MCT Oil means you only need very small amounts (0.01–0.1%) in your formula. One critical formulation note: astaxanthin is an intensely pigmented deep red-orange oil that will significantly colour your finished formulation — this must be planned for in your formula design.

At the expert level, astaxanthin’s unique molecular architecture sets it apart from other carotenoids. Its polar end groups allow it to anchor across the full phospholipid bilayer of cell membranes — spanning both the hydrophilic surface and lipophilic core — providing antioxidant protection both inside and outside the cell simultaneously. This contrasts with beta-carotene, which localises only in the lipophilic membrane core. Mechanistically, astaxanthin quenches singlet oxygen via physical and chemical pathways, scavenges peroxyl and hydroxyl radicals, inhibits lipid peroxidation cascades, and modulates NF-κB-mediated inflammatory pathways. At cosmetic use levels (0.01–0.1%), it delivers substantive photoprotective and anti-aging activity with an outstanding safety profile.

Key Benefits

• Exceptional Antioxidant Potency — Singlet oxygen quenching up to 6,000× stronger than Vitamin C; spans the full cell membrane bilayer for complete lipid-layer protection
• Photoprotection — Neutralises UV-induced ROS, reduces cumulative photoaging, and supports the skin’s natural UV defence mechanisms
• Anti-Aging & Wrinkle Reduction — Reduces oxidative collagen and elastin degradation; clinical studies support improvements in wrinkle depth and skin elasticity
• Brightening & Tone Correction — Antioxidant-mediated reduction of UV-induced hyperpigmentation and oxidative pigmentation
• Anti-Inflammatory — Modulates NF-κB inflammatory pathways, soothing UV-induced redness and skin irritation
• Ready-to-Use 10% Concentration — Pre-dissolved in MCT Oil for direct oil-phase addition; no special processing required

Applications

• Anti-aging facial oils and anhydrous antioxidant serums
• Photoprotective day creams and sunscreen boosters
• Eye creams targeting photoaging, fine lines, and dark circles
• Premium antioxidant night repair treatments
• Tinted balms and colour-positive formulations where warm tones are welcome
• After-sun soothing and recovery formulations

⚠️ Colour note: Astaxanthin Oil 10% is a deep red-orange colour and will significantly tint all finished formulations. Use in tinted, bronze, warm-tone, or opaque products, or plan your formula colour scheme accordingly. Even at 0.01%, the tint will be visible.

Formulation Details

How to Formulate With Astaxanthin Oil 10%

Beginner tip: Because astaxanthin is already dissolved in MCT Oil, it’s simple to use — just add it directly to your oil phase at 0.01–0.05% and blend. Start at 0.02% for a first formula. Be prepared: even a tiny amount creates a beautiful deep red-orange tint in your product. It pairs wonderfully with CoQ10 (which adds its own yellow tint) for a rich warm-toned antioxidant facial oil.

Expert notes:

• Phase: Oil phase; add directly as supplied — no pre-processing required
• Usage Rate: 0.01–0.1%; 0.02–0.05% is effective for most leave-on anti-aging applications; 0.1% for maximum photoprotective antioxidant loading
• Synergies: Outstanding with CoQ10 (complementary mitochondrial + carotenoid antioxidant stacking), Vitamin E (extends antioxidant cascade; Vitamin E regenerates oxidised astaxanthin), Ferulic Acid (antioxidant network amplification), THDA (oil-phase Vitamin C for triple antioxidant coverage), and Resveratrol (sirtuin activation + antioxidant synergy)
• Stability: Light- and heat-sensitive; protect from UV, high temperatures, and prolonged air exposure; use opaque or amber packaging with minimal headspace
• Colour management: At 0.01% expect a light peach-to-salmon tint; at 0.05–0.1% expect a deep orange-red; plan packaging and formula concept accordingly
• Preservation: For emulsions, always include a broad-spectrum preservative — we recommend Geogard ECT at 0.5–1.0%

Pairings — Build a Better Formula

• Coenzyme Q10 Powder 98% — Mitochondrial energiser that pairs with astaxanthin for a dual-mechanism carotenoid + ubiquinone multi-spectrum antioxidant stack
• Vitamin E Oil — Regenerates oxidised astaxanthin and extends the antioxidant cascade; the classic oil-phase antioxidant partner
• Ferulic Acid Powder — Phenolic antioxidant that amplifies astaxanthin’s photoprotective activity and stabilises oil-phase actives
• Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate — Oil-soluble Vitamin C that completes the C+E+Carotenoid antioxidant trio in oil-phase formulations
• Resveratrol Powder — Polyphenol antioxidant with sirtuin-activating longevity signalling; pairs with astaxanthin for premium anti-aging antioxidant depth
• Olive Squalane Oil — Ideal lightweight, skin-identical carrier for diluting and delivering astaxanthin in facial oils and serums

Suggested Formula

A premium photoprotective antioxidant facial oil combining astaxanthin’s exceptional singlet oxygen quenching with CoQ10, THDA, Ferulic Acid, and Vitamin E for comprehensive multi-spectrum free radical defence and anti-aging action.

Method: Warm squalane gently to ≤40°C. Pre-dissolve CoQ10 and Ferulic Acid separately in small portions of warm squalane until fully dissolved. Pre-dissolve Resveratrol in a minimal amount of propylene glycol. Combine all oils and solutions — THDA, Vitamin E Oil, Astaxanthin Oil — blend thoroughly until uniform. Allow to cool to room temperature. Fill into opaque or amber dropper bottle.

Target pH: N/A (anhydrous formula)
Recommended use: Apply 3–4 drops to cleansed skin morning and/or evening before moisturizer. Follow with broad-spectrum SPF during daytime use. Expect a warm deep orange-red tone to the finished oil.

Storage & Shelf Life

• Store in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, UV, and heat
• Keep container tightly sealed when not in use to prevent oxidation
• Use opaque or amber packaging — highly sensitive to light degradation
• Minimise headspace in packaging to reduce oxidative exposure
• Shelf life: 24 months unopened from date of manufacture
• MFG: JUL 2026 | EXP: JUL 2028

Safety & Handling

• For external use only — not for internal consumption
• Avoid contact with eyes; if contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water
• Conduct a patch test before use in finished formulations
• Keep out of reach of children
• Astaxanthin Oil will stain fabrics, surfaces, and skin — handle with care and wear gloves
• Refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for full handling and safety information: SDS