We speak to Annelie Gunnarsson, Brand Manager for Astaxin, which now caters astaxanthin to a worldwide audience, largely driven by the rising wellness trend.

If you think of the now-so-hyped microalgae as a new phenomenon in beauty and personal care and supplements, think again. Swedish company AstaReal has distinguished science-oriented roots; founded in 1988 as a spin-off from Uppsala University, one of the world’s most prestigious universities. Inspired by astaxanthin’s important role in nature and the animal kingdom, the research group focused on studying its potential for human health. Their work focused on positioning astaxanthin as a powerful active ingredient—while pioneering scalable manufacturing that would make high-quality, natural astaxanthin available for the supplement industry, which they launched as a world-first in 1995 under the brand name Astaxin.

– We’re now a global leader in the cultivation of the microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis and the production of natural astaxanthin, Gunnarsson shares. We specialise in producing high-quality algal meal and more processed raw materials, rich in astaxanthin, for use in food supplements and skincare products. Backed by more than 75 human clinical studies, astaxanthin stands as one of the most trusted and well‑validated phytonutrients for safety and effectiveness. It’s shown to support several health areas, including skin, promoting beauty from within. It neutralises free radicals in all skin layers and provides anti-inflammatory effects, and supports skin elasticity and collagen production.

Astaxanthin is the most powerful antioxidant known to science, up to 6,000 times stronger than Vitamin C. Another distinct advantage is its ability to span the entire lipid bilayer of the cell membrane, thus providing superior protection from the inside out. 

– Astaxanthin is a red pigment that belongs to the carotenoid family, providing the red-orange colouration to marine species like salmon, trout, and crustaceans, and even to birds such as flamingos. It is a pure antioxidant, which means the substance does not cause cell damage at high doses, and it neutralises free radicals more effectively than other antioxidants.

– Globally, the number of food supplements containing astaxanthin is steadily rising across Asia, America, and Europe, and its popularity is also growing rapidly in the Nordic region, Gunnarsson shares.

Last year saw the launch of AstaReal’s skincare line, Astaxin Stockholm, containing seven products.

– The products are carefully developed with high-quality ingredients and enriched with astaxanthin, to hydrate, soothe, and protect the skin. Today, our skincare products are available in Asia and Sweden, and our next launch will be in premium retail stores in European markets.

How can your natural astaxanthin support skin health?

– It’s acting as a potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cellular-restoring agent. When used as a combination of oral and topical formulations, it can significantly contribute enhance beauty from the inside out. It can also enhance skin elasticity by strengthening the collagen in dermis, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, age spots and skin pigmentation, and revitalising photoaged skin by quenching free radicals in all dermal layers.

There’s a great demand for this kind of Scandinavian ‘wellness’ products.

— Yes! Scandinavian beauty products are recognised for their high quality. In Asia and, particularly Shanghai, they’re influenced by Scandinavia and Scandinavians. They go here travelling, for the fresh air and water, and there’s high demand for both Scandinavian ingredients and products, Gunnarsson shares. She continues:

– The global market for natural astaxanthin derived from the mentioned microalgae, Haematococcus pluvialis, is experiencing robust growth. Valued at USD 2.34 billion in 2023, it is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.1% from 2024 to 2030. The increasing demand for astaxanthin is being driven by its expanding use across various industries, including animal feed, nutraceuticals, and cosmetics.

– This strong upward trend in the astaxanthin market, I’d say, is further supported by growing consumer interest in natural, more sustainable, science-backed ingredients that offer holistic and preventive health benefits. The rising application of ‘cell-protecting’ antioxidants in food and dietary supplements is anticipated to further propel market growth, with countries like Germany, the UK, and Italy leading the way.