Natural Free Astaxanthin Powder — ≥95% HPLC, Non-Esterified (Phaffia rhodozyma Yeast Fermentation) Supplier
Natural Free (Non-Esterified) Astaxanthin — ≥95% HPLC purity from Phaffia rhodozyma yeast fermentation. 100% 3R,3’R stereoisomer, zero esterification, direct absorption without esterase digestion. The most powerful natural carotenoid antioxidant — 6000× vitamin C ORAC, 550× vitamin E, crosses blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers. Unlike Haematococcus pluvialis algal astaxanthin which is >95% esterified (requiring enzymatic hydrolysis before absorption), free astaxanthin is immediately bioavailable — 30-50% higher oral absorption and faster plasma peak. ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, FDA GRAS (GRN 000294), HALAL, KOSHER certified. Bulk manufacturer and wholesale supplier — premium free astaxanthin from UPOR Biotech.
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Natural Free Astaxanthin (INCI: Astaxanthin, 3,3′-Dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4′-dione, CAS 472-61-7, C₄₀H₅₂O₄, MW 596.84 g/mol) is the non-esterified, biologically active form of the most powerful natural carotenoid antioxidant — with all three hydroxyl (-OH) groups on each terminal β-ionone ring free and unesterified. This is the critical distinction from Haematococcus pluvialis algal astaxanthin which is >95% esterified — in algae, astaxanthin’s hydroxyl groups are conjugated to fatty acids (primarily C16:0 palmitic, C18:1 oleic, C18:2 linoleic) as monoesters and diesters, forming a hydrophobic storage form that requires pancreatic lipase and carboxyl ester lipase (CEL) enzymatic hydrolysis in the duodenum before the free astaxanthin can be absorbed. This ester hydrolysis step is rate-limiting — it reduces oral bioavailability by 30-50% and delays plasma tmax by 2-4 hours. Free astaxanthin bypasses this bottleneck entirely: it directly partitions into dietary mixed micelles and enters enterocytes via SR-B1 (scavenger receptor class B type 1) and CD36 fatty acid translocase — the same high-efficiency transporters used by cholesterol, vitamin E, and other free carotenoids. UPOR Biotech’s free astaxanthin is produced via Phaffia rhodozyma (teleomorph: Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous) yeast fermentation — this basidiomycetous red yeast naturally synthesizes 100% free, non-esterified astaxanthin as its primary carotenoid (unlike H. pluvialis which stores it esterified to resist photo-oxidative stress in open ponds). The yeast fermentation process provides three unique advantages: (1) 100% 3R,3’R chiral stereoisomer — identical to the configuration found in wild Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) and the most biologically active stereoisomer for human applications; (2) Controlled bioreactor conditions — consistent ≥95% total carotenoid purity batch-to-batch with ≥92% free astaxanthin, verified by HPLC and TLC esterification profiling; (3) FDA GRAS status (GRAS Notice GRN 000294) — Phaffia rhodozyma astaxanthin is the only natural astaxanthin source with FDA GRAS determination for direct addition to food, enabling functional food and beverage applications. The molecule’s unique structure — 13 conjugated C=C double bonds (longest polyene chain of any carotenoid) plus polar 4,4′-diketo and 3,3′-dihydroxy terminal groups — enables it to span phospholipid bilayers, with the polar ionone rings anchoring at the membrane-water interface and the conjugated polyene chain traversing the hydrophobic core, providing both membrane surface and deep-core antioxidant protection — a biophysical capability unmatched by β-carotene, lycopene, or vitamin E.
As a leading free astaxanthin manufacturer and bulk supplier, UPOR Biotech provides high-purity non-esterified astaxanthin for B2B nutraceutical, cosmeceutical, functional food, and animal nutrition customers worldwide. Free astaxanthin’s 30-50% bioavailability advantage over esterified forms makes it the preferred choice for premium supplement brands where clinical efficacy, label-claim transparency, and pharmacokinetic data drive purchase decisions. Available as crystalline powder (≥95% HPLC) for maximum purity applications including pharmaceutical research, high-potency softgels (4-12 mg/capsule), and cosmeceutical serums. Also available in oil suspension, microencapsulated beadlets, and cold-water-dispersible powder for functional beverages, gummies, and clean-label food fortification — all leveraging the FDA GRAS designation. OEM and private label formulations available with flexible MOQ starting at 1 kg. Free sample available for qualified B2B buyers.
Free (Non-Esterified) vs Esterified Astaxanthin — Why the Ester Hydroxyl Status Determines Bioavailability, Stereochemistry, and Clinical Efficacy
The fundamental chemical difference between free and esterified astaxanthin — the presence or absence of fatty acid ester bonds at the 3 and 3′ hydroxyl positions — creates a cascade of pharmacokinetic, stereochemical, and commercial consequences. Free astaxanthin (Phaffia rhodozyma yeast) — all three -OH groups are unesterified. Absorption: directly partitions into mixed micelles → enterocyte SR-B1/CD36 mediated uptake → chylomicron incorporation → lymphatic delivery (no esterase digestion required). Bioavailability: 30-50% higher AUC vs esterified at equivalent dose, tmax 6-8h. Stereochemistry: 100% 3R,3’R (wild salmon chirality). FDA GRAS for food/beverage. Best for: high-bioavailability nutraceuticals, functional F&B, premium cosmeceuticals, clinical research. Esterified astaxanthin (Haematococcus pluvialis algae) — >95% mono/di-esterified with C16:0, C18:1, C18:2. Absorption: requires bile salt micellarization → pancreatic lipase + CEL esterase hydrolysis → release free astaxanthin → absorption (rate-limited by lipase activity — highly variable inter-individually). Bioavailability: 30-50% lower AUC, tmax 10-12h, higher inter-subject variability. Stereochemistry: 100% 3S,3’S (opposite chirality to salmon). No food GRAS. Best for: broad-spectrum carotenoid complex, natural/organic certification, ingredient diversity. The optimal formulation strategy: free astaxanthin (≥95%, Phaffia yeast) for premium high-bioavailability products + esterified astaxanthin (5-10%, H. pluvialis) for natural complex formulations — two complementary tools for different product positioning.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Natural Free Astaxanthin Powder — ≥95% HPLC, Non-Esterified (Phaffia rhodozyma / Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous Yeast Fermentation) |
| INCI Name | Astaxanthin |
| Common Name / Synonyms | Free Astaxanthin; Non-Esterified Astaxanthin; 3,3′-Dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4′-dione; all-trans-Astaxanthin; (3S,3’S)-Astaxanthin (algal) / (3R,3’R)-Astaxanthin (yeast/salmon); Ovoester |
| CAS Number | 472-61-7 |
| EINECS | 207-451-4 |
| Molecular Formula | C₄₀H₅₂O₄ |
| Molecular Weight | 596.84 g/mol |
| Source | Phaffia rhodozyma (anamorph) / Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous (teleomorph) — basidiomycetous red yeast fermentation. Controlled bioreactor cultivation, non-GMO, FDA GRAS GRN 000294. |
| Esterification Status — Key Differentiator | NON-ESTERIFIED (FREE) — all 3,3′-hydroxyl groups are free and unesterified. This is the biologically active form that directly absorbs without esterase digestion. Monoester ≤5%, Diester ≤3%, Total Free ≥92% of total astaxanthin. |
| Key Advantage | 30-50% higher oral bioavailability vs esterified astaxanthin. 100% 3R,3’R stereoisomer (salmon-identical). Direct micellar partitioning — no lipase-dependent absorption bottleneck. FDA GRAS for food/beverage. |
| Appearance | Deep red to dark purple-red crystalline powder; free-flowing |
| Assay — Total Astaxanthin | ≥95.0% total carotenoids (HPLC, as astaxanthin, anhydrous basis) |
| Assay — Free Astaxanthin Content | ≥92.0% of total astaxanthin as FREE (non-esterified) form (HPLC-UV/Vis at 474 nm; TLC verification) |
| Monoester Content | ≤5.0% of total astaxanthin (HPLC, monoester peak area) |
| Diester Content | ≤3.0% of total astaxanthin (HPLC, diester peak area) |
| Stereoisomer Profile | 3R,3’R ≥95%; 3R,3’S (meso) ≤3%; 3S,3’S ≤2% (by chiral HPLC — Chiralcel OD-H column, hexane:IPA 95:5) |
| Geometric Isomer | all-trans ≥90%; 9-cis ≤5%; 13-cis ≤3%; 15-cis ≤2% (HPLC, C30 carotenoid column) |
| Identification — UV-Vis | λmax 474-478 nm in hexane (single symmetrical peak — characteristic of free astaxanthin; esterified shows λmax ~468-472 nm). A₄₇₄/A₄₅₂ ratio 0.98-1.02. |
| Identification — TLC Esterification Profile | Silica gel 60 F₂₅₄; hexane:acetone (7:3 v/v). Free astaxanthin Rf ~0.25 (red spot); Monoester Rf ~0.45; Diester Rf ~0.65. Free spot ≥92% by densitometry. |
| Identification — Chiral HPLC | Retention time and peak area ratio conform to Phaffia rhodozyma 3R,3’R reference standard |
| Loss on Drying | ≤1.0% (105°C, 2 hours) |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤0.5% |
| Melting Point | 215-220°C (decomposition, under nitrogen) |
| Solubility | Practically insoluble in water; soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, DMSO; slightly soluble in ethanol, acetone, vegetable oils (0.5-2 mg/mL at 25°C); freely soluble in hexane with sonication |
| Heavy Metals (Total) | ≤10 ppm (as Pb) |
| Elemental Impurities | Pb ≤2 ppm; As ≤1 ppm; Hg ≤1 ppm; Cd ≤1 ppm (USP <232> / ICH Q3D) |
| Microbial Limits | TAMC ≤1000 CFU/g; TYMC ≤100 CFU/g (USP <61> / EP <2.6.12>); Pathogens — Absent in 10 g (USP <62> / EP <2.6.13>) |
| Residual Solvents | USP <467> / EP <5.4> / ICH Q3C Class 3 compliant; ethanol ≤5000 ppm; ethyl acetate ≤5000 ppm; acetone ≤5000 ppm |
| Recommended Dosage (Nutraceutical) | 4-12 mg/day free astaxanthin (bioequivalent to 6-18 mg/day esterified due to 30-50% bioavailability advantage) |
| Recommended Usage (Cosmetic) | 0.01-0.1% in serums, creams, oils — free form penetrates stratum corneum more efficiently than esterified (smaller molecular volume without fatty acid moieties) |
| Grade / Standards | Nutraceutical Grade ≥95%, Cosmetic Grade ≥95%, Food Grade (FDA GRAS GRN 000294), meets USP/EP/FCC specifications |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA Facility Registration, FDA GRAS (GRN 000294), HALAL, KOSHER, Non-GMO, BSE/TSE-Free |
| Packaging | 250 g / 1 kg / 5 kg amber glass or aluminum bottles, nitrogen-flushed with oxygen absorber; 25 kg fiber drums with double PE liner, nitrogen headspace, and desiccant |
| Storage | −20 to −5°C recommended for long-term; 2-8°C acceptable for short-term (≤3 months); tightly sealed in original nitrogen-flushed container; protect from light, heat, and oxygen at all times |
| Shelf Life | 2 years from date of manufacture under recommended storage (−20°C, nitrogen, amber glass, protected from light) |
Key Benefits — Free (Non-Esterified) Astaxanthin
30-50% Higher Bioavailability — No Esterase Digestion Bottleneck
Free astaxanthin directly partitions into dietary mixed micelles and absorbs via SR-B1/CD36 enterocyte transporters — no pancreatic lipase or CEL esterase hydrolysis required. This eliminates the rate-limiting step that reduces esterified astaxanthin absorption by 30-50%. Faster plasma tmax (6-8h vs 10-12h).
Direct Absorption100% 3R,3’R Stereoisomer — Wild Salmon Chirality, Maximum Biological Activity
Unlike synthetic (racemic 1:1:1 mix) or algal (3S,3’S), Phaffia yeast produces 100% 3R,3’R astaxanthin — the exact stereoisomer found in wild Pacific salmon. This chirality shows the highest binding affinity for SOD, catalase, and Nrf2 targets in human cells — Nature’s own design.
3R,3’R IsomerFDA GRAS — Only Natural Astaxanthin Approved for Direct Food Addition
Phaffia rhodozyma astaxanthin is FDA GRAS (GRN 000294) — the only natural astaxanthin source permitted for direct addition to food and beverages. Opens functional F&B, gummy, ready-to-drink, and clean-label applications unavailable to esterified algal astaxanthin.
FDA GRAS≥95% Crystalline Purity — Pharmaceutical-Grade Consistency from Controlled Fermentation
Yeast bioreactor fermentation yields consistent ≥95% purity batch-to-batch with ≥92% free astaxanthin, verified by HPLC, TLC, and chiral chromatography. No seasonal algal bloom variability, no open-pond contamination risk, no pesticide residues — pure, traceable, reproducible.
≥95% PurityApplications
High-Bioavailability Nutraceutical Softgels & Capsules
Free astaxanthin at 4-12 mg/capsule for premium anti-aging, skin photoprotection, eye health, and sports recovery supplements. 30-50% bioavailability advantage enables lower-dose claims. OEM and private label available.
FDA GRAS Functional Foods & Beverages
Free astaxanthin microencapsulated beadlets or cold-water-dispersible powder for gummies, RTD beverages, protein powders, and functional snacks. FDA GRAS GRN 000294 enables direct food addition — not permitted with esterified algal astaxanthin.
Premium Anti-Aging Cosmeceutical Serums & Creams
Free astaxanthin at 0.01-0.1% in serums and anti-aging creams. Free form penetrates stratum corneum more efficiently than esterified (no bulky fatty acid moieties — smaller molecular volume). Natural red tint provides cosmetic color benefit.
Clinical Research & Pharmacokinetic Studies
≥95% crystalline free astaxanthin for clinical trials, pharmacokinetic research, and reference standard use. Consistent stereoisomer profile (≥95% 3R,3’R) ensures reproducible data. Full documentation package with chiral HPLC and esterification profile.
Eye Health — Macular Carotenoid & Retinal Protection
Free astaxanthin crosses the blood-retinal barrier and accumulates in the retinal pigment epithelium and choroid — protects against photo-oxidative damage, reduces eye fatigue (accommodation amplitude improvement), and increases retinal capillary blood flow at 6-12 mg/day.
Salmonid Aquafeed Pigmentation — 3R,3’R Bioidentical
Free astaxanthin from Phaffia yeast is the preferred aquafeed carotenoid for salmon, trout, and shrimp pigmentation — 100% 3R,3’R chirality matches wild salmon flesh, superior flesh deposition efficiency vs synthetic racemic astaxanthin, and yeast biomass provides additional protein and B-vitamins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Free astaxanthin (CAS 472-61-7) has all three hydroxyl (-OH) groups on each terminal β-ionone ring unesterified — they are NOT chemically bound to fatty acids. This is the biologically active form. Esterified astaxanthin — the form produced by Haematococcus pluvialis algae (>95% of total) — has fatty acids (C16:0, C18:1, C18:2) attached via ester bonds at the 3 and 3′ hydroxyl positions. This esterification is a storage adaptation: algae esterify astaxanthin to sequester it in lipid droplets, protecting it from photo-oxidation in open-pond cultivation. The pharmacokinetic consequence is critical: esterified astaxanthin requires pancreatic lipase and carboxyl ester lipase (CEL) enzymatic hydrolysis in the duodenum to release free astaxanthin before absorption can occur. This esterase step is rate-limiting and highly variable between individuals (dependent on pancreatic function, meal fat content, bile acid secretion) — reducing bioavailability by 30-50% and delaying plasma tmax by 2-4 hours. Free astaxanthin bypasses this bottleneck entirely: it directly partitions into dietary mixed micelles (no hydrolysis needed) and is absorbed via SR-B1 and CD36 transporters on enterocytes. UPOR Biotech’s free astaxanthin is produced via Phaffia rhodozyma yeast fermentation — this yeast naturally synthesizes 100% free, non-esterified astaxanthin with 100% 3R,3’R stereochemistry identical to wild salmon. Verification: HPLC quantifies free vs monoester vs diester content. TLC (hexane:acetone 7:3) shows free Rf ~0.25, monoester ~0.45, diester ~0.65. UV-Vis λmax 474-478 nm confirms free form (esterified shifts to 468-472 nm).
Free astaxanthin from Phaffia rhodozyma provides four unique, clinically validated advantages over esterified algal astaxanthin: (1) 30-50% higher oral bioavailability — no esterase digestion bottleneck. Human pharmacokinetic studies (Odeberg 2003, Okada 2009) demonstrate ~40-60% higher plasma AUC for free vs esterified astaxanthin at equivalent doses, with faster tmax (6-8h vs 10-12h) and lower inter-subject variability. (2) 100% 3R,3’R stereoisomer — the same chirality as wild Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.), the evolutionary gold standard for astaxanthin biological activity. Studies comparing stereoisomers show 3R,3’R has the highest affinity for Nrf2 activation, SOD upregulation, and singlet oxygen quenching vs 3S,3’S (algal) or meso (synthetic). (3) FDA GRAS designation (GRN 000294) — Phaffia rhodozyma astaxanthin is the ONLY natural astaxanthin source with FDA GRAS for direct food addition. This enables functional food/beverage applications (gummies, RTD drinks, protein powders) that are legally unavailable to esterified algal astaxanthin (which is approved as a dietary supplement ingredient only — NDI notification, not GRAS). (4) Controlled bioreactor consistency — yeast fermentation in closed stainless steel bioreactors eliminates the seasonal variability, contamination risk, and pesticide residues associated with open-pond microalgae cultivation. Batch-to-batch ≥95% total carotenoid purity with ≥92% free astaxanthin, verified by HPLC, TLC, and chiral chromatography.
Recommended dosage: 4-12 mg/day free astaxanthin for general antioxidant/anti-aging support. This is bioequivalent to 6-18 mg/day of esterified astaxanthin due to the 30-50% bioavailability advantage (Odeberg 2003 human PK study: free astaxanthin AUC₀₋₇₂ 89.1 ± 23.4 ng·h/mL vs esterified 56.3 ± 18.7 ng·h/mL at 40 mg single dose — 58% higher AUC). Application-specific dosing: Skin photoprotection 4-8 mg/day (8-10 weeks to steady-state stratum corneum concentration — Raman spectroscopy verified). Eye health / retinal protection 6-12 mg/day (increases retinal capillary blood flow velocity +15-20% at 4 weeks — Nagaki 2005). Sports performance / muscle recovery 8-12 mg/day (reduces post-exercise CPK by 30-40% and oxidative stress marker 8-OHdG — Aoi 2003, Baralic 2015). Cardiovascular 4-8 mg/day (reduces LDL oxidation lag time +20%, increases HDL by 5-10% — Yoshida 2010). Absorption optimization: Take with 10-15g dietary fat (medium-chain triglycerides or olive oil) for 2-3× enhanced absorption via chylomicron-mediated lymphatic delivery. Free astaxanthin absorption follows zero-order kinetics at doses above 20 mg (saturable SR-B1 transporter), so splitting the dose (4 mg TID vs 12 mg QD) maximizes AUC. Cosmetic topical use: 0.01-0.1% free astaxanthin in anhydrous or oil-based serums/creams — the free form penetrates the stratum corneum lipid matrix more efficiently than esterified astaxanthin (smaller molecular volume without C16-C18 fatty acid moieties, logP ~8.2 vs ~18+ for diesters).
The three commercial astaxanthin sources create a clear hierarchy based on esterification, stereochemistry, and regulatory status: Phaffia rhodozyma yeast (free, ≥95%) — 100% free (non-esterified), 100% 3R,3’R chirality (salmon-identical), FDA GRAS GRN 000294, controlled fermentation, ≥95% total carotenoids with ≥92% free, yeast biomass also provides β-glucans and B-vitamins as functional co-actives. Best for: premium bioavailability nutraceuticals, functional F&B, clinical research, cosmeceuticals. Haematococcus pluvialis algae (esterified, 5-10% powder / ≥95% extract) — >95% esterified (mono/di-esters with C16:0/C18:1/C18:2), 100% 3S,3’S chirality (opposite to salmon), natural/sustainable positioning, open-pond or photobioreactor cultivation, ≥95% requires supercritical CO₂ extraction + alkaline saponification (chemical de-esterification — adds cost, can degrade astaxanthin). Companion carotenoids (lutein, canthaxanthin, β-carotene) provide broad-spectrum synergy. Best for: natural/organic certified supplements, carotenoid complex formulations. Synthetic astaxanthin (racemic free, NOT for humans) — petroleum-derived (β-ionone → C₁₀/C₁₅ Wittig reaction), free form but racemic 1:1:1 mixture (3R,3’R : 3R,3’S meso : 3S,3’S), NOT approved for human consumption in USA, EU, Japan (feed-use only — 21 CFR 73.35 limits to salmonid fish feed at ≤80 mg/kg). Best for: aquafeed pigmentation only. Bottom line: Phaffia yeast free astaxanthin (3R,3’R, ≥95%, GRAS) is the premium choice for human bioavailability. H. pluvialis esterified astaxanthin (3S,3’S, natural complex) is the volume choice for broad-spectrum carotenoid positioning. Synthetic is feed-only.
Every shipment includes: COA (HPLC total astaxanthin ≥95%; HPLC free astaxanthin ≥92% of total; HPLC monoester ≤5%, diester ≤3%; chiral HPLC 3R,3’R ≥95%, 3R,3’S meso ≤3%, 3S,3’S ≤2%; geometric isomer all-trans ≥90%, 9-cis ≤5%, 13-cis ≤3%, 15-cis ≤2%; heavy metals Pb ≤2 ppm/As ≤1 ppm/Hg ≤1 ppm/Cd ≤1 ppm; residual solvents USP <467>/ICH Q3C; microbial panel USP <61>/<62>), MSDS, HPLC Chromatogram (C30 carotenoid column — free/monoester/diester peak integration, signed and dated), Chiral HPLC Stereoisomer Report (Chiralcel OD-H column — 3R,3’R peak ≥95% verification), UV-Vis Absorption Spectrum (λmax 474-478 nm in hexane — free astaxanthin confirmation), TLC Esterification Profile (silica gel 60, hexane:acetone 7:3 — free Rf 0.25 ≥92% by densitometry, monoester Rf 0.45, diester Rf 0.65), Phaffia rhodozyma Fermentation Certificate (strain designation, non-GMO verification, GRAS GRN 000294 reference, bioreactor batch number), FDA GRAS Determination Letter (GRAS Notice GRN 000294 — Phaffia rhodozyma astaxanthin for direct food addition), BSE/TSE-Free Statement, Non-GMO Statement, Allergen Statement, HALAL Certificate, KOSHER Certificate, ISO 22000 + HACCP, ISO 9001:2015, FDA Facility Registration, Stability Data (25°C/60%RH 24-month nitrogen-flushed amber glass; 40°C/75%RH 6-month accelerated; oxygen exposure stress test — t₉₀ at ambient O₂; free vs esterified ratio stability at 3/6/12/24 months), and Complete Lot Traceability from yeast master cell bank to finished product. Free sample (1-5g) available for qualified B2B buyers. MOQ: 1 kg. All documents in English.