Natural Astaxanthin — Haematococcus pluvialis (>=5%/10% HPLC Powder, Oleoresin 5%/10%/20%, Beadlets & Crystalline >=98%) Supplier
Natural Astaxanthin (CAS 472-61-7, INCI: Astaxanthin / Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, C40H52O4, MW 596.84 g/mol) — the most powerful natural carotenoid antioxidant: 6000x vitamin C, 550x vitamin E, and 40x beta-carotene ORAC value. The only carotenoid that crosses both the blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers. Clinically proven for skin health (35% wrinkle reduction in 16-week RCT), eye health (macular carotenoid protection), sports performance (reduced muscle damage, increased endurance), and systemic antioxidant protection — with zero pro-oxidant effect unlike beta-carotene. Sourced from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae via sustainable supercritical CO2 extraction. Available in powder (>=5%/10% HPLC), oleoresin (5%/10%/20%), beadlets, and crystalline (>=98%) grades. ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA, HALAL, KOSHER, Non-GMO certified. Bulk manufacturer and wholesale supplier — premium natural astaxanthin from UPOR Biotech.
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Natural Astaxanthin (INCI: Astaxanthin / Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, 3,3'-Dihydroxy-beta,beta-carotene-4,4'-dione, CAS 472-61-7, C40H52O4, MW 596.84 g/mol, EINECS 207-451-4) is the most powerful natural carotenoid antioxidant known to science — delivering 6000x the ORAC value of vitamin C, 550x vitamin E, and 40x beta-carotene. This extraordinary potency derives from its unique molecular architecture: a long conjugated polyene chain of 13 alternating double and single bonds, capped at both ends by keto (-C=O) and hydroxyl (-OH) polar end groups. These terminal polar groups enable astaxanthin to span the entire phospholipid bilayer membrane — the polar end groups anchor at the aqueous-lipid interface while the polyene chain traverses the hydrophobic core — positioning astaxanthin to quench singlet oxygen and scavenge free radicals simultaneously at both the membrane surface and interior. The mechanism is physicochemical: when singlet oxygen collides with the conjugated polyene system, excitation energy transfers to astaxanthin's electron-rich pi-bond network and dissipates as harmless thermal energy — no reactive oxygen intermediates are generated in this process. This is the critical distinction from beta-carotene: astaxanthin's keto and hydroxyl end groups stabilize the excited-state intermediate, preventing electron transfer to molecular oxygen that would otherwise generate superoxide. Consequently, astaxanthin never becomes pro-oxidant at any concentration — unlike beta-carotene, which exhibits a bell-shaped dose-response curve where concentrations above 0.5-1.0 uM paradoxically promote lipid peroxidation by donating electrons to O2. Astaxanthin is the only carotenoid that crosses both the blood-brain barrier and the blood-retinal barrier, delivering antioxidant protection directly to the central nervous system and retinal macula — a unique biological privilege conferred by its intermediate lipophilicity (logP ~8.2) and molecular geometry that interacts favorably with endothelial tight-junction transporters. Additionally, astaxanthin protects mitochondrial membranes by intercalating into the inner mitochondrial membrane, reducing electron leakage from Complex I and III of the electron transport chain — preserving ATP synthesis efficiency under oxidative stress. Our astaxanthin is sourced from Haematococcus pluvialis, a freshwater microalgae with a remarkable life cycle: under optimal conditions, vegetative green flagellated cells thrive and divide; when stressed by nutrient deprivation, high light intensity, or oxidative challenge, these cells undergo encystment — transforming into dormant red cysts that accumulate astaxanthin up to 5% of dry biomass as a survival shield against photo-oxidative damage. UPOR Biotech cultivates H. pluvialis in controlled closed photobioreactors, triggers this natural encystment response under precisely monitored conditions, and extracts the astaxanthin-rich biomass using supercritical CO2 extraction — a solvent-free, environmentally sustainable process that preserves the full spectrum of natural astaxanthin mono- and di-esters in their native, bioavailable form.
As a leading natural astaxanthin manufacturer and bulk supplier, UPOR Biotech provides high-purity Haematococcus pluvialis astaxanthin to B2B nutraceutical brands, cosmetic formulators, sports nutrition companies, functional food and beverage manufacturers, and private-label product developers worldwide. The global natural astaxanthin market is experiencing double-digit annual growth driven by the clean-label supplement movement, the clinically validated skin-from-within beauty category, and expanding science around mitochondrial health — positioning natural astaxanthin as a premium, evidence-backed alternative to synthetic astaxanthin (petrochemical-derived) and krill oil (for antioxidant delivery without phospholipid dependency). Unlike krill oil and algae oil products that deliver astaxanthin as a secondary component, UPOR Biotech's multiple form options — powder (>=5%/10% HPLC), oleoresin (5%/10%/20%), beadlets, and crystalline (>=98% pure) — enable formulators to choose the optimal delivery system for any product format. OEM and private label custom formulations available with flexible MOQ starting at 1 kg. Free sample available for qualified buyers. Every shipment includes comprehensive documentation: COA with full carotenoid profile, MSDS, HPLC chromatogram, UV-Vis spectrum, and stability data.
Astaxanthin vs Beta-Carotene vs Lutein — The Carotenoid Antioxidant Power Ranking: Why Astaxanthin Has 6000x the ORAC Value of Vitamin C
Comparing the three major carotenoid families reveals why astaxanthin stands alone in antioxidant architecture and potency. Beta-Carotene (provitamin A carotene) is a non-polar hydrocarbon lacking oxygen functional groups — it sits entirely within the hydrophobic membrane core with limited interfacial access. Its antioxidant capacity is moderate (40x weaker than astaxanthin on ORAC), and critically, it exhibits a bell-shaped dose-response curve where concentrations above 0.5-1.0 uM become pro-oxidant, promoting rather than preventing lipid peroxidation — a major safety concern for high-dose supplementation and a known confounder in the ATBC and CARET lung cancer trials. Beta-carotene cannot cross the blood-brain or blood-retinal barriers. Lutein and Zeaxanthin (macular xanthophylls) possess hydroxyl end groups that anchor at one membrane surface — they concentrate exclusively in the macula as blue-light filters and have limited systemic antioxidant reach. They cross the blood-retinal barrier but not the blood-brain barrier. Astaxanthin is the only carotenoid with both keto and hydroxyl groups at both ends of a 13-conjugated-double-bond polyene chain — this unique architecture enables it to span the entire phospholipid bilayer, quenching singlet oxygen and scavenging radicals at the membrane surface AND hydrophobic core simultaneously. It never becomes pro-oxidant at any concentration tested — the keto/hydroxyl end groups stabilize the excited-state intermediate and prevent electron transfer to O2. It is the only carotenoid crossing both the blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier, delivering antioxidant protection to the CNS and macula that no other carotenoid can reach. Its electron-rich conjugated system transfers excitation energy directly to thermal dissipation without generating ROS intermediates — a physicochemical advantage confirmed by resonance Raman spectroscopy and time-resolved singlet-oxygen luminescence quenching assays. The quantitative ORAC ranking: astaxanthin = 6000x vitamin C, 550x vitamin E, 40x beta-carotene, 10x lutein, 10x zeaxanthin — making astaxanthin the most versatile, safest, and most potent natural carotenoid for whole-body antioxidant protection from mitochondrial inner membrane to skin surface, from retina to brain.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Specification |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Natural Astaxanthin — Haematococcus pluvialis (Powder >=5%/10% HPLC, Oleoresin 5%/10%/20%, Beadlets, Crystalline >=98%) |
| INCI Name | Astaxanthin / Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract |
| Common Name / Synonyms | Astaxanthin; 3,3'-Dihydroxy-beta,beta-carotene-4,4'-dione; Astaxanthine; Haematococcus pluvialis extract; Natural Astaxanthin; Ovoester; all-trans-Astaxanthin |
| CAS Number | 472-61-7 |
| Molecular Formula | C40H52O4 |
| Molecular Weight | 596.84 g/mol |
| Source | Haematococcus pluvialis (freshwater microalgae) — natural, sustainable, non-GMO; cultured in closed photobioreactors; extracted via supercritical CO2 |
| Key Advantage | Most powerful natural carotenoid antioxidant: 6000x vitamin C, 550x vitamin E, 40x beta-carotene ORAC value. Only carotenoid crossing both blood-brain and blood-retinal barriers. Zero pro-oxidant effect at any concentration. Spans entire phospholipid bilayer membrane via conjugated polyene chain + dual keto/hydroxyl end groups. |
| Appearance (Powder >=5%/10%) | Dark red to reddish-brown free-flowing microencapsulated powder with characteristic marine algae odor |
| Assay (Powder >=5% HPLC) | Total astaxanthin >=5.0% (HPLC, sum of free astaxanthin + monoesters + diesters, expressed as astaxanthin equivalents) |
| Assay (Powder >=10% HPLC) | Total astaxanthin >=10.0% (HPLC, sum of free astaxanthin + monoesters + diesters, expressed as astaxanthin equivalents) |
| Appearance (Oleoresin 5%/10%/20%) | Dark red viscous oil with characteristic marine algae odor; lipid-soluble natural astaxanthin ester complex from supercritical CO2 extraction |
| Assay (Oleoresin) | Total astaxanthin 5.0% / 10.0% / 20.0% (HPLC); predominantly mono- and di-esterified forms with free astaxanthin <=5% of total; natural ester profile preserved |
| Appearance (Beadlets) | Dark red to reddish-brown spherical free-flowing beadlets (20-60 mesh typical); cold-water-dispersible microencapsulated form with excellent chemical and photolytic stability |
| Assay (Beadlets) | Total astaxanthin >=2.5% or >=5.0% (HPLC); customizable beadlet formulations with varying astaxanthin loading, carrier matrices (starch/gelatin/alginate), and particle size distributions |
| Appearance (Crystalline >=98%) | Dark purple to purplish-black crystalline powder, odorless or faint characteristic odor |
| Assay (Crystalline >=98%) | Total astaxanthin >=98.0% (HPLC, anhydrous basis); free astaxanthin form with minimal ester content; suitable as analytical reference standard and high-potency pharmaceutical applications |
| UV-Vis Absorption (lambda-max) | lambda-max = 470-478 nm in hexane (free astaxanthin); 472-482 nm for natural ester forms; characteristic single symmetrical absorption peak distinct from beta-carotene (450 nm) and lutein (445 nm) — confirms xanthophyll identity and conjugated polyene chain length (N=13) |
| Carotenoid Profile (HPLC) | Total carotenoids >=95% of extract; Astaxanthin >=80% of total carotenoids (natural ester profile: monoesters 70-80%, diesters 10-20%, free astaxanthin 5-10%); Minor carotenoids: beta-carotene <=5%, lutein <=3%, canthaxanthin <=1%, other xanthophylls <=2% |
| Astaxanthin Isomer Ratio (HPLC-DAD) | All-trans astaxanthin >=90% of total; 9-cis <=5%; 13-cis <=3%; other cis isomers <=2% (HPLC with diode array detection at 474 nm; C30 column; isocratic MeOH/MTBE) |
| Loss on Drying | Powder: <=5.0% (105C, 2 hours); Crystalline: <=0.5%; Oleoresin: N/A (oil-based matrix); Beadlets: <=8.0% |
| Heavy Metals (Total) | <=10 ppm (as Pb); Pb <=2 ppm; As <=1 ppm; Hg <=0.1 ppm; Cd <=1 ppm (USP <232> / ICH Q3D compliant) |
| Microbial Limits | TAMC <=1000 CFU/g; TYMC <=100 CFU/g (USP <61> / EP <2.6.12>); Pathogens (E. coli, Salmonella, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa) — Absent in 10 g (USP <62> / EP <2.6.13>) |
| Residual Solvents | USP <467> / EP <5.4> / ICH Q3C Class 3 compliant; supercritical CO2 extraction ensures zero organic solvent residues in oleoresin and powder grades |
| Solubility | Powder/Beadlets: dispersible in water; Oleoresin: soluble in vegetable oils, MCT oil, and non-polar organic solvents; Crystalline: soluble in chloroform, dichloromethane, DMSO (~1 mg/mL); practically insoluble in water |
| Grade / Standards | Nutraceutical Grade (>=5%/10% HPLC powder), Cosmetic Grade (>=5% oleoresin/powder), Analytical Grade (>=98% crystalline), Food Grade (beadlets, oleoresin); compliant with USP monograph for Haematococcus pluvialis extract |
| Certifications | ISO 9001:2015, ISO 22000, HACCP, FDA Facility Registration, HALAL, KOSHER, Non-GMO, BSE/TSE-Free |
| Packaging | 1 kg / 5 kg sealed aluminum foil bags with PE liner under nitrogen headspace; 25 kg fiber drums with double PE liner under nitrogen; oleoresin: 1 kg / 5 kg / 20 kg HDPE drums under nitrogen blanket |
| Storage | Store at -20C to 8C in tightly sealed original container under inert gas (N2 or Ar); protect from light, heat, and oxygen; avoid freeze-thaw cycles for oleoresin |
| Shelf Life | 2 years from date of manufacture under recommended storage conditions (-20C to 8C, protected from light and oxygen) |
Key Benefits — Natural Astaxanthin
6000x Vitamin C ORAC — Most Powerful Natural Carotenoid Antioxidant
Astaxanthin's unique molecular architecture — 13-conjugated-double-bond polyene chain capped by keto and hydroxyl end groups at both termini — enables it to span the entire phospholipid bilayer and quench singlet oxygen at both the membrane surface and hydrophobic core simultaneously. Zero pro-oxidant effect at any concentration, unlike beta-carotene's bell-shaped dose curve.
6000x Vitamin CBlood-Brain & Blood-Retinal Barrier Crossing — Unique Among All Carotenoids
Astaxanthin is the only carotenoid that crosses both the blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier, delivering direct antioxidant protection to the central nervous system and macula. Clinically shown to improve choroidal blood flow, reduce digital eye strain, and protect retinal pigment epithelial cells from blue-light-induced oxidative damage.
Dual Barrier CrossingClinically Validated Skin, Eye & Sports Health — 16-Week RCT Proven
35% wrinkle reduction in a 16-week randomized controlled trial with significant improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and transepidermal water loss. Reduced muscle damage biomarkers (CPK, LDH) and increased endurance time to exhaustion in multiple sports performance RCTs. Natural internal sunscreen via singlet oxygen quenching at the stratum corneum.
16-Week RCTMultiple Form Options — Powder, Oleoresin, Beadlets & Crystalline >=98%
Five distinct delivery forms to match any product format: powder (>=5%/10% HPLC) for capsules and tablets, oleoresin (5%/10%/20%) for softgels and lipid-based systems, beadlets for beverages and functional foods, and crystalline (>=98%) for analytical standards and high-potency formulations. Full natural ester profile preserved for superior bioavailability.
5 Form OptionsApplications
Nutraceutical Antioxidant & Anti-Aging Supplements
4-12 mg astaxanthin per capsule/softgel in premium antioxidant, longevity, and skin-from-within formulations. The most powerful natural carotenoid for systemic oxidative stress protection and healthy aging. OEM and private label formulations available with flexible MOQ starting at 1 kg.
Cosmeceutical Anti-Aging & UV-Protection Skincare
Astaxanthin oleoresin or powder at 0.01-0.1% in serums, creams, and sunscreens. Natural internal SPF via singlet oxygen quenching in the stratum corneum lipid bilayer — 6000x vitamin C ORAC potency for photoaging prevention without pro-oxidant risk.
Sports Performance & Recovery Formulations
8-12 mg astaxanthin in pre-workout, intra-workout, and recovery formulations. Clinically validated reduction in CPK and LDH muscle damage biomarkers, increased endurance time to exhaustion, and improved power output via mitochondrial membrane protection in skeletal muscle.
Eye Health & Blue-Light Protection Products
6-12 mg astaxanthin in macular health supplements and digital eye strain formulations. Only carotenoid crossing the blood-retinal barrier — improves choroidal blood flow, reduces asthenopia, and protects against blue-light-induced retinal pigment epithelial lipid peroxidation.
Functional Food & Beverage Fortification
Cold-water-dispersible astaxanthin beadlets for powdered drink mixes, effervescent tablets, functional gummies, protein bars, and ready-to-drink beverages. Excellent flowability, chemical stability, and clean-label positioning as a natural non-GMO microalgae ingredient.
Aquaculture & Animal Nutrition — Salmonid Pigmentation
Natural astaxanthin oleoresin or powder for salmon, trout, shrimp, and ornamental fish feed — the gold standard for achieving market-required flesh pigmentation with superior color deposition and fish health benefits versus synthetic astaxanthin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Astaxanthin (CAS 472-61-7, C40H52O4, MW 596.84 g/mol) is a red-orange xanthophyll carotenoid naturally produced by the freshwater microalgae Haematococcus pluvialis. Its extraordinary antioxidant potency — 6000x vitamin C, 550x vitamin E, 40x beta-carotene on ORAC assay — comes from its unique molecular architecture: a long conjugated polyene chain (13 alternating double/single bonds) capped at both ends by keto (-C=O) and hydroxyl (-OH) polar end groups. These polar end groups anchor astaxanthin spanning the entire phospholipid bilayer membrane — unlike beta-carotene which sits entirely within the hydrophobic core — enabling astaxanthin to quench singlet oxygen and scavenge free radicals simultaneously at both the membrane surface and interior. Its conjugated polyene chain transfers excitation energy to thermal dissipation without producing reactive intermediates — a key differentiator from beta-carotene, which exhibits a bell-shaped pro-oxidant dose curve at high concentrations. Astaxanthin never becomes pro-oxidant. It is the only carotenoid that crosses both the blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier, delivering antioxidant protection directly to the central nervous system and macula. UPOR Biotech extracts astaxanthin via supercritical CO2 from H. pluvialis cultured in closed photobioreactors that trigger the green vegetative cell to red cyst encystment phase — the natural stress response maximizing astaxanthin biosynthesis up to 5% of dry biomass.
Natural astaxanthin delivers clinically validated benefits across three key domains. Skin health: a 16-week RCT demonstrated 35% wrinkle reduction, improved skin elasticity, and reduced transepidermal water loss via dual-action protection — singlet oxygen quenching at the stratum corneum surface AND mitochondrial membrane stabilization in dermal fibroblasts. Astaxanthin acts as an internal sunscreen (endogenous SPF) by absorbing UV in the 300-550 nm range and quenching UV-generated singlet oxygen in the lipid bilayer before oxidative cascades initiate — without the pro-oxidant risk of beta-carotene. Eye health: astaxanthin is the only carotenoid that crosses the blood-retinal barrier to accumulate in the macula, where it protects against blue-light-induced lipid peroxidation, improves choroidal blood flow (RCT-confirmed), and reduces asthenopia (digital eye strain) by modulating ciliary muscle inflammation. Sports performance: multiple RCTs show astaxanthin supplementation reduces exercise-induced muscle damage (lowered CPK and LDH levels), increases endurance time to exhaustion, improves power output, and accelerates post-exercise recovery via mitochondrial membrane protection in skeletal muscle — reducing ROS leakage from the electron transport chain during high-intensity exertion.
Recommended daily dosage: 4-12 mg for general antioxidant and skin/eye health; 8-12 mg for sports performance and recovery; 12-24 mg for therapeutic applications under clinical supervision. UPOR Biotech offers five distinct form options. Powder (>=5% or >=10% HPLC): free-flowing microencapsulated powder from H. pluvialis biomass — ideal for capsules, tablets, and dry-blend nutraceutical formulations. Oleoresin (5%/10%/20%): CO2-extracted lipid-soluble dark red viscous oil containing natural astaxanthin esters with the full native carotenoid profile — ideal for softgels, lipid-based delivery systems, and cosmetic oil formulations where natural ester forms enhance bioavailability. Beadlets (multiple formulations): cold-water-dispersible microencapsulated beadlets with excellent flowability and chemical stability — ideal for beverages, powdered drink mixes, effervescent tablets, and water-based functional foods. Crystalline (>=98% HPLC): pure free astaxanthin crystals — the highest purity available for analytical standards, highly concentrated pharmaceutical-grade products, and precision high-dose clinical research. Natural ester forms from H. pluvialis (powder/oleoresin/beadlets) provide superior bioavailability compared to synthetic free astaxanthin due to the natural mono- and di-ester profile that facilitates micelle incorporation and lymphatic absorption.
Astaxanthin, beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin differ fundamentally in molecular structure, antioxidant mechanism, and biological distribution. Beta-carotene: a non-polar carotene without oxygen functional groups — sits entirely within the hydrophobic membrane core, quenches singlet oxygen but becomes pro-oxidant at high concentrations (bell-shaped dose-response curve), and cannot cross the blood-brain or blood-retinal barriers. Lutein and zeaxanthin: xanthophylls with hydroxyl end groups that anchor at one membrane surface — concentrated exclusively in the macular region (macular pigment), providing blue-light filtration but limited systemic antioxidant coverage. They cross the blood-retinal barrier but not the blood-brain barrier. Astaxanthin: the only carotenoid with keto AND hydroxyl groups at both ends of the polyene chain — spans the entire phospholipid bilayer, quenches singlet oxygen at both the membrane surface and interior simultaneously, NEVER becomes pro-oxidant (no bell-shaped dose curve), and is the only carotenoid that crosses BOTH the blood-brain barrier and blood-retinal barrier. ORAC comparison: astaxanthin = 6000x vitamin C, 550x vitamin E, 40x beta-carotene, 10x lutein, 10x zeaxanthin. This molecular architecture makes astaxanthin the most versatile and potent natural carotenoid antioxidant for whole-body protection — from skin surface to mitochondrial inner membrane, from retina to brain.
Every shipment includes: COA (HPLC assay confirming astaxanthin content >=5%, >=10%, or >=98% per grade, full carotenoid profile with mono-/di-ester distribution, heavy metals <=10 ppm with Pb <=2 ppm / As <=1 ppm / Hg <=0.1 ppm / Cd <=1 ppm, residual solvents per USP <467> / ICH Q3C Class 3 compliant, microbial panel per USP <61>/<62> with TAMC <=1000 CFU/g and TYMC <=100 CFU/g, pathogens absent in 10 g), MSDS, HPLC Chromatogram (signed and dated with retention time and peak area integration), UV-Vis Spectrum (lambda-max at 470-478 nm in hexane confirming astaxanthin identity per USP), Carotenoid Profile Certificate (total carotenoids, astaxanthin monoesters/diesters/free ratio), Non-GMO Statement, BSE/TSE-Free Statement, Allergen Statement, HALAL Certificate, KOSHER Certificate, ISO 22000 + HACCP, ISO 9001:2015, FDA Facility Registration, Stability Data (25C/60%RH real-time 24-month and 40C/75%RH accelerated 6-month), Heavy Metal Third-Party Lab Report, and Complete Lot Traceability from H. pluvialis culture harvest to finished product. Free sample available for qualified B2B buyers. MOQ: 1 kg. All documents provided in English.