Astaxanthin, known as one of nature’s most potent antioxidants, has gained significant attention in recent years due to its remarkable health benefits. Extracted primarily from the Haematococcus pluvialis algae, astaxanthin is praised for supporting skin health, boosting eye function, enhancing athletic performance, and providing powerful anti-inflammatory effects.
Our Top Picks for Astaxanthin Supplements
- Best Overall: Double Wood Astaxanthin 12mg (AstaReal)
- Best Budget Option: Nature’s Lab AstaREAL Astaxanthin 6mg
- Best for Pure Energy: aSquared Nutrition Astaxanthin 10mg
- Best for Eye, Skin & Joint Health: Nutrex Hawaii BioAstin Hawaiian Gummies
- Best Value for Money: NatureBell Astaxanthin 12mg
- Best Antioxidant Formula: Micro Ingredients Astaxanthin 12mg
1. Best Overall: Double Wood Astaxanthin 12mg (AstaReal)
Price: $24.95
Double Wood’s Astaxanthin supplement features a potent 12mg dose per softgel using AstaReal®, the most clinically researched brand of astaxanthin globally. Produced and bottled in the USA, this product is carefully crafted for optimal purity and effectiveness.
Benefits
- Supports overall skin health and combats signs of aging.
- Boosts immune system function.
- Improves eye health and visual acuity.
- Reduces inflammation and enhances joint comfort.
- Acts as a powerful internal sunscreen by protecting skin from harmful UV rays.
- Accelerates recovery from physical activities and exercise.
What it Contains
Each softgel delivers:
- Astaxanthin (AstaReal®): 12mg (derived from Haematococcus pluvialis algae)
- Other Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Gelatin, Glycerin, Water.
- Free from gluten, GMO-free, and third-party tested for quality assurance.
Pros
- High-potency 12mg dosage for maximum effectiveness.
- Backed by over 70 clinical human studies.
- Sourced, harvested, and produced entirely in the USA.
- Two-month supply in each bottle (60 softgels).
- Third-party tested and GMP certified facility.
Cons
- A small percentage of users reported mild digestive discomfort.
Customer Feedback:
- Value for Money: Customers consistently highlight the supplement’s reasonable price and potency, noting it performs comparably to higher-priced brands.
- Health Benefits: Users report significant improvements in eye health, reduction in joint pain, better skin health with fewer wrinkles, and increased immunity.
- Ease of Use: The softgels are described as easy to swallow, convenient, and suitable for daily routines.
- Effectiveness: Many customers experience noticeable benefits, including decreased inflammation, enhanced skin appearance, increased energy levels, and rapid recovery after exercise.
Summary: Double Wood Astaxanthin (AstaReal®) is highly praised for its superior antioxidant power, proven effectiveness, and outstanding value. Ideal for individuals looking for a trustworthy supplement to improve skin, eye, and joint health while enhancing overall wellness.
2. Best Budget Option: Nature’s Lab AstaREAL Astaxanthin 6mg
Price: $19.99
Nature’s Lab AstaREAL Astaxanthin supplement provides a moderate yet potent 6mg dose of natural astaxanthin per softgel. Derived from sustainably cultivated Haematococcus pluvialis algae in Moses Lake, Washington, USA, this supplement stands out for its high purity and clinically-backed antioxidant properties.
Benefits
- Supports skin elasticity, hydration, and a youthful appearance.
- Reduces eye strain and improves overall eye health.
- Boosts cognitive functions and promotes cardiovascular health.
- Offers immune system support and joint health benefits.
- Powerful antioxidant protection, significantly stronger than Vitamin C.
What it Contains
Each softgel includes:
- AstaREAL Natural Astaxanthin: 6mg (from Haematococcus pluvialis algae extract)
- Other ingredients: Extra virgin olive oil, gelatin (bovine), glycerin, purified water.
- Free from common allergens like sugar, dairy, gluten, soy, peanuts, shellfish, artificial colors, and flavors.
Pros
- Clinically validated AstaREAL brand, supported by over 70 human clinical studies.
- Non-synthetic, natural astaxanthin cultivated and processed in the USA.
- Extensive third-party testing ensures quality, purity, and potency.
- Easy-to-swallow capsules, convenient for daily use.
- Excellent supplement for those seeking moderate potency and well-rounded health support.
Cons
- Lower dose (6mg) may be less suitable for those requiring higher potency.
Customer Feedback:
- Value for Money: Users find it excellent value, especially considering the premium AstaREAL source and the health benefits experienced at this dosage.
- Health Benefits: Customers emphasize improvements in skin protection, faster recovery from skin sensitivity reactions, noticeable reduction in eye fatigue, and enhanced overall well-being.
- Ease of Use: Softgels are described as very easy to swallow, making it suitable for daily supplementation.
- Effectiveness: Users consistently note positive changes in skin health, immunity, and reduced signs of aging with consistent usage.
Summary: Nature’s Lab AstaREAL Astaxanthin is an ideal choice for those prioritizing skin rejuvenation and eye health support. Its clinically backed, moderate-potency formula makes it suitable for everyday wellness, ensuring significant antioxidant protection.
3. Best for Pure Energy: aSquared Nutrition Astaxanthin 10mg
Price: $24.99
aSquared Nutrition offers a high-potency Astaxanthin supplement with 10mg per softgel derived from the natural Haematococcus Pluvialis extract. Manufactured in a GMP-certified facility in the USA, each bottle provides exceptional value with a generous supply of 120 softgels.
Benefits
- Promotes cardiovascular, joint, eye, and immune health.
- Supports skin elasticity and reduces the appearance of wrinkles.
- Enhances cognitive function and brain health.
- Acts as a potent antioxidant and free radical scavenger.
- Accelerates muscle recovery after workouts.
What it Contains
Each softgel contains:
- Natural Astaxanthin: 10mg (from Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract, yielding 5% potency)
- Additional ingredients include Gelatin, Glycerol, Purified Water, Soybean Oil, and Non-GMO Natural Tocopherols.
- Free of gluten, GMOs, fillers, and binders.
Pros
- High-strength 10mg dose per softgel for optimal effectiveness.
- Excellent value with 120 softgels per bottle, sufficient for prolonged use.
- Produced in a GMP-certified, USA-based facility.
- Pure formula free from artificial additives or fillers.
- Backed by positive customer reviews for its potency and affordability.
Cons
- A few users noted slower results compared to other higher-dose products.
Customer Feedback:
- Value for Money: Customers highly appreciate the cost-effectiveness, noting the superior potency and affordable pricing compared to similar products.
- Health Benefits: Positive results include improved vision, reduced joint discomfort, enhanced immune function, and noticeable reduction in aging signs like wrinkles and age spots.
- Ease of Use: Users find the softgels easy to consume regularly due to their small, convenient size.
- Effectiveness: Most customers report significant benefits, emphasizing improved energy levels, reduced inflammation, and better overall health after consistent use.
Summary: aSquared Nutrition Astaxanthin offers exceptional value with high-quality, potent astaxanthin sourced from natural ingredients. Ideal for individuals seeking a reliable and cost-effective antioxidant supplement to support overall health and wellness.
4. Best for Eye, Skin & Joint Health: Nutrex Hawaii BioAstin Hawaiian Gummies
Price: $25.25
Nutrex Hawaii BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin Gummies deliver potent antioxidant support derived naturally from outdoor-grown Haematococcus pluvialis algae. These gummies are designed for convenient daily consumption and provide added vitamin D3 to enhance overall wellness.
Benefits:
BioAstin gummies support immune system function, joint comfort, eye health, and skin protection. The natural astaxanthin sourced directly from outdoor Hawaiian microalgae cultivation provides superior antioxidant benefits, outperforming synthetic alternatives.
What it Contains:
Each 2-gummy serving contains:
- Astaxanthin: 12 mg (from Haematococcus pluvialis)
- Vitamin D3: 25 mcg (125% DV)
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Natural flavoring from citrus fruits
Free from gluten, sugar, GMOs, and artificial ingredients, it’s vegan-friendly and sustainably farm-grown.
Pros:
- High-potency 12mg Astaxanthin per serving
- Vegan, sugar-free gummies
- Naturally farm-grown in Hawaii
- Contains added Vitamin D3 for immune support
Cons:
- Some customers find it pricey
- Gummy texture might not suit everyone
Customer Feedback:
- Value for Money: Most customers find these gummies worth the price for their potency and quality, despite some concerns about cost.
- Effectiveness: Users highly praise the supplement for effective relief from joint pain, improved eye health, and notable skin protection.
- Antioxidant Power: Customers report significant improvement in skin appearance, protection from sunburn, reduced inflammation, and relief from joint pain.
- Ease of Use: Gummies are widely praised for being convenient and easy to consume compared to traditional softgels.
Summary: Nutrex Hawaii BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin Gummies stand out with their premium, farm-grown antioxidant content, effectively supporting skin protection, eye health, joint comfort, and immunity. Users appreciate its pleasant taste, ease of use, and powerful antioxidant benefits, making it a great choice for those seeking high-quality, vegan-friendly astaxanthin gummies.
5. Best Value for Money: NatureBell Astaxanthin 12mg
Price: $29.95
NatureBell Astaxanthin delivers high-strength antioxidant support with 12mg astaxanthin per serving, formulated in softgels with sunflower seed oil for optimal absorption. This product stands out for its generous 240-count supply, providing an excellent 4-month duration.
Benefits
NatureBell’s Astaxanthin is well-regarded for its potent antioxidant properties. Regular consumption supports skin hydration and firmness, eye health, immune function, and joint mobility. It also promotes cardiovascular health and helps combat age-related decline in men and women.
What it Contains
Each serving (2 softgels) offers:
- Astaxanthin (AstaxDefense from Haematococcus pluvialis Microalgae): 12mg
- Other Ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, natural carob, softgel capsule (gelatin, glycerin, purified water).
Pros
- High potency (12mg per serving)
- Large quantity (240 softgels per bottle)
- Non-GMO, gluten-free
- Third-party lab tested
- No artificial additives or common allergens
Cons
- Some customers find the capsule size slightly larger than expected.
Customer Feedback:
- Value for Money: Customers appreciate the excellent price, highlighting the large 240-softgel supply as superb value and cost-effective.
- Eye Health: Users report noticeable improvements in eyesight and significant reduction in eye strain and fatigue.
- Skin Health: Many customers notice healthier skin, describing benefits such as reduced inflammation after workouts and relief from skin irritation.
- Ease of Use: Softgels are considered easy to swallow by most users, though a few mention the capsules could be smaller.
- Quality: Customers widely praise the supplement’s high quality, noting visible and tangible health benefits.
- Functionality: Most feedback indicates the supplement works effectively for eye and skin health, though a small minority reported no noticeable changes.
Summary: NatureBell Astaxanthin is praised for its potent formulation, superior value, and notable improvements in eye health, skin hydration, and overall antioxidant support.
6. Best Antioxidant Formula: Micro Ingredients Astaxanthin 12mg
Price: $34.99
Micro Ingredients Astaxanthin provides 12 mg of potent natural astaxanthin per softgel, extracted from Haematococcus Pluvialis microalgae. This supplement is manufactured with premium ingredients and is free from common allergens like gluten, soy, dairy, preservatives, and tree nuts. Its purity and potency are validated by third-party lab tests.
Benefits
Regularly taking this supplement can support healthy vision, joint comfort, improved circulation, and promote radiant, youthful skin. The powerful antioxidant properties help combat oxidative stress and may improve overall vitality and wellness.
What it Contains
- Natural Astaxanthin (from Haematococcus Pluvialis Microalgae): 12 mg per softgel
- Other ingredients: Sunflower seed oil, softgel capsule (gelatin, purified water)
Pros
- High potency in a single easy-to-swallow softgel
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free
- Third-party lab tested for purity and potency
- Free from preservatives and artificial ingredients
Cons
- May contain shellfish products (important for those with allergies)
Customer Feedback:
- Value for Money: Customers appreciate the excellent value and cost-effectiveness, highlighting the generous four-month supply and affordability of the supplement.
- Health Benefits: Users report noticeable improvements in skin hydration, reduced joint inflammation, enhanced vision, better energy levels, and general health improvements.
- Ease of Swallowing: Softgels are reported as easy to swallow with no unpleasant aftertaste, enhancing user compliance.
- Ease of Use: Customers find the product convenient to incorporate into their daily routine due to its simple once-daily dosage and absence of side effects.
- Vision: Users consistently mention enhanced vision clarity, reduced eye strain, and better performance in low-light conditions, such as night driving.
Summary: Micro Ingredients Astaxanthin stands out with its potent antioxidant formulation, impressive benefits for skin, eyes, and joints, and excellent value. It’s a reliable choice for users looking for an affordable yet highly effective astaxanthin supplement.
What is Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a vibrant red-orange carotenoid pigment naturally produced by microalgae and certain marine animals, such as salmon, krill, and shrimp. This powerful antioxidant provides the characteristic coloration to these marine organisms and has gained significant attention in the supplement world due to its impressive health-promoting properties.
Summary: Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant sourced mainly from marine algae, known for its numerous health benefits.
Health Benefits of Astaxanthin
Enhances Skin Health
Astaxanthin has been shown to support skin health by protecting against UV damage, reducing wrinkles, and improving skin elasticity and hydration. Regular supplementation may help maintain youthful, healthy-looking skin.
Boosts Eye Health
Astaxanthin supports eye health by reducing oxidative stress, potentially protecting against age-related macular degeneration and eye fatigue.
Supports Heart Health
Astaxanthin promotes cardiovascular health by improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and lowering oxidative stress, factors associated with heart disease.
Improves Athletic Performance
Research indicates astaxanthin supplementation can enhance endurance, reduce muscle fatigue, and aid faster recovery by mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress.
Powerful Anti-inflammatory Properties
Astaxanthin’s strong anti-inflammatory effects make it beneficial for managing joint pain, arthritis, and general inflammation throughout the body.
Enhances Immune Function
By boosting antioxidant defenses, astaxanthin helps support a healthy immune response, reducing vulnerability to infections and illness.
Summary: Astaxanthin offers benefits ranging from improved skin, eye, and heart health to enhanced athletic performance and immune support due to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
What to Look for in Astaxanthin Supplements
When choosing an astaxanthin supplement, consider the following factors:
- Source of Astaxanthin: Opt for supplements derived from Haematococcus pluvialis algae, considered the best natural source.
- Dosage: Effective dosages typically range between 4 mg to 12 mg daily.
- Purity and Quality: Select products certified as non-GMO, free from artificial additives, gluten-free, and third-party tested.
- Brand Reputation: Choose supplements from trusted brands with strong customer reviews and transparency in ingredient sourcing.
Summary: Prioritize astaxanthin supplements with clear sourcing, appropriate dosages, certifications, and strong brand reputation for optimal health benefits.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
Astaxanthin is generally considered safe with minimal side effects. However, some individuals may experience mild digestive discomfort. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting astaxanthin, especially if pregnant, nursing, or taking other medications.
Summary: Astaxanthin is generally safe but may cause mild digestive issues in some users. Consulting a healthcare provider is advisable before supplementation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you take astaxanthin daily?
Yes, daily supplementation is safe and common, typically ranging from 4 mg to 12 mg.
How long does it take to see benefits from astaxanthin?
Users typically notice improvements in skin health and reduced inflammation within 2-6 weeks of consistent use.
Who should avoid astaxanthin supplements?
Individuals allergic to seafood or algae-derived products should avoid astaxanthin. Always consult a healthcare provider if uncertain.
Final Thoughts
Astaxanthin supplements are an excellent addition to a healthy lifestyle, providing robust antioxidant protection and numerous health benefits. Choosing a quality product from reputable sources ensures optimal results and safety.