Astaxanthin is a marine-derived carotenoid that helps protect cell membranes from oxidative stress and supports tissue recovery after metabolic and inflammatory stress.
Hallmarks supported: Mitochondrial Function · Inflammatory Signaling · Cellular Communication
What is astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid found in microalgae and in seafood such as salmon. Because it embeds within lipid membranes, it helps defend against oxidative stress at the membrane level, supporting tissues exposed to light, exercise stress, and everyday metabolic demand.
How astaxanthin supports cellular processes
Unlike water-soluble antioxidants, astaxanthin anchors across the lipid membrane. This positioning allows it to help neutralize reactive species, limit lipid peroxidation, support mitochondrial membrane integrity, and moderate inflammatory signaling after stress.
In practical terms, astaxanthin helps tissues recover from daily wear and tear with less residual strain. This membrane-level role is why it appears in both Cellaro’s daytime skin support and evening recovery formulations.
Pathways and outcomes studied
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Supports antioxidant defense at the cell-membrane level
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Helps maintain mitochondrial membrane stability and efficiency
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Contributes to balanced inflammatory signaling after routine stressors such as sun exposure or training
Why astaxanthin is in BOOST
Skin sits at the front line of environmental exposure. Astaxanthin supports photoprotection and collagen-friendly conditions by helping control lipid peroxidation and calm post-exposure inflammatory signaling.
In BOOST, it pairs with vitamin C, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, and REGGENERATE™ to support visible skin resilience and recovery.
Learn more about BOOST
Why astaxanthin is in RENEW
Evenings are for repair. In RENEW, astaxanthin supports overnight recovery by defending mitochondrial membranes and helping keep inflammatory tone in check.
It complements Longvida® Curcumin, EGCG, and spermidine during the PM repair window, reinforcing cellular maintenance while you sleep.
Learn more about RENEW
Dosage context
What BOOST provides
6 mg astaxanthin per day.
What RENEW provides
10 mg astaxanthin per evening.
What research uses
Human studies commonly explore doses in the range of approximately 4–20 mg per day, depending on population and duration.
What this means for you
BOOST (AM) and RENEW (PM) are designed to work together, supporting daytime skin resilience and overnight recovery. If you have medical conditions or take medications, confirm total intake with your clinician.
Research snapshot
Membrane-level antioxidant action
Astaxanthin has been studied for its ability to span lipid membranes, helping limit lipid peroxidation and support mitochondrial integrity.
Skin and recovery signals
Human literature reports signals related to photoprotection and post-exercise recovery at commonly used daily amounts, with outcomes varying by dose and duration.
FAQs
Is astaxanthin the same as beta-carotene?
No. They are different carotenoids with distinct structures and tissue behavior. Astaxanthin is particularly active at the membrane level.
What is a carotenoid?
Carotenoids are pigment compounds made by plants and microalgae. Astaxanthin is a red carotenoid produced by microalgae and accumulated in salmon and krill. It is lipid-soluble and tends to sit within cell membranes.
How does antioxidant protection work here?
Astaxanthin anchors within lipid membranes and helps neutralize reactive species before they trigger lipid peroxidation. This supports membrane integrity, mitochondrial function, and balanced post-stress signaling.