The Best Astaxanthin Supplement

If you’ve seen skincare influencers mention “nature’s internal sunscreen,” they’re likely talking about astaxanthin — a carotenoid that gives salmon and shrimp their color. It makes sense: steady astaxanthin use has been linked to small but noticeable improvements in skin moisture, elasticity, and UV resilience over time.1

While astaxanthin isn’t truly “edible sunscreen,” and SPF still matters, it’s one of the few antioxidant supplements supported by repeated human studies showing visible skin improvements

But the story doesn’t end with skin. Modern life is hard on our eyes, and clinical trials suggest astaxanthin can help ease screen-related eye fatigue.2 Research also points to modest gains in recovery and aerobic efficiency, with some studies suggesting better sleep quality over time.3 4

With this expanding body of evidence, it’s no surprise that astaxanthin appears in hundreds of supplements — some excellent, others not so much. In this guide, we break down what matters and highlight the standouts for skin, eye comfort, recovery, and sleep support.

If you’re pressed for time, here’s a quick look at our findings:

Over the past two decades, Innerbody Research has helped tens of millions of readers make informed decisions about their health and wellness.

Our team thoroughly evaluates every product and service we review — including the astaxanthin supplements in this guide. We’ve spent more than 300 hours examining astaxanthin and related carotenoids, analyzing dozens of clinical studies on their effects on skin health, eye comfort, recovery, sleep, and cognition.

Alongside this research, we investigated the top astaxanthin supplements on the market, comparing their quality and effectiveness against available scientific evidence. We also purchased and tested the most promising products ourselves. Given astaxanthin’s performance in the literature, Innerbody Labs also chose to include it in our Sleep Support supplement, which we’ll discuss later in this guide.

As with all health-related content on our site, this guide has been reviewed by members of our Medical Review Board for accuracy and will be updated as new research and products emerge.

Identifying the market’s best astaxanthin supplements meant evaluating each brand across the same factors most people consider before adding a supplement to their routine:

• Effectiveness
• Safety
• Cost
• Convenience

These four pillars guided our process.

In the sections ahead, we explain how each of our top astaxanthin picks performed in these areas — and where certain brands stood out. All of our selections met a high standard overall; when we highlight an “advantage,” it doesn’t mean others fell significantly short, only that a product demonstrated a distinct strength in that category.

Effectiveness

Advantage: Double Wood Astaxanthin Supplement

To evaluate effectiveness, we looked at how closely each product aligned with the doses and forms that have produced measurable results in clinical research. Across dozens of human trials, daily astaxanthin doses between 4mg and 12mg have been linked to improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and UV resilience, as well as benefits for eye comfort, exercise recovery, and cognitive performance.1 2 3 5 6

Lower doses (4–6mg per day) often support skin and eye outcomes, but research suggests 12mg daily may unlock even broader effects.1 7 At this level, trials show improved endurance performance — including faster cycling time trials — and reduced muscle-soreness markers.3 8 Other studies point to enhanced cognitive function and sleep quality, benefits that tend to appear near the upper end of the dosing range.4 9

Importantly, 12mg has also been deemed well-tolerated in comprehensive safety reviews of natural astaxanthin — the microalgae-derived form used in most supplements.11

We awarded Double Wood Astaxanthin the advantage here because it focuses on a single-ingredient formula that delivers a clinically supported 12mg dose. Regardless of your goal — skin, eye comfort, recovery, or cognitive support — 12mg of astaxanthin is a well-tolerated level that’s high enough to deliver meaningful results.3 5 9 12

Additionally, Double Wood:

• Uses AstaReal, a branded form of astaxanthin used in numerous clinical trials7 13
• Is third-party tested for purity and potency

Other formulas take a different approach, combining smaller doses of astaxanthin with complementary nutrients to target specific goals — like Life Extension MacuGuard, which pairs it with lutein and zeaxanthin for eye comfort, or 1MD Nutrition KrillMD, which includes omega-3s for added antioxidant and anti-inflammatory support.14 15 These blends can be valuable for focused needs, but for broad benefits — spanning skin, eyes, recovery, and cognition — 12mg of astaxanthin offers a well-rounded, research-backed dose that fits most goals.

That same body of evidence informed our decision at Innerbody Labs to include 12mg of astaxanthin in our Sleep Support supplement. It’s part of a carefully designed formula featuring 14 ingredients, each included at levels aligned with — or safely exceeding — those shown effective in human studies, making it a strong ally for deeper rest and better next-day recovery.

Safety

Advantage: Double Wood Astaxanthin Supplement

Astaxanthin is generally well-tolerated in healthy adults, with clinical studies showing no serious side effects at doses up to 24mg per day for extended periods.11 Most supplements provide between 4mg and 12mg daily — well within the range confirmed safe in human trials and safety reviews.

That said, supplement safety also depends on how a product is made. The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements as strictly as prescription medications; its role is largely limited to ensuring accurate labeling and responding to reports of adverse effects. Because of that, manufacturers bear the responsibility for verifying that their products are both safe and high-quality.

The best supplement companies demonstrate that commitment through independent third-party testing, Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) compliance, and clear allergen disclosure. Those were the key factors we considered when evaluating safety across our top astaxanthin picks.

All of our top picks are manufactured in GMP-compliant facilities and undergo testing to confirm purity and potency. However, Double Wood Astaxanthin stands out for its simplicity and transparency. It’s a single-ingredient supplement with no common allergens and publicly available third-party testing results — something only a few supplement brands (including Innerbody Labs) currently provide.

Its straightforward formula also minimizes the chance of ingredient sensitivities, earning it our safety advantage.

Cost

Advantage: BulkSupplements Astaxanthin Softgels

To compare prices, we calculated the cost per serving (including shipping) for both one-time purchases and subscription discount options. Astaxanthin supplements vary in dose and formulation — some focus on 6mg for skin and eye support, while others provide 12mg for recovery or overall antioxidant benefits — so this shows what a typical serving costs across brands.

On a per-serving basis, BulkSupplements Astaxanthin offers the lowest cost in our lineup. Each softgel provides 12mg of astaxanthin for about $0.23 per serving (shipping included), making it an affordable way to reach a higher dose.

For long-term users, Double Wood can also offer solid savings. Its multi-pack discounts (up to 10%) combined with a 20% subscription option can bring the cost close to $0.30 per serving, making it a strong value for consistent use. 1MD Nutrition and Innerbody Labs also offer tiered subscription discounts that can further reduce recurring costs for regular users.

Convenience

Advantage: Double Wood Astaxanthin Supplement

When it comes to ease of use, Double Wood Astaxanthin is a straightforward option. Each softgel delivers the full 12mg clinical dose, so one capsule per day is enough to reach the amount used in many studies — no doubling, no measuring, and no combining products. A 30-day money-back guarantee also gives users time to try it and make sure they tolerate it well.

Other formulas offer their own types of convenience. Life Extension MacuGuard combines astaxanthin with lutein and zeaxanthin for comprehensive eye support and backs it with an unmatched one-year satisfaction guarantee — long enough for most users to see whether the formula actually helps ease eye discomfort or visual strain. And Innerbody Labs Sleep Support brings 14 synergistic ingredients together — including 12mg of astaxanthin — in a single nighttime formula, streamlining supplement routines even though it requires three capsules per serving.

Across all our picks, Double Wood earns the advantage for its simple one-softgel, high-dose routine, flexible subscription and bulk discount options, and risk-free guarantee — ideal for anyone who wants clinically aligned benefits without complication.

The chart below offers a quick reference of how our top picks stack up in key areas like dosage, testing, and refund policies.

Astaxanthin (pronounced as-tuh-ZAN-thin) is a deep red-orange pigment in the carotenoid family — the same group that gives carrots their orange hue and tomatoes their red tone. Within that family, it’s part of a subgroup called xanthophylls, which contain oxygen atoms that allow them to embed within cell membranes and neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) more effectively than many other carotenoids.15

In nature, astaxanthin is produced by tiny microalgae, such as Haematococcus pluvialis, as a defense mechanism. When these algae experience stress — such as intense sunlight, nutrient scarcity, or high salinity — they begin producing astaxanthin as a shield to protect their cells from oxidative damage.16

Many marine animals feed on these algae, such as:17

• Salmon
• Shrimp
• Krill
• Trout
• Flamingos

These animals absorb and store the pigment in their tissues, which gives them their distinctive pink or reddish coloration.18

What makes astaxanthin compelling is that the same compound algae use to shield their cells from light, heat, and environmental stress may also help human cells withstand similar challenges.

After you take an astaxanthin supplement — or eat foods that contain it, like salmon or krill — the compound is absorbed in the small intestine. It then travels through the bloodstream and embeds itself in cell and mitochondrial membranes.16

Unlike most carotenoids, astaxanthin can span the entire lipid bilayer of those membranes — with one end anchored in the outer layer and the other reaching into the inner layer. This orientation allows it to interact with ROS on both sides, helping stabilize and protect the cell.19 Laboratory studies show that this structural advantage may make astaxanthin 10–100 times more potent than vitamin E or beta-carotene in quenching singlet oxygen, one of the most reactive and damaging forms of oxygen in the body.20 40

Because of this positioning, astaxanthin can influence how cells respond to stress, potentially protecting lipids, proteins, and DNA from oxidation.39 In human studies, its effects appear to stem mainly from two biological roles: reducing oxidative and inflammatory stress and supporting mitochondrial health — the processes that govern cellular energy and resilience.21 41

These mechanisms appear to underlie many of the outcomes observed in clinical research.

Clinical studies on astaxanthin have tested a wide range of daily doses — typically between 4mg and 12mg, though some trials extend up to 20–40mg for short durations.11 36 38 Most human studies showing measurable benefits for oxidative stress, skin health, or cognition fall around the 6–12mg range.1 9 23 27

Doses at the higher end of that range appear to have the most consistent effects on markers of oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased SOD activity.22 37 Still, these effects remain mild overall, and there’s no official recommended daily intake for astaxanthin. For that reason, we prioritized products delivering 6–12mg per serving, which reflect the amounts most often used in clinical research and provide an achievable target for daily use.

Astaxanthin supplements are generally safe for most healthy adults who aren’t pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking certain medications. A 2019 safety review examined 87 human studies on natural astaxanthin — including 35 using doses of 12mg per day or higher — and found no significant safety concerns or consistent adverse effects.11

Across those trials, approved or studied doses commonly ranged between 2mg and 24mg per day, and higher short-term doses (up to 40mg per day for several weeks) have also shown good tolerability in adults, with no serious events reported. When side effects occur, they’re rare and generally mild — such as slightly red stool, considered harmless effects of the pigment itself.11

However, certain groups may want to exercise caution. While you should always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement, it may be wise to avoid or closely monitor astaxanthin use if you fall into one of the following categories:

Overall, astaxanthin has an excellent safety profile. Sticking to daily doses of 6–12mg keeps you within the range most consistently studied in human trials and supported by the current scientific evidence.

Astaxanthin supplements are best suited for adults interested in supporting skin health, eye comfort, recovery, sleep, or overall cellular resilience. Its benefits stem from its ability to stabilize oxidative stress, reduce inflammation, and protect cell membranes — mechanisms that influence everything from skin moisture and UV tolerance to energy metabolism and muscle recovery.1 2 3 16 21

More specifically, the following groups stand to benefit most from consistent use:

Who are they not for?

Astaxanthin is one of the most researched antioxidant pigments in nature — but it isn’t a miracle molecule. Its benefits are real yet modest, and they depend on consistency, lifestyle, and expectations. People in the following groups may want to rethink supplementation or temper their expectations before adding astaxanthin to their routine:

Astaxanthin works best as part of a balanced lifestyle that includes a nutrient-dense diet, good sleep, hydration, and consistent sun protection — not as a replacement for them.

Best overall

Founded in 2013 and based in Pennsylvania, Double Wood Supplements is known for its transparency and quality control. The company manufactures in cGMP-certified U.S. facilities and posts third-party test results and COAs for most products — including its astaxanthin. Each bottle contains 60 softgels, and one capsule per day provides a clinically relevant 12mg dose — a level consistently linked with improvements in oxidative stress markers, skin moisture, and eye comfort across human studies.1 2 25 29

That one-a-day format makes it an easy fit for most supplement routines, with no need for dose adjustments or multiple capsules. The product uses AstaReal, a branded form of astaxanthin derived from Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae and featured in many clinical trials.7 13 Additionally, Double Wood suspends its astaxanthin in olive oil, which may help improve bioavailability.16

Pricing, subscriptions, and shipping

Double Wood has some of the best discounts out of any of our recommended products in this guide. It offers a 20% subscription discount, plus a multi-bottle bundle discount (5% off for 2 bottles; 10% off for 3). Additionally, these discounts can be stacked together. Here’s how it breaks down below:

If you subscribe for a three-pack, you can save roughly 28% off retail. The only other product in this guide that has a better bulk subscription discount is 1MD Nutrition.

Since Double Wood allows subscription frequencies of every 30, 60, 90, or 180 days, the bottles line up conveniently for long-term use if you’re taking one softgel daily.

However, note that Double Wood charges a $4.95 shipping fee for purchases under $30, so ordering at least two bottles will qualify you for free shipping.

Refunds and guarantees

Double Wood offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on the first bottle of any supplement, including astaxanthin. That means if you try a bottle and decide it’s not for you, Double Wood will refund the purchase amount — no questions asked.

If you order a multi-pack, the policy still applies: you can keep the first bottle, but you’ll need to return the remaining unopened bottles (at your expense) to receive a refund.

The 30-day window is shorter than some brands (Life Extension offers a full year), but for astaxanthin, a month of consistent use is typically enough to identify any sensitivity or digestive issues. Still, effectiveness can be harder to gauge in that time frame. Some studies on eye fatigue have shown improvements within two to four weeks, but benefits related to metabolic support may take closer to 12 weeks to appear.2 44

Best low-dose option for skin support

Founded in 1990 and based in Tustin, California, Doctor’s Best offers a wide range of science-backed dietary supplements. Its 6mg astaxanthin softgel delivers a clinically supported dose ideal for users focused on skin hydration, elasticity, and barrier protection.

A 2021 meta-analysis of eleven clinical studies found that astaxanthin supplementation significantly improved skin moisture and elasticity compared to placebo, but doses above 6mg per day didn’t provide additional wrinkle or hydration benefits.1 That makes Doctor’s Best a practical, lower-dose choice for users seeking cosmetic and dermatologic support rather than broader antioxidant or endurance effects.

Research also suggests that 6mg of astaxanthin can help support eye health, offering mild improvements in visual acuity and eye fatigue.14 Additionally, a safety review concluded that “6mg of astaxanthin per day from a H. pluvialis algal extract can be safely consumed by healthy adults.”45

Pricing, subscriptions, and shipping

A 90-softgel bottle of Doctor’s Best Astaxanthin costs $31.99, or about $0.35 per serving. That makes it roughly 20% cheaper per serving than Double Wood, though Double Wood provides twice the astaxanthin per dose.

Orders under $30 do not qualify for free shipping, but customers can combine purchases to reach the threshold. The company doesn’t currently offer subscription discounts on its own website; however, third-party retailers like iHerb or Amazon often provide recurring order options at a lower cost.

Refunds and guarantees

Doctor’s Best provides a 60-day refund window for direct purchases, though returns may be required. While this isn’t as generous as refund policies from brands like Life Extension or 1MD Nutrition, it may be long enough for changes in skin hydration and elasticity to appear — benefits that most studies report after six to eight weeks of consistent use.1

Best budget

Given that BulkSupplements focuses on delivering quality products at low prices, it’s no surprise that its astaxanthin is our budget pick. Based in Nevada, the company operates an NSF-certified, FDA-registered, and cGMP-compliant facility, producing more than 500 nutritional ingredients.

Each softgel provides 12mg of astaxanthin — a clinically effective dose shown in human research to improve oxidative stress markers, cognitive performance, and athletic recovery.3 7 9 While competitors like Double Wood and Doctor’s Best suspend their astaxanthin in olive oil, BulkSupplements uses sunflower oil, a likely cost-saving choice that still supports absorption for this fat-soluble carotenoid.16

Pricing, subscriptions, and shipping

A 180-softgel bottle (12mg each) costs $31.97, translating to about $0.18 per 12mg serving — the lowest per-serving cost of any product in this guide. Subscribing for deliveries every 1–6 months saves an additional 10%, bringing the effective cost to about $28.77 per bottle (roughly $0.16 per serving). At one capsule per day, the six-month subscription interval aligns neatly with supply.

Shipping is free on orders of $59 or more, which usually means two bottles or a mixed order. Smaller purchases incur a $9.95 shipping fee — the highest base rate in this guide — though the product is also available through Amazon, where Prime shipping can offset that cost.

To illustrate the savings, here’s how BulkSupplements compares to our best overall pick, Double Wood Astaxanthin:

Refunds and guarantees

BulkSupplements offers a 30-day return window, with full refunds only for unopened bottles. Partial refunds may be granted for opened containers, and there’s no satisfaction guarantee or automatic refund policy — meaning buyers assume more risk than with brands like Double Wood or Life Extension.

That trade-off may be worthwhile for value-minded shoppers or experienced users who plan to follow a consistent regimen. For those prioritizing cost per serving and subscription flexibility over a generous refund policy, BulkSupplements remains an economical option for taking 12mg of astaxanthin daily.

Best recovery formula with astaxanthin

Given the evidence linking oxidative stress to disrupted sleep and slow recovery, it makes sense that Sleep Support by Innerbody Labs leverages astaxanthin’s antioxidant power as a key part of its formula.46 Each serving provides 12mg of astaxanthin — the same clinically validated dose shown in studies to reduce stress, improve sleep quality, and enhance recovery after exercise in healthy adults.4 32 By helping regulate oxidative balance and stress hormones, astaxanthin may contribute to steadier sleep patterns and better next-day performance — benefits that build with consistent use.

Still, Sleep Support goes far beyond astaxanthin. It’s a comprehensive recovery formula designed to strengthen sleep physiology from multiple angles, addressing anxiety, muscle tension, and restlessness without relying on sedatives or melatonin. Its ingredients are carefully balanced to promote calm, protect against oxidative stress, and support restorative sleep over time.

Pricing, subscriptions, and shipping

Sleep Support is available as a one-time purchase or via subscription. The savings increase with longer subscription intervals:

For the best value, opt for the six-month subscription: it offers the lowest cost per month and per dose, though it requires an upfront payment of $295.50. All bottles ship free within the U.S. Note that the Sleep Support product is only available to U.S. customers at this time.

International shoppers should be aware that astaxanthin is not a common ingredient in many sleep and recovery supplements, so finding one that contains it may prove challenging. However, you can consult our resource for sleep aids or our guide to recovery aids for alternative choices.

Refunds and guarantees

You’ll have 30 days under Innerbody Labs’ money-back guarantee to try Sleep Support. If you’re not satisfied at that time, you can get a full refund. Though not the longest in our guide (that would be Life Extension), it’s likely sufficient time to observe Sleep Support’s benefits, which some users have noticed within a night or two of use. However, some other effects may take weeks to experience.

Best omega-3s with astaxanthin

Founded in California, 1MD Nutrition specializes in physician-formulated supplements made in NSF-certified, cGMP-compliant facilities. Its KrillMD softgels combine Antarctic krill oil with astaxanthin, creating a potent combination of omega-3 support and antioxidant protection.

Each two-softgel serving provides 1,600mg of krill oil, including 320mg of omega-3 fatty acids — 174mg of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 120mg of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) — plus 2mg of natural astaxanthin. While that’s the lowest astaxanthin dose in this guide, its delivery in krill oil may make it more efficient.

Unlike fish oil, where omega-3s are bound to triglycerides, krill oil carries its omega-3s on phospholipids — molecules that form the outer layer of human cells. This structure makes it easier for your body to absorb both the omega-3s and the attached astaxanthin, allowing them to reach tissues more effectively. In one clinical study, omega-3s delivered in phospholipid form were incorporated into cell membranes more readily than those from traditional fish oil.71

Research also suggests that astaxanthin enhances the antioxidant power and stability of omega-3s, protecting them from oxidation and supporting cardiovascular health. In another study, people who took omega-3s combined with astaxanthin showed stronger improvements in oxidative balance and blood vessel function than those taking omega-3s alone.15

Together, these findings indicate that even with just 2mg of astaxanthin, KrillMD’s phospholipid delivery system may make both nutrients more potent and bioavailable than higher doses from less efficient sources. You can learn more about this effect in our guide to krill oil.

Pricing, subscriptions, and shipping

1MD Nutrition provides flexible purchasing options, offering varying discounts based on the quantity and frequency. Customers can choose from one, three, or six bottles, either as a single purchase or a recurring subscription. The details regarding all the available combinations and their respective benefits are outlined in the chart below.

At up to 40% off, KrillMD offers the steepest subscription savings in this guide, though it requires an upfront purchase of $177.60 for six bottles.

At the time of writing, the code “SHIP1MD” also offers free shipping on all orders.

Refunds and guarantees

1MD Nutrition supports KrillMD with a 90-day full refund guarantee. Customers can return the product — even if the bottle is opened, partially used, or empty — and receive a refund with no questions asked. The only company in this guide with a longer policy is Life Extension, which offers a full one-year money-back guarantee.

Best astaxanthin formula for eye health

Founded in 1980 and based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Life Extension is one of the most established supplement companies in the U.S., known for transparent sourcing and rigorous quality standards. All of its products are produced in NSF-registered, GMP-compliant facilities and undergo independent third-party testing.

Its MacuGuard Ocular Support formula builds on decades of clinical research into carotenoids and vision health, delivering 10mg of lutein, 4mg of zeaxanthin, 6mg of astaxanthin, and 20mg of saffron — a quartet studied for protecting the retina and supporting visual performance.

Astaxanthin also plays an important supporting role in this formula. It can cross the blood–retinal barrier and help shield photoreceptor cells from oxidative stress.2 In human studies, combining astaxanthin with lutein and zeaxanthin has improved visual sharpness, reduced eye fatigue, and enhanced contrast recovery after glare exposure.14

Pricing, subscriptions, and shipping

A 60-softgel bottle of MacuGuard Ocular Support costs $34.50 with free shipping when you subscribe (8% off of $37.50). Subscriptions can be scheduled at any interval from 1 to 12 months, making it easy to match deliveries to your regimen.

That ends up looking like:

Refunds and guarantees

Life Extension offers the most generous refund policy — a 365-day money-back guarantee, even on opened bottles. Customers can request a full refund at any time within one year of purchase, no questions asked.

The closest competitor is 1MD Nutrition, which offers a 90-day money-back guarantee — just a quarter of Life Extension’s one-year window.

If you’re exploring supplementation but have constraints (e.g., allergens, cost, formulation preferences) — or if you simply want to stack smartly with astaxanthin — here are some well-researched alternatives:

Diet

In addition to — or instead of — supplementation, you can amplify astaxanthin’s effects (or support similar pathways) through diet. Aim for foods rich in carotenoids, omega-3s, polyphenols, and other antioxidants.

Examples include:16 74

• Fatty fish such as trout and mackerel
• Salmon, shellfish, and krill (natural astaxanthin sources)
• Brightly colored fruits and vegetables like berries, spinach, kale, and carrots
• Nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes
• Whole grains and fermented soy products