Haematococcus pluvialis (Astaxanthin) – Microalgae Powder

Technical Specifications

Production and Cultivation

Haematococcus pluvialis can be cultivated using several methods. In outdoor pond cultivation, the microalgae grows in large ponds filled with nutrient-rich medium under natural sunlight. In closed photobioreactors, cultivation takes place under controlled conditions regarding light intensity, temperature, and nutrient supply — a method particularly suited for quality-critical applications.

Two-stage cultivation first grows the microalgae under optimal conditions for maximum biomass production. In the second stage, environmental stressors such as high light intensity and nutrient deprivation are applied to induce astaxanthin accumulation. Mixotrophic cultivation combines autotrophic and heterotrophic methods and can increase biomass production while reducing cultivation time.

After cultivation, the biomass can be harvested by centrifugation, filtration, or flocculation, and subsequently processed for astaxanthin extraction.

Ordering & Contact

ALGANEX supplies Haematococcus pluvialis powder for B2B buyers in the cosmetics, food supplement, and aquaculture industries. Contact us for bulk pricing, sample requests, and supply chain information. Our team responds within twelve hours and supports product developers and purchasing managers with tailored sourcing solutions.

FAQ

What is Haematococcus pluvialis?

Haematococcus pluvialis is a freshwater green microalgae found in various aquatic environments worldwide, including ponds, lakes, and streams. It is known for its ability to produce astaxanthin, a potent carotenoid antioxidant.

What is astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring carotenoid pigment belonging to the xanthophyll class, found in various organisms including microalgae, salmon, shrimp, and krill. It is considered one of the most potent antioxidants in nature [4, 6].

What is Haematococcus pluvialis powder used for?

It is primarily used as a food supplement and in cosmetic formulations for skincare. It is also used in aquaculture and as a food ingredient where regional regulations permit [7, 9].

What are the properties of astaxanthin for skin?

Astaxanthin may improve skin elasticity, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and protect against UV damage. It also demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties and may reduce dark spots and hyperpigmentation [5, 6, 7, 15].

How is Haematococcus pluvialis cultivated?

Cultivation is carried out using outdoor ponds, closed photobioreactors, two-stage cultivation, or mixotrophic methods. The choice of method depends on the intended application and quality requirements.

Which industries use Haematococcus pluvialis?

The microalgae is used in cosmetics, food supplements, aquaculture, and as a food ingredient. In cosmetics it is particularly well suited for anti-aging formulations [5, 7].

In which cosmetic products can Haematococcus pluvialis powder be used?

The powder can be incorporated into creams, serums, peels, and masks. It is particularly well suited for anti-aging formulations due to its antioxidant and skin-firming properties [5, 7].

What is the regulatory status of Haematococcus pluvialis and astaxanthin?

Astaxanthin from Haematococcus pluvialis is used in food supplements, cosmetics, and aquaculture across multiple markets. Regulatory status varies by region and application — buyers are advised to verify applicable regulations before use. Contact ALGANEX for documentation to support compliance requirements.

Sources

1. Haematococcus pluvialis – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haematococcus_pluvialis
2. Astaxanthin – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astaxanthin
3. Si P, Zhu C. Biological and neurological activities of astaxanthin (Review). Mol Med Rep. 2022 Oct;26(4):300. doi: 10.3892/mmr.2022.12816. PMID: 35946443. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35946443/
4. Higuera-Ciapara I, Félix-Valenzuela L, Goycoolea FM. Astaxanthin: a review of its chemistry and applications. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr. 2006;46(2):185-96. doi: 10.1080/10408690590957188. PMID: 16431409. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16431409/
5. Stachowiak B, Szulc P. Astaxanthin for the Food Industry. Molecules. 2021 May 2;26(9):2666. doi: 10.3390/molecules26092666. PMID: 34063189. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34063189/
6. Kumar S, Kumar R; Diksha; Kumari A, Panwar A. Astaxanthin: A super antioxidant from microalgae and its therapeutic potential. J Basic Microbiol. 2022 Sep;62(9):1064-1082. doi: 10.1002/jobm.202100391. PMID: 34817092. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34817092/
7. Donoso A, González-Durán J, Muñoz AA, González PA, Agurto-Muñoz C. Therapeutic uses of natural astaxanthin: An evidence-based review focused on human clinical trials. Pharmacol Res. 2021 Apr;166:105479. doi: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105479. PMID: 33549728. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33549728/
8. Nishida Y, Nawaz A, Hecht K, Tobe K. Astaxanthin as a Novel Mitochondrial Regulator: A New Aspect of Carotenoids, beyond Antioxidants. Nutrients. 2021 Dec 27;14(1):107. doi: 10.3390/nu14010107. PMID: 35010981. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35010981/
9. Chang MX, Xiong F. Astaxanthin and its Effects in Inflammatory Responses and Inflammation-Associated Diseases: Recent Advances and Future Directions. Molecules. 2020 Nov 16;25(22):5342. doi: 10.3390/molecules25225342. PMID: 33207669; PMCID: PMC7696511. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33207669/)
10. Brendler T, Williamson EM. Astaxanthin: How much is too much? A safety review. Phytother Res. 2019 Dec;33(12):3090-3111. doi: 10.1002/ptr.6514. PMID: 31788888. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31788888/
11. Zhou X, Cao Q, Orfila C, Zhao J, Zhang L. Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Effects of Astaxanthin on Human Skin Ageing. Nutrients. 2021 Aug 24;13(9):2917. doi: 10.3390/nu13092917. PMID: 34578794. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34578794/
12. Ng QX, De Deyn MLZQ, Loke W, Foo NX, Chan HW, Yeo WS. Effects of Astaxanthin Supplementation on Skin Health: A Systematic Review of Clinical Studies. J Diet Suppl. 2021;18(2):169-182. doi: 10.1080/19390211.2020.1739187. PMID: 32202443. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32202443/
13. Zhang L, Wang H. Multiple Mechanisms of Anti-Cancer Effects Exerted by Astaxanthin. Mar Drugs. 2015 Jul 14;13(7):4310-30. doi: 10.3390/md13074310. PMID: 26184238. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26184238/
14. Landon R, Gueguen V, Petite H, Letourneur D, Pavon-Djavid G, Anagnostou F. Impact of Astaxanthin on Diabetes Pathogenesis and Chronic Complications. Mar Drugs. 2020 Jul 9;18(7):357. doi: 10.3390/md18070357. PMID: 32660119. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32660119/
15. Imokawa G. The Xanthophyll Carotenoid Astaxanthin has Distinct Biological Effects to Prevent the Photoaging of the Skin Even by its Postirradiation Treatment. Photochem Photobiol. 2019 Mar;95(2):490-500. doi: 10.1111/php.13039. PMID: 30338860. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30338860/