Astaxanthin Market

Global Astaxanthin Market Size (2024 To 2032)

The size of the global astaxanthin market is expected to be worth USD 1.35 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 16.20% from 2024 to 2032 to achieve USD 4.49 billion by 2032. Astaxanthin is derived mainly from HaematococcusPluvialis microalgae. It has the highest level of astaxanthin and is relatively more sustainable than other sources.

Astaxanthin belongs to the carotenoids of the xanthophyll category. It is a red pigment that occurs naturally in some algae and has a pinkish color such as salmon, lobster, shrimp, and other seafood. This product is used as a dietary supplement due to its easy availability to provide cardiovascular benefits. This product is 500 times more powerful than vitamin E and is much more effective than other carotenoids like lutein and lycopene. Algae, synthetic and bacterial sources in the form of astaxanthin sources are generally accepted as safe by GRAS. The FDA agreed to increase daily intake in the way of astaxanthin from 7.8 mg to 12 mg. Cyanotech also filed a petition with the FDA for the inclusion of 12mg of BioAstin brand in dietary ingredients.This product provides rapid joint recovery from intense exercise or physical activity and reduces oxidative stress that causes pain or stiffness.The global astaxanthin market is anticipated to show significant growth during the forecast period as demand for astaxanthin increases in various end-use industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food and beverage, aquaculture and animal feed, and diet.

MARKET DRIVERS

Due to the high cost of hospitalization, the demand for astaxanthin and natural antioxidants is expected to increase with increased nutrition awareness for healthy lifestyles and a higher preference for dietary supplements.

Astaxanthin is considered a potent antioxidant that has been shown to protect human cells from inflammation and oxidation. Astaxanthin anti-inflammatory drugs help reduce pain in the muscles, joints and tendons of patients who have chronic arthritis. Furthermore, the spread of diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer and cognitive health problems is assumed to lead the market. Astaxanthin, for example, helps increase blood pressure and lower blood sugar, which is common in people with diabetes and blood pressure. Significant technological advances are also critical drivers of the market. Profitable technologies drive the production of synthetic astaxanthin.

Additionally, the closed microalgae culture system is another manufacturing technique that increases performance and reduces waste by minimizing the risks associated with capturing foreign matter, microbial contamination, and agricultural residues. Astaxanthin, in the form of functional food, is also used to prevent the development of chronic diseases, delay the aging process, and improves health. As interest in dermatology has increased, the benefits of astaxanthin for skin homeostasis have been proposed, such as antioxidant, light-shielding, and anti-inflammatory effects. Astaxanthin that is mainly used in the diet of humans is now used as a part of animal feed. It is also becoming an integral part of poultry applications and aqua creatures like shrimp, salmon, trout and others. Its consumption is known to improve many blood parameters that can help with heart disease.

It can help prevent atherosclerosis (blockage of the arteries) by reducing the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and taking a dose of about 6-8 mg a day. It can help increase general blood flow and lower blood sugar in patients with diabetes and blood pressure. Astaxanthin is a potent anti-inflammatory and has more antioxidant properties than vitamin A itself. There is also a market demand for water-soluble forms. This Axtaxanthin property is expected to expand the size of the market during the forecast period. Astaxanthin's functional food and health benefits in the field of dermatology, as various research activities on functional food for health continue to provide more evidence, its demand will witness unprecedented growth in the coming years.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

The high cost of production through the extraction process is an essential factor in the trend of high product prices. Strict guidance on the use of products in products for direct human consumption is another problem that negatively affects the growth of the global astaxanthin market. 

REPORT COVERAGE

SEGMENTAL ANALYSIS

By Source Insights

The Yeast & Microbes segment had the leading share of the global astaxanthin market share in 2024. Astaxanthin derived from microorganisms, such as Haematococcus pluvialis (a microalga), and yeast, has become the primary source for commercial production. This microbial source is preferred for its cost-effectiveness, sustainability, and high yields. The production process of microbial astaxanthin is also more environmentally friendly compared to other sources. This segment dominates the market due to its ability to meet the growing demand for natural, high-quality astaxanthin used in dietary supplements, cosmetics, and food & beverages.

The marine segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment the global astaxanthin market during the forecast period. Marine-based astaxanthin, primarily derived from algae and marine animals like shrimp and salmon, is gaining popularity due to its high antioxidant content and health benefits, particularly for skin, eye, and joint health. As consumers increasingly seek natural and sustainable ingredients, marine-sourced astaxanthin is seeing rapid growth, particularly in the nutraceutical and cosmetics industries. Its rising demand in premium health supplements, along with advancements in marine biotechnology, is driving the fast expansion of the marine-based segment.

By Form Insights

The dry form segment held the largest share of the global astaxanthin market in 2024. Dry astaxanthin, typically available as a powder or in microencapsulated forms, is widely used in dietary supplements, functional foods, and animal feed. The dry form is preferred for its long shelf life, ease of storage, and convenience in formulation, especially in capsules, tablets, and powdered supplements. Its ability to retain potency and stability over time contributes to its dominance in the market, making it the most common form used across various industries.

The liquid form segment is predicted to play a prominent role in the global astaxanthin market over the forecast period. Liquid astaxanthin is gaining popularity due to its higher bioavailability and ease of use in functional beverages, skincare products, and customized formulations. The growing consumer demand for liquid-based dietary supplements and ready-to-consume health drinks is driving this segment's growth. Additionally, liquid astaxanthin is increasingly being used in premium skincare products, benefiting from its fast absorption and antioxidant properties. This trend towards liquid formulations is contributing to the rapid expansion of the liquid segment in the astaxanthin market.

By Application Insights

The supplements segment dominated the market by holding the leading share of the astaxanthin market in 2024. Astaxanthin is widely used in dietary supplements due to its powerful antioxidant properties and numerous health benefits, including supporting eye health, skin health, and reducing inflammation. The demand for astaxanthin in the supplement market has been growing, driven by increased consumer awareness of its benefits and the rising interest in natural supplements. This segment continues to dominate the market, especially in capsules, soft gels, and functional beverages, as more consumers seek to improve their overall well-being with antioxidant-rich supplements.

The cosmetics segment is estimated to showcase the highest CAGR in the global market over the forecast period. Astaxanthin is increasingly incorporated into skincare products due to its powerful anti-aging and skin-protecting properties, particularly its ability to fight oxidative stress, reduce wrinkles, and promote skin hydration. The rising demand for natural, clean-label beauty products and the growing interest in antioxidants for skin health are key factors driving the rapid growth of this segment. Astaxanthin's inclusion in high-end, anti-aging skincare products, such as serums, moisturizers, and masks, is propelling the fast expansion of the cosmetics application in the market.

By Method of Production Insights

The microalgae cultivation segment occupied the leading share of the global astaxanthin market share in 2024. Microalgae, particularly Haematococcus pluvialis, is the most popular and natural source of astaxanthin. This method is preferred for its sustainability, high yield, and ability to produce high-quality, natural astaxanthin without the use of chemicals. The cultivation of microalgae allows for optimal production conditions, making it the dominant production method in the industry, especially for dietary supplements, cosmetics, and food applications. Its natural extraction is increasingly valued due to consumer preferences for organic and clean-label ingredients.

The fermentation segment is the fastest-growing method of production in the astaxanthin market. This biotechnology-based approach involves the use of yeast or other microorganisms to produce astaxanthin, offering an eco-friendly and scalable alternative to traditional methods. Fermentation allows for high-purity astaxanthin and is becoming increasingly popular due to advancements in microbial technology that enhance yield and production efficiency. As demand for sustainable and cost-effective production methods grows, fermentation is gaining traction, especially in the nutraceutical and food industries, contributing to its rapid expansion in the market.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The North American astaxanthin market dominated the entire business in 2019 due to awareness programs by nonprofits and the presence of key market participants. On the other hand, the Asia Pacific astaxanthin market is estimated to show significant growth during the outlook period. Prominent companies in China like InnoBio and BGG are improving their technological features, which is supposed to promote business growth in this area. Also, increased awareness of astaxanthin among health professionals, a large population suffering from malnutrition, and a thriving cosmetic industry that uses organic resources are another critical factor driving the growth of the market.

The Asia Pacific region has been shown to offer great opportunities for astaxanthin players due to the characteristics like the presence of highly active consumers in relation to the aging population, multiple opportunities for healthy ingredients for the aging and changing market conditions, especially growth in sales through online channels in Southeast Asia, which have entered this market at low prices. Several global astaxanthin companies have invested in expanding their reach in the region.

KEY PLAYERS IN THE GLOBAL ASTAXANTHIN MARKET

Major Key Players in the global astaxanthin market are Koninklijke DSM N.V., BASF SE, Cyanotech Corporation, Otsuka Pharmaceutical, Valensa International, Fuji Chemical Industries, Divis Laboratories, Beijing Ginko Group, Igene Biotechnology, Piveg, Inc, Fenchem Biotek Ltd, Algatechnologies, Cardax, Inc, Supreme Biotechnologies and Others.

RECENT HAPPENINGS IN THE MARKET

• In June 2018, Iceland-based astaxanthin ingredient and supplement producer Algalif (Reykjanesbaer) introduced the current Icelandic brand of new astaxanthin soft capsules IceCaps and completed astaxanthin dietary supplements in Asia Pacific countries.
• In a study conducted in Japan and China in April 2019, a mouse model was used to investigate the use of astaxanthin for skin aging, and it was found that dysregulation of gene expression related to aging was improved.
• In 2017 Heliae worked with Syndel Laboratories Ltd. to produce Nymega aquaculture feed ingredients that are expected to be marketed.
• In October 2018, BGG and SolixAlgredients (Solix) and AlgaeHealths (AlgaeHealth) announced that AstaZine Natural Astaxanthin has Dispersa, a new technology platform to be used in other BGG products.
• In May 2018, Solix and BGG started a joint venture to establish a production plant in Colorado. The company aimed to build a manufacturing scale supercritical fluid carbon dioxide extraction capacity in Colorado.

DETAILED SEGMENTATION OF THE GLOBAL ASTAXANTHIN MARKET INCLUDED CASEIN IN THIS REPORT

This research report on the global astaxanthin market has been segmented and sub-segmented based on source, form, application, method of production, and region

By Source

• Plants       
• Yeast & Microbes
• Marine     
• Petroleum   

By Form

• Dry
• Liquid

By Application

• Supplements        
• Animal Feed          
• Cosmetics               
• Food    

By Method of Production

• Fermentation      
• Microalgae Cultivation      
• Extraction               
• Chemical Synthesis   

By Region

• North America
• Europe
• The Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• The Middle East and Africa