Effects of astaxanthin on skin aging and hydration

Double Blind Placebo Controlled Oral Supplementation of Astaxanthin on Skin Photoaging, Hydration and Elasticity

Not applicable Interventional Integrative Skin Science and Research · NCT05882084

This study is testing if taking astaxanthin daily can improve skin aging and hydration in women between 30 and 55 years old.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment24 (estimated)
Ages30 Years to 55 Years
SexFemale
SponsorIntegrative Skin Science and Research Industry-sponsored
Locations1 site (Sacramento, California)
Trial IDNCT05882084 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study evaluates the impact of oral astaxanthin supplementation on skin photoaging, hydration, elasticity, pigmentation, and facial redness in women aged 30 to 55. It is a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where participants will receive either 6 mg of astaxanthin daily or a placebo. The study aims to determine if astaxanthin can provide significant improvements in skin health compared to no treatment. Participants will be categorized based on their Fitzpatrick skin type to assess varying effects.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are females aged 30 to 55 with varying Fitzpatrick skin types.

Not a fit: Patients with known allergies to astaxanthin or carotenoids, or those currently using certain skin treatments may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a novel oral treatment option for improving skin health and appearance in aging women.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited data on astaxanthin specifically, other carotenoids have shown promise in improving skin health, suggesting potential for success in this approach.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion criteria:

* Females who are 30 to 55 years of age
* Half of the women will have Fitzpatrick skin type 1-3 and the other half of the women will have Fitzpatrick skin type 4-6

Exclusion criteria:

* Individuals with a known allergy to astaxanthin or other carotenoids (such as zeaxanthin, lutein, lycopene).
* Individuals who are unwilling to discontinue carotenoid supplementation for at least 1 month prior to enrollment
* Individuals unwilling to restrict intake of foods like shrimp, salmon, mangos, carrots, and tomatoes during the study.
* New supplementation within 4 weeks with tocopherol
* Individuals who are unwilling to stay consistent with a facial cleansing regimen.
* Those who are unwilling to discontinue topical hydroquinone, retinoid or benzoyl peroxide for 2 weeks prior to enrollment
* Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
* Individuals who have changed any of their hormonal based contraception within 3 months prior to joining the study.
* Current tobacco smoker or a tobacco smoking history of greater than 10 pack-years

Where this trial is running

Sacramento, California

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions PhotoagingCarotenoidAstaxanthinSkinHydrationElasticity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.