Natural Astaxanthin From Haematococcus Pluvialis | B2B Raw Material Supplier
Extract Makers specializes in the wholesale supply of high-purity Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract Astaxanthin Powder, offering a full range of standardized specifications for manufacturers, formulators, and distributors across the nutraceutical, cosmetic, aquaculture, and pharmaceutical industries. Our natural astaxanthin is derived exclusively from cultivated Haematococcus pluvialis microalgae — the most concentrated natural source of astaxanthin known to science — ensuring superior bioavailability and consistent potency in every batch.
Available Specifications
Extract Makers offers a comprehensive portfolio of natural astaxanthin forms to meet diverse formulation and application requirements:
| Product Form | Specification |
|---|---|
| Astaxanthin Powder | 3%, 4%, 5% |
| Astaxanthin Oil | 5%, 10% |
| Astaxanthin Microcapsule Powder | 2% |
In addition to Haematococcus pluvialis-derived astaxanthin, we also supply natural fermented astaxanthin powder intended for feed-grade applications, offering a more cost-effective option for aquaculture and animal nutrition sectors.
Custom concentrations and formulation-specific grades are available upon request. Contact our technical team to discuss your precise requirements.
What Is Haematococcus Pluvialis Extract Astaxanthin?
Astaxanthin is a naturally occurring ketocarotenoid pigment classified within the broader carotenoid family. Unlike beta-carotene or lycopene, astaxanthin possesses a unique molecular structure that allows it to span the full width of the cell membrane, providing antioxidant protection on both the interior and exterior of the cell simultaneously. This structural distinction is widely recognized in nutritional science as a key reason for astaxanthin's exceptional free radical scavenging capacity.
Haematococcus pluvialis is a freshwater unicellular green microalga that accumulates astaxanthin as a protective response to environmental stress — particularly intense UV radiation and nutrient deprivation. Under these induced conditions, the microalgae can accumulate astaxanthin at concentrations of up to 4–5% of dry weight, making it the most commercially viable and biologically potent natural source available for ingredient manufacturing.
The resulting Haematococcus pluvialis extract astaxanthin powder is a lipid-soluble, dark red to reddish-brown pigment with broad application potential across health, nutrition, and personal care formulations.
Source, Cultivation & Extraction Process
Controlled Microalgae Cultivation
Our astaxanthin supply chain begins with the controlled cultivation of Haematococcus pluvialis in closed photobioreactor systems or open raceway ponds, depending on production scale. The cultivation environment is tightly managed for light intensity, CO₂ supplementation, temperature, and nutrient availability to maximize astaxanthin accumulation within the algal cells.
Once the microalgae reach optimal astaxanthin density, the biomass is harvested, concentrated, and subjected to cell disruption to release the intracellular astaxanthin-rich oleoresin. This step is critical, as the rigid cell wall of H. pluvialis cysts must be effectively broken to ensure high extraction efficiency and bioavailability of the final product.
Extraction & Purification
The astaxanthin oleoresin is extracted using food-grade solvent extraction or supercritical CO₂ extraction processes, followed by multi-stage purification to achieve the desired potency and purity standards. The resulting extract is then processed into various commercial forms — including dry powder, oil suspension, and microencapsulated powder — to optimize stability and compatibility with different formulation systems.
Microencapsulation technology, used in our 2% astaxanthin microcapsule powder, provides enhanced oxidative stability, improved water dispersibility, and prolonged shelf life, making it particularly suited for water-soluble formulation environments such as beverages, effervescent tablets, and functional foods.
Physical & Chemical Properties
- Appearance: Dark red to reddish-brown fine powder (oil and microcapsule forms also available)
- Solubility: Lipid-soluble (powder and oil forms); the microencapsulated form offers improved dispersibility in aqueous systems
- Active Constituent: All-trans astaxanthin (primary isomer), with minor proportions of cis isomers
- Assay Method: HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography)
- Stability: Sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen; proper packaging and storage conditions are essential to preserve potency
Certificate of Analysis — Astaxanthin Powder 5%
The following represents a representative batch Certificate of Analysis for our 5% Astaxanthin Powder, conducted in accordance with internationally recognized analytical standards:
Physical & Chemical Properties
| Test Item | Specification | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Dark Red Powder | Conforms | Visual |
| Residue on Ignition | ≤1 g/100g | 0.51 g/100g | 3g / 550°C / 4hrs |
| Loss on Drying | ≤5 g/100g | 3.27 g/100g | 3g / 105°C / 2hrs |
| Identification | Conforms with TLC | Conforms | TLC |
| Astaxanthin Assay (%) | ≥5.0% | 5.13% | HPLC |
Heavy Metals & Residue Analysis
| Test Item | Specification | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Heavy Metals | ≤10 mg/kg | Conforms | — |
| Lead (Pb) | ≤1.00 mg/kg | 0.28 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Arsenic (As) | ≤1.00 mg/kg | 0.55 mg/kg | ICP-MS |
| Cadmium (Cd) | ≤1.00 mg/kg | Conforms | ICP-MS |
| Mercury (Hg) | ≤0.50 mg/kg | Conforms | ICP-MS |
Microbiological Testing
| Test Item | Specification | Result | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Plate Count | ≤1,000 cfu/g | 200 cfu/g | AOAC 990.12 |
| Total Yeast & Mold | ≤100 cfu/g | 10 cfu/g | AOAC 997.02 |
| E. coli | Negative / 10g | Conforms | AOAC 991.14 |
| Salmonella | Negative / 10g | Conforms | AOAC 998.09 |
| S. aureus | Negative / 10g | Conforms | AOAC 2003.07 |
Conclusion: Sample Qualified
Shelf Life: 24 months from date of manufacture, under recommended storage conditions and in original, unopened packaging.
Retest Interval: Every 24 months under stated conditions.
Storage: Store in a cool, dry location, away from moisture, direct light, and heat sources.
Third-party testing reports are available upon request. All analytical data is verifiable and conducted by accredited laboratories.
Functional Properties & Health Benefits
Haematococcus pluvialis extract astaxanthin powder is recognized across nutraceutical research and formulation science for its broad functional profile:
Superior Antioxidant Activity
Astaxanthin is widely cited in scientific literature as one of the most potent natural antioxidants. Its unique ability to neutralize singlet oxygen and quench free radicals makes it a highly valued active ingredient for anti-aging, cellular protection, and oxidative stress management formulations.
Immune System Support
Research suggests that astaxanthin modulates immune function by enhancing the activity of natural killer cells and T-cells. This immunomodulatory potential supports its use in general wellness and immune-support supplement categories.
Anti-Inflammatory Properties
Astaxanthin has been shown to inhibit inflammatory signaling pathways, including COX-2 and NF-κB, positioning it as a relevant ingredient for joint health, sports recovery, and inflammation-related wellness products.
Skin Health & Photoprotection
In cosmetic and nutricosmetic applications, astaxanthin is valued for its ability to reduce UV-induced skin damage, improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and support overall dermal health. It is increasingly incorporated into premium anti-aging skincare formulations.
Eye & Visual Health
Astaxanthin readily crosses the blood-retinal barrier, making it a functionally appropriate ingredient for eye health supplements addressing eye fatigue, digital eye strain, and age-related macular health.
Sports Performance & Endurance
Growing interest from the sports nutrition sector focuses on astaxanthin's role in reducing exercise-induced oxidative damage, supporting muscle recovery, and potentially improving endurance performance.
Industry Applications
Haematococcus pluvialis extract astaxanthin powder serves as a versatile raw material across multiple industries:
Dietary Supplements & Nutraceuticals
- Softgel capsules and hard-shell capsules
- Functional tablets and effervescent formulations
- Powder blends and stick packs
- Sports nutrition products and recovery formulas
Food & Functional Beverages
- Natural colorant for functional food products
- Antioxidant-enriched beverages and meal replacements
- Nutritional ingredient in health-oriented food manufacturing
- Preservative-adjacent applications leveraging oxidative stability benefits
Cosmetics & Personal Care
- Premium anti-aging skincare serums and creams
- Sun protection and after-sun formulations
- Eye contour treatments and topical antioxidant products
- Nutricosmetic beauty-from-within supplement lines
Aquaculture & Animal Feed
- Pigmentation and immune support in salmon, trout, and shrimp farming
- Feed additive applications for poultry coloration and health support
- Fermented astaxanthin powder is recommended for feed-grade applications as a cost-effective alternative
Pharmaceutical Applications
- Investigational use in immunity-enhancing formulations
- Research-focused applications in oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular protection
Quality Standards & Certifications
Extract Makers operates under a fully integrated quality management system with rigorous in-process and finished product controls. Our manufacturing facility complies with the following standards and holds the corresponding certifications:
- GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) — pharmaceutical and nutraceutical grade
- HACCP — Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points
- ISO 22000 — Food Safety Management System
- ISO 9001 — Quality Management System
- Kosher Certified
- Halal Certified
- FDA Registered Facility
Each production batch is documented with a full Chain of Custody, from microalgae cultivation and biomass harvest through extraction, purification, and final packaging. Batch traceability records and third-party laboratory test reports are available to qualified buyers upon request.
Packaging Specifications
Our standard packaging configurations are designed to preserve product integrity during transit and storage, while accommodating order quantities across different scales:
- Small Quantities: 1 kg – 5 kg double-sealed aluminum foil bags with nitrogen flushing
- Medium Quantities: 10 kg – 20 kg cardboard cartons with inner protective liner
- Bulk Quantities: 10 kg – 30 kg fiber drums with moisture barrier inner bag
Private Label & Custom Packaging
For brand owners, contract manufacturers, and retailers seeking a market-ready solution, Extract Makers offers private label packaging services. We can customize packaging with your brand logo, label design, and product information, enabling you to bring retail-ready products to market without the overhead of in-house packaging infrastructure. This service is available across a range of pack sizes to support both e-commerce and retail distribution channels.
Free Sample Policy
Extract Makers understands that ingredient quality must be verified before purchase commitments are made. We offer complimentary product samples — typically 10g to 20g per specification — to qualified buyers for quality evaluation and preliminary formulation testing. Due to the relatively high value of natural astaxanthin, sample availability for certain specifications may require prior confirmation with our sales team.
To request a free sample of our Haematococcus pluvialis extract astaxanthin powder, contact us directly at [email protected] with your company details and the specification of interest.
Shipping & Logistics
Extract Makers supports international B2B customers with flexible shipping solutions tailored to order volume:
- Small to Mid-Volume Orders (Below 1 Metric Ton): DHL, FedEx, UPS, EMS, and other international express courier options with door-to-door tracking
- Large Volume Orders: Sea freight (FCL/LCL) and railway freight options available based on destination and customer preference
- Export documentation including commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin, and full batch COA is provided as standard with every shipment
After-Sales Support & Quality Guarantee
Extract Makers is committed to long-term partnerships built on consistent product quality and responsive service. All products carry a 24-month shelf life guarantee under recommended storage conditions. Should any product fail to meet the agreed specifications upon receipt, our team will work with you promptly to resolve the matter — including product replacement or refund according to our returns policy.
Our customer support team is available to assist with:
- Technical formulation guidance
- Regulatory documentation support
- Certificate and test report provision
- Custom specification development
- Reorder scheduling and logistics coordination
Contact Us
For pricing inquiries, sample requests, bulk order discussions, or technical questions regarding our Haematococcus pluvialis extract astaxanthin powder, please reach out to our international sales team:
📧 Email: [email protected]
Extract Makers maintains a catalog of over 2,000 plant extracts, botanical ingredients, and nutritional raw materials. If you are sourcing a specific ingredient that is not listed on our website, please contact us directly — our sourcing team can assist with procurement across a wide range of product categories.
