A ‘Super Antioxidant’ From Algae for Sunscreen?

Astaxanthin produced by marine algae may offer the solution we need for nontoxic sunscreen

Eating seafood containing astaxanthin, like wild-caught shrimp or salmon, is a natural way to protect the skin from sun damage. Olesya_sh/Shutterstock

Even though they live by photosynthesis, algae can get too much sun, just as humans can. When faced with difficult conditions, including excessive sun, algae protect themselves by making a compound called astaxanthin.

“Astaxanthin is a ketocarotenoid, super antioxidant molecule,” wrote researchers in a 2022 review published in the Journal of Basic Microbiology.