Preparation of astaxanthin mask from Phaffia rhodozyma and its evaluation

Abstract

Abstract As a powerful antioxidant, astaxanthin (AST) is increasingly used in the cosmetic industry. At present, masks with natural extracts are generally accepted by consumers. This study envisaged the development of astaxanthin stock solution and astaxanthin mask using the astxanthin from Phaffia rhodozyma. The concentration and stability of astaxanthin from P. rhodozyma were evaluated in several cosmetic solvents. Caprylic/capric triglyceride (GTCC) was found to be suitable solvent to prepare astaxanthin stock solution (AST-GTCC). The formula to produce astaxanthin mask using AST-GTCC was developed. Compared with vitamin E (VE), both AST-GTCC and astaxanthin mask showed superior DPPH-scavenging activity, indicating that they had strong antioxidant capabilities. The stability of AST-GTCC and mask was evaluated and their optimal conditions of production and storage were determined. The suggested content of astaxanthin in the mask and the storage temperature were 20 ppm and 4 °C, respectively, with half-life of 70.7 weeks for AST-GTCC mask. The present study suggested that the developed process is feasible, and the mask is promising in the cosmetic market.