Product Name: Natural Astaxanthin
Chemical Name: 3,3'-Dihydroxy-β,β-carotene-4,4'-dione
Synonyms: Astaxanthin, Natural Pigment
Recommended Uses: Dietary supplement, food colorant, animal feed additive, cosmetics ingredient
Supplier Information: Manufacturer name, address, contact phone and emergency phone provided on official documentation
CAS Number: 472-61-7
Reference Numbers: E Number: E161j (for food applications), FEMA Number for flavoring
Email Address: Available from the supplier
Product Form: Powder, oleoresin, encapsulated beadlet, or suspension
Classification: Not classified as hazardous under GHS standards for raw material in general handling; dust may irritate eyes, skin, and respiratory tract
Label Elements: No pictogram required, precautionary statements for eye and skin contact
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation (powder forms), eye, skin contact, ingestion
Symptoms: Irritation to eyes, skin, or airways from direct contact with concentrated powder
Eyes: Redness, discomfort
Skin: Temporary staining, mild irritation possible from dust
Inhalation: Coughing, throat irritation if fine powder becomes airborne
Potential Environmental Effects: May impart color to water if spilled in large quantities
Active Ingredient: Astaxanthin: semi-purified extract (usually 1-10% w/w) in matrix/carrier (algal biomass, vegetable oil, or microencapsulation base like starch or gelatin)
Supporting Ingredients: Algal oil, sunflower oil, tocopherols (as antioxidants), microcrystalline cellulose, silica (for flow aid), gelatin, plant-based capsule shells
Impurities: Trace elements from natural source, minute pesticide residues within regulatory limits, possible minor inclusion of other carotenoids
Allergens: None typically, unless carrier contains soy or other allergenic materials (disclose per batch documentation)
Percent Composition: Astaxanthin extract content clearly labeled; remainder made up by designated carriers and antioxidants
Eye Contact: Immediately flush with running water, lift eyelids for thorough rinse, seek medical attention if irritation lingers
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, wash area gently with soap and water, seek care if skin remains irritated
Inhalation: Move person to fresh air, assist breathing as needed, wash nostrils and seek care if symptoms persist
Ingestion: Rinse mouth; if large amounts ingested consult physician for potential allergy or reaction, usually low toxicity
Specific Symptoms Requiring Attention: Allergic reactions, persistent rash, or eye discomfort require professional evaluation
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Dry chemical, CO2, foam, or water spray depending on quantity and surroundings
Unsuitable Methods: Direct high-pressure streams if product finely divided and airborne
Hazardous Combustion Products: Carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, possibly acrid fumes
Procedures: Wear full protective gear, self-contained breathing apparatus recommended; keep containers cool by spray for large fires
Special Hazards: Fine dust may form explosive mixtures with air, though highly unlikely under proper handling
Advice to Firefighters: Avoid inhaling smoke, use standard firefighting PPE
Personal Precautions: Wear goggles and gloves, respirator if high dust levels anticipated
Environmental Precautions: Prevent run-off into drains or natural water sources as strong natural red pigment persists
Spill Response: Sweep or vacuum up gently, avoiding dust kick-up; place recovered material in closed container
Disposal of Recovery: Dispose through licensed waste handler, avoid large releases into municipal waste streams
Decontamination: Wash area thoroughly with water or mild detergent; remove residue to avoid staining
Safe Handling: Use with adequate ventilation, avoid dust generation, use personal protection if handling bulk powder
Storage Conditions: Store in cool, dry place away from direct light and heat, sealed tightly to avoid oxidation
Incompatibilities: Avoid strong oxidizers, acids, or alkalis exceeding food or cosmetic grade; keep separated from sources of ignition
Packing Materials: Opaque, food-grade containers with desiccants if needed for long-term storage
Temperature Requirements: Do not freeze oleoresin forms; powder and beadlets stable at refrigerated temperatures
Other Precautions: Follow GMP standards if used in food, supplement, or pharmaceutical products
Occupational Exposure Limits: No established limits for astaxanthin; control dust per OSHA/ACGIH nuisance dust recommendations
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust ventilation, sealed transfer systems for bulk handling
Personal Protection: Safety glasses, gloves with impermeable surfaces, dust masks or respirators for high-dust environments
Respiratory Protection: Approved respirator for nuisance dust; not needed for capsules or premixed suspensions
Skin Protection: Lab coats, long sleeves, impervious gloves for extended exposure
Eye Protection: Splash goggles or safety glasses
Hygiene Measures: Wash hands thoroughly after use, prohibit eating or smoking in work area
Appearance: Deep red to dark purple powder, oily liquid, or beadlet; distinct strong pigment
Odor: Slightly fishy or neutral, depending on carrier oil
Odor Threshold: Not determined
pH: Not applicable in solid state; 4-8 in solutions depending on carrier
Melting Point: 215–216°C (pure compound, decomposition may occur before melting in extract forms)
Boiling Point: Not determined (decomposes)
Flash Point: Not applicable for powder; check carrier oil MSDS for liquid forms (usually >200°C)
Solubility: Insoluble in water, soluble in lipids and some organic solvents; dispersible in emulsions
Partition Coefficient: Log P > 7 (strongly lipophilic)
Auto-Ignition Temperature: Not available
Vapor Pressure: Low to negligible at ambient temperatures
Vapor Density: Not applicable
Evaporation Rate: Not applicable
Density: Bulk density varies (0.3 – 0.7 g/mL for powder)
Stability: Stable in dark, tightly sealed conditions with antioxidants; sensitive to light, heat, and oxygen
Chemical Stability: Stable for at least two years if stored properly, antioxidants help delay degradation
Hazardous Reactions: No known hazardous polymerization or violent reactions under standard conditions
Conditions to Avoid: Prolonged exposure to light, air, or heat promotes oxidation, color fade, and loss of potency
Incompatible Materials: Strong oxidizers, strong acids and bases, trace metals in high amounts
Decomposition Products: Carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, simple organic compounds if overheated or decomposed
Acute Toxicity: Extremely low toxicity based on animal and human studies; LD50 in rodents exceeds 2000 mg/kg
Chronic Toxicity: No evidence of carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, or reproductive toxicity at typical consumption or workplace levels
Irritation/Sensitization: Mild transient irritation on direct eye or skin exposure to concentrated powder
Aspiration Hazard: Not classified as risk
Ingestion Effects: No adverse effects at dietary doses; high doses may lead to skin discoloration and benign stool color changes
Allergy Potential: Rare, mostly related to carrier rather than astaxanthin itself
Special Populations: Safe for healthy adults, consult doctor before use in pregnancy, lactation, or underlying medical conditions
Toxicity: Practically nontoxic to aquatic and terrestrial wildlife in expected environmental concentrations
Persistence and Degradability: Biodegradable over weeks to months; breaks down to simpler carotenoids and then CO2 and water
Mobility in Soil: Low, highly lipophilic, binds to organic matter
Bioaccumulation Potential: No significant risk at environmental release levels reported
Aquatic Effects: May cause visible reddish tint in water at high levels but unlikely to affect aquatic organisms
Environmental Fate: Naturally occurring compound produced by algae, widely dispersed in nature; unlikely to pose significant ecological risk
Product Disposal: Collect and bring waste material to approved waste disposal facility; avoid flushing large quantities down drains
Container Disposal: Rinse and recycle if possible, otherwise treat as municipal solid waste
Regulatory Controls: Follow local, regional, and national regulations for pigment and supplement waste
Disposal Recommendations: Incineration or landfill under controlled conditions, minimal risk from household quantities
Precautions: Avoid dust release into air, large spills into surface waters
UN Number: Not regulated as hazardous for air, sea, or road transport
UN Proper Shipping Name: Not required
Transport Hazard Class: Non-hazardous
Packing Group: Not assigned
Marine Pollutant: No
Special Precautions for User: Protect from light, moisture, and high temperatures during shipment
Notable Country-Specific Regulations: Comply with standards for dietary supplements, food colorants, or cosmetic ingredients as relevant
Global Inventories: Listed or exempt on most major chemical inventories (TSCA, EINECS)
Food and Supplement Regulation: Approved as coloring/additive in many countries including US (as dietary ingredient), EU, Canada, Japan
Cosmetic Use: Approved for topical use in personal care products
Occupational Safety: Managed as nuisance dust under OSHA, ACGIH guidelines
Labeling Requirements: Ingredient disclosure, allergen statement, batch-specific documentation for supplements
Other Regulatory Issues: Monitor for updated safety assessments, provide new data as required for food/feed and personal care registration