Canthaxanthin
Research reviewed: Up until 03/2026
Canthaxanthin is a dietary supplement with 8 published peer-reviewed studies involving 175 participants, researched for Skin Pigmentation & Tanning, Photoprotection in Porphyria, Antioxidant & Immune Effects and 1 more areas.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Skin Pigmentation & Tanning
ModeratePhotoprotection in Porphyria
ModerateAntioxidant & Immune Effects
WeakSafety & Regulatory
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Skin Pigmentation & Tanning
To evaluate oral canthaxanthin for cosmetic skin bronzing effect.
Study Type
Open-label clinical study
Purpose
To evaluate oral canthaxanthin for cosmetic skin bronzing effect.
Dose
30-60 mg canthaxanthin daily
Participants
80 adults seeking tanning effect
Duration
4-8 weeks
Results
Visible orange-bronze skin colouration achieved in most participants; effect dose-dependent and reversible on discontinuation.
How They Measured It
Skin colorimetry (CIE L*a*b*); consumer satisfaction questionnaire
To document canthaxanthin-induced crystal retinopathy (retinal deposits).
Study Type
Case series & safety review
Purpose
To document canthaxanthin-induced crystal retinopathy (retinal deposits).
Dose
20-150 mg/day (high dose cosmetic use)
Participants
15 patients with canthaxanthin-induced retinal deposits
Duration
Varied
Results
Gold-speckle crystalline deposits in inner retina observed in all patients; deposits resolved within 1-2 years of cessation with no permanent visual loss in most cases.
How They Measured It
Fundoscopy, electroretinography, OCT imaging
Photoprotection in Porphyria
To assess canthaxanthin as photoprotective agent in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).
Study Type
RCT
Purpose
To assess canthaxanthin as photoprotective agent in erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP).
Dose
60-120 mg canthaxanthin daily
Participants
50 EPP patients
Duration
3 months
Results
Significant increase in light tolerance duration in EPP patients; reduced photosensitivity symptoms; widely used for EPP management.
How They Measured It
Light tolerance time; plasma porphyrin levels; adverse events
To review all evidence on canthaxanthin for photoprotection in porphyrias and sun-sensitive conditions.
Study Type
Systematic review
Purpose
To review all evidence on canthaxanthin for photoprotection in porphyrias and sun-sensitive conditions.
Dose
Various doses reviewed
Participants
Multiple studies reviewed
Duration
Review
Results
Canthaxanthin is an effective photoprotective agent for EPP; benefit-risk ratio is acceptable at therapeutic doses; high doses carry retinopathy risk.
How They Measured It
Systematic literature search and narrative synthesis
Antioxidant & Immune Effects
To characterise the antioxidant mechanisms and singlet oxygen quenching capacity of canthaxanthin.
Study Type
In vitro antioxidant study
Purpose
To characterise the antioxidant mechanisms and singlet oxygen quenching capacity of canthaxanthin.
Dose
1-100 µM
Participants
Cell-free assay
Duration
Acute
Results
Canthaxanthin demonstrated potent singlet oxygen quenching (rate constant comparable to beta-carotene) and significant free radical scavenging.
How They Measured It
Singlet oxygen quenching, DPPH, ABTS radical scavenging
To evaluate canthaxanthin's immunostimulatory effects in rodent models.
Study Type
Animal immunology study
Purpose
To evaluate canthaxanthin's immunostimulatory effects in rodent models.
Dose
10-40 mg/kg canthaxanthin
Participants
Rodent model (BALB/c mice)
Duration
3 weeks
Results
Canthaxanthin significantly enhanced NK cell activity and tumour resistance; protective effect against methylcholanthrene-induced sarcoma.
How They Measured It
NK cell cytotoxicity, T-cell proliferation, tumour resistance
Safety & Regulatory
To summarise the safety profile and regulatory status of canthaxanthin use in humans.
Study Type
Pharmacovigilance review
Purpose
To summarise the safety profile and regulatory status of canthaxanthin use in humans.
Dose
Various
Participants
Accumulated post-marketing data
Duration
Review
Results
Retinal crystal deposits remain key safety concern at doses >30 mg/day; EU and FDA have restricted cosmetic oral use; low-dose food additive use (E161g) remains approved.
How They Measured It
Adverse event database review, case report compilation
To monitor retinal safety of canthaxanthin at lower doses used in food colouring applications.
Study Type
Prospective ocular safety study
Purpose
To monitor retinal safety of canthaxanthin at lower doses used in food colouring applications.
Dose
5-10 mg canthaxanthin daily (food additive level)
Participants
30 adults over 12-month follow-up
Duration
12 months
Results
No retinal deposits or ERG changes at food additive level doses; safety confirmed at doses below 20 mg/day.
How They Measured It
Annual fundoscopy, ERG
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Canthaxanthin research
There are currently 8 peer-reviewed studies on Canthaxanthin (Canthaxanthin), involving 175 total participants. Research covers Antioxidant protection, Photoprotection, Immune modulation and 1 more areas. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (4 human studies), and reported outcomes.
Canthaxanthin has been researched for: Antioxidant protection, Photoprotection, Immune modulation, Skin pigmentation. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 4 out of 8 studies are human trials. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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