This study employs a bibliometric approach, combining mathematical and statistical tools to systematically analyze the research dynamics and development trends of astaxanthin in the skincare field. The data primarily comes from the Web of Science and has been processed and visualized using VOSviewer and Excel. The results show that since 2015, the application of astaxanthin and antioxidants in skincare has garnered widespread attention, with a consistent increase in the number of publications and citations. Keyword analysis reveals the critical role of astaxanthin as a natural antioxidant in areas such as anti-aging, carotenoids, and cellular protection, highlighting its broad application potential in skincare products. This study provides data-driven support and guidance for further exploration of astaxanthin's applications in skincare.

This study employs a bibliometric approach, combining mathematical and statistical tools to quantitatively analyze a specific academic field, aiming to reveal research dynamics and trends. Through quantitative analysis, we can objectively assess research progress in the astaxanthin and skincare field and predict future research directions[1]. While the application of astaxanthin in skincare has seen increasing attention, there is still a lack of a comprehensive review to integrate these research findings. To address this gap, this paper constructs a bibliometric analysis framework focused on literature related to astaxanthin and skincare. The data used in this study is sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection, and data processing and visualization are conducted using VOSviewer and Excel software. The goal is to identify research hotspots and potential growth points in the field of astaxanthin and skincare. Through this approach, we can systematically review existing literature and provide data-backed support for future research directions, thereby advancing the application of astaxanthin in skincare.

In recent years, research on the relationship between skincare and antioxidants has shown that antioxidant components play a crucial role in slowing down skin aging and protecting against external damage. Antioxidants in skincare products, particularly vitamins, flavonoids, and phenolic compounds from natural plant extracts, neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress, and protect the skin from environmental pollution and UV damage. The study "Application of Natural Antioxidants in Skincare Cosmetics" emphasizes that natural antioxidants not only slow skin aging through their antioxidant effects but also help maintain the skin's barrier function[2].Another article, "The Role and Potential of Natural Anti-Aging Skincare", further explores how plant extracts and other natural compounds help combat UV-induced photoaging[3]. These studies highlight the importance of antioxidants in skincare, demonstrating their ability to improve skin health and reduce signs of aging. As a result, antioxidants are widely used in modern skincare products to enhance anti-aging and skin protection effects. These findings lay a solid foundation for further exploration of antioxidants in skincare.

Utilizing VOSviewer and Excel for the visualization and analysis of Data Exported from the Web of Science.

4.1 Number of publications

As shown in Figure 1, research on astaxanthin and its antioxidant properties has seen a steady increase in publications since the topic was first explored in 2015. From 2015 to 2022, the number of published papers in this field grew consistently. Although there was a slight decline in the number of publications in 2023, the citation volume for these papers has continued to rise. By July 2024, both the number of publications and citations had reached significant levels. This indicates that astaxanthin and its applications in skincare are gaining increasing attention from researchers. However, the overall research process may have encountered certain bottlenecks, underscoring the necessity and importance of further exploring the deep connections between astaxanthin and skincare.

Figure 1 illustrates the significant upward trend in citation counts for research papers related to astaxanthin in the skincare field from 2016 to 2023. Particularly after 2020, citation numbers have continued to rise, and as of July 2024, they remain at a high level. This indicates that research and applications of astaxanthin in skincare are gaining increasing recognition and acceptance within the scientific community. Similarly, the number of publications in this area experienced considerable growth from 2016 to 2022. However, the growth rate began to slow from 2020 onwards, likely due to the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which impacted research activities globally. This slight decline in recent publication trends suggests potential challenges and bottlenecks in the field moving forward. These observations underscore the importance of deepening research into the application of astaxanthin in skincare, highlighting the need for researchers to overcome existing obstacles and continue advancing the field.

The number of astaxanthin and skincare related publications from 2016 to 2023 was counted and quantitative trends were fitted and predicted using a time series analysis ARIMA model. The ARIMA model applied to predict the number of publications in the astaxanthin and skincare field demonstrates a strong fit to historical data from 2017 to 2023, with fitted values closely aligning with actual values. Although there are minor underestimations in certain years, the model effectively captures the upward trend. Forecasts for 2024 to 2026 suggest a continued increase in interest, with projected values rising from 310 to 367. While broad, 95% prediction intervals indicate a degree of uncertainty but maintain a positive outlook for growth in this research area. This trend suggests a sustained and potentially expanding academic focus on astaxanthin's role in skincare.

4.2 Discipline distribution

Based on the discipline categories reflected in the radar chart, the general research direction and development trends of astaxanthin in the skincare field can be discerned. Statistical analysis of the distribution of discipline categories reveals that research on astaxanthin and skincare spans a broad range of disciplines, highlighting its interdisciplinary nature and diverse applications. The chart indicates multiple discipline categories, reflecting widespread attention and integration of astaxanthin research across various fields.

Notably, “Food Science Technology” leads with the highest number of publications, followed by “Biochemistry Molecular Biology”, indicating significant emphasis on understanding astaxanthin’s nutritional and molecular properties. Fields like “Pharmacology Pharmacy” and “Chemistry” also show substantial contributions, suggesting active exploration of astaxanthin’s therapeutic effects and chemical analysis. Less represented fields such as “Agriculture” and “Fisheries” indicate emerging applications of astaxanthin.

Overall, the extensive coverage across diverse disciplines underscores the importance of astaxanthin in both scientific research and practical applications, pointing to a robust and evolving area of study with strong interdisciplinary collaborations.

4.3 Sustainability analysis

Astaxanthin's cross-disciplinary applications in skincare are evident, and targeted statistical analysis of related literature based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is highly significant.

As shown in the figure, more than three-quarters of the related literature (1,132 papers, 76.69%) are associated with "Good Health and Well-Being" highlighting the focus on promoting health and enhancing well-being through astaxanthin in skincare products.

Additionally, "Life Below Water" (105 papers, 7.11%) and "Clean Water and Sanitation" (91 papers, 6.17%) emphasize the research value of astaxanthin in the sustainable use of water resources, crucial for protecting aquatic ecosystems and improving environmental quality. Other documents cover "Life On Land" (30 papers, 2.03%) and "Climate Action" (21 papers, 1.42%), reflecting the potential of astaxanthin in ecosystem protection and climate change mitigation.

These statistics not only reveal key research areas of astaxanthin across different SDGs but also underscore its broad potential in promoting health, protecting aquatic ecosystems, and enhancing environmental quality. This provides valuable insights into future research and application directions in skincare technology.

4.4 Keyword analysis

In the bibliometric model, keywords are a central component of academic research, directly affecting the efficiency of literature retrieval and the depth of analysis[4].Keywords are not only a condensed expression of the content of the literature, but an identifier of the subject matter, methodology, and field of application of academic research.[5]

Therefore, keywords are not only a tool for information retrieval in bibliometric modeling, but also an important means of revealing the dynamics of academic research and promoting the intersection of disciplines.

Based on the premise that there is a close relationship between skin care products and antioxidant and oxidative stress, we constructed a framework for our study through literature modeling. First, we selected literature from the Web of Science Core Collection from 2016 to the first half of 2024 to ensure the timeliness of the study. In the “Topic” field, we crafted a combination of search terms, including “astaxanthin” and “antioxidant”, as well as “astaxanthin” versus “oxidative” to capture literature related to the antioxidant properties of astaxanthin. To improve the relevance of the search, we excluded search terms related to “aquaculture”, such as “shrimp oil”, “Antarctic krill oil”, “cumulonimbus” “ and “shrimp by-products” to avoid introducing literature unrelated to skincare.

With this strategy, we retrieved 1,473 relevant results from the Web of Science and used its export record function to export the results as txt text in batches of 500 articles.

Through the aforementioned process, we generated two types of visualizations that are useful for this study: "Network visualization”, which shows the co-occurrence network of keywords, and "Density visualization”, which assesses the density of nodes within the network. These visualization tools provide an intuitive perspective to identify and analyze research trends and potential connections between astaxanthin and the skincare field. By focusing on keywords such as "astaxanthin" and "oxidative stress”, we conducted a bilateral analysis of the resulting networks. This, combined with the principles of network visualization, allows for a detailed examination of the links between astaxanthin and skincare.

This network visualization integrates keyword diffusion maps centered around "astaxanthin" and "oxidative stress". In the figure, each circle represents a keyword, with its size indicating the weight of the keyword (i.e., its frequency of occurrence). The distance between two circles reflects their co-occurrence (proximity), with shorter distances indicating stronger relationships and longer distances suggesting weaker associations. The colors of the circles correspond to different clusters. Through this visualization, the primary research topics and keywords related to astaxanthin and their interconnections can be identified.

In the figure, the larger circles signify the high-frequency appearance of astaxanthin in the research. The visualization highlights major research themes associated with astaxanthin, such as "antioxidant”, "carotenoid”, and "oxidative stress." The proximity of these keywords illustrates the significance of astaxanthin in antioxidant and carotenoid research. Moreover, the figure reveals the connections between oxidative stress and various research themes, such as "antioxidant”, "cell”, and "damage." This underscores the central role of oxidative stress in studies of cellular damage and antioxidant mechanisms.

Further exploration of the top five closely related themes confirms that astaxanthin, as a potent antioxidant, has been demonstrated in multiple studies to play significant roles in antioxidant activity, carotenoid properties, oxidative stress regulation, cellular protection, and damage prevention.

Astaxanthin, a member of the carotenoid family, possesses strong antioxidant capabilities that effectively neutralize free radicals, mitigating oxidative stress-induced cellular damage and preventing cell aging and DNA deterioration. In "The Antioxidant Mechanism and Effects of Astaxanthin", researchers note that astaxanthin protects skin cells by inhibiting oxidative stress and reducing damage caused by UV radiation and other environmental factors[6]. Additionally, in "Advances in Carotenoid Metabolism and Function", astaxanthin's carotenoid properties are shown to not only provide antioxidant benefits but also inhibit apoptosis, enhance immune responses, and promote cellular regeneration and repair[7]. Furthermore, astaxanthin modulates inflammatory responses, reducing oxidative attacks on cell membranes and thus preserving cellular integrity.

These studies provide a solid theoretical foundation for the application of astaxanthin in antioxidant skincare products, demonstrating its broad potential in delaying aging and repairing cellular damage. As a natural antioxidant, astaxanthin's multifunctionality has garnered significant attention in the skincare and health sectors.

4.5 Cluster analysis

The keyword clustering analysis of astaxanthin in the skincare field using VOSviewer reveals three main research directions.

The first cluster (represented in red) centers around "astaxanthin”, focusing on its biological properties and antioxidant functions. Key concepts related to astaxanthin, such as "carotenoids”, "beta-carotene”, "antioxidant activity”, and "in-vitro" studies, are highlighted as prominent nodes in the visualization. This suggests that research on astaxanthin as a natural antioxidant in skincare primarily concentrates on its molecular structure, in-vitro antioxidant activity, and its relationship with carotenoids.

The second cluster (represented in green) revolves around "oxidative stress”, illustrating astaxanthin's potential role in mitigating oxidative stress-related mechanisms. Keywords such as "apoptosis”, "expression”, "cells”, "activation”, and "inflammation" are prominent, reflecting research trends that explore astaxanthin's role in regulating cell death, gene expression, and inhibiting inflammatory responses. This cluster underscores astaxanthin's significant role in addressing skin aging, promoting cell repair, and its anti-inflammatory properties, emphasizing its foundational value in skincare applications.

The third cluster (represented in blue) shows more diffuse research themes without a dominant keyword. It includes concepts like "supplementation”, "gene expression”, "growth”, and "stress”, suggesting astaxanthin's potential to enhance bodily functions and cellular health, particularly in supplementation and overall health maintenance. This cluster links to the broader biological functions of astaxanthin, particularly in regulating cellular stress responses, gene expression, and supporting systemic health.

The integration of these clusters demonstrates that astaxanthin not only protects the skin from external pollutants but also penetrates deeper into cells, suppressing inflammatory responses and preventing apoptosis. This deep anti-inflammatory and cell-protective capacity broadens astaxanthin’s potential in therapeutic skincare products, particularly for treating sensitive skin and inflammatory conditions. Moreover, astaxanthin, as a health supplement, has been widely used to support overall health by modulating oxidative stress levels, enhancing immune system function, and improving cellular metabolism and growth.

In summary, these three research areas highlight astaxanthin's multifaceted applications in skincare: its antioxidant properties, its role in combating oxidative stress, and its extensive biological effects as a supplement. This indicates that future research should further explore the systemic mechanisms of astaxanthin, integrating its use in skincare and health products to develop more targeted applications that enhance its value in cell protection, anti-aging, and inflammation control, thereby addressing the growing market demand.

4.6 Literature sources

We conducted an in-depth analysis of the contributions of various countries to the research literature on astaxanthin.

First, the dominant role of key contributing countries is particularly notable. China accounts for 35.28% of the total contribution, underscoring its leadership in the field of astaxanthin research. The United States (8.87%) and Japan (8.81%) follow closely behind. These countries, with their extensive research teams and robust R&D infrastructures, have made significant contributions to global astaxanthin research, especially in basic science and applied development.

Second, the distribution of contributions from different countries highlights the potential for international collaboration. Although China leads, the active participation of the United States, Japan, Iran, and India suggests that there is substantial room for growth in cross-border scientific cooperation in this field. International collaboration can integrate the scientific strengths of various nations and drive progress through shared resources, knowledge, and technology.

Finally, the prospects for astaxanthin applications are highly promising, particularly in skincare, food supplements, and medicine. As globalization deepens, the interaction between research publications and technological exchanges among countries will strengthen, not only advancing the depth of astaxanthin research but also fostering innovation and development in related industries.

In conclusion, by enhancing cooperation, countries can not only share research outcomes in astaxanthin but also promote joint development and innovation in related industries, leading to a win-win or even multi-win scenario. This model of international collaboration will accelerate the realization of astaxanthin’s global market potential, especially as the demand for natural antioxidants and health-promoting products continues to rise globally. The synergy between scientific research and commercial innovation will likely lead to more efficient and impactful applications of astaxanthin, particularly in the sectors of health, beauty, and nutrition.

4.7 Research groups

In the section "Insights and Judgments for the Research Group”, we can extract several important recommendations from various data points to guide the group in conducting more systematic and innovative research. These suggestions are aligned with the global trends in astaxanthin research within the skincare sector and provide valuable references for the research group.

First, the research output from different countries and regions offers the group a clear direction. China leads in the number of publications related to astaxanthin in skincare, highlighting the strong research capacity of Chinese institutions and teams in this field. Therefore, the experimental group should consider leveraging the research literature and outcomes from China while also drawing lessons from other leading nations. The research contributions from the United States and Japan should not be overlooked either. By comparing trends across China, the U.S., and Japan, the group may identify unique innovations across different research cultures and explore opportunities for collaboration.

Next, the diversity of disciplines offers the experimental group the possibility for interdisciplinary research. Analysis shows that disciplines such as food science, biochemistry, molecular biology, and pharmacology play a dominant role in astaxanthin-related skincare studies. The group should consider leveraging these interdisciplinary areas, particularly exploring astaxanthin's role as a dietary supplement in food science and examining its molecular mechanisms in biochemistry. Interdisciplinary research can uncover breakthroughs for astaxanthin in skincare, such as combining molecular biology and nutrition to study astaxanthin's dual impact on skin microenvironments and overall health.

Astaxanthin’s multi-sector applications represent another key focus for the research group. The analysis shows that astaxanthin research spans various fields beyond just skincare. Its notable properties in antioxidation, anti-aging, and cellular repair highlight its broad potential in food, pharmaceuticals, and environmental protection. For instance, in environmental protection, astaxanthin has demonstrated significant value in the sustainable use of water resources and ecosystem preservation. Building on its skincare research, the research group could explore the extended applications of astaxanthin in other related fields and attempt to develop multifunctional skincare products to enhance market competitiveness.

Finally, the sustainable development goals provide the experimental group with a long-term research direction. In astaxanthin research, the largest proportion of literature is associated with "Good Health and Well-Being", indicating that promoting health and wellness is a core focus in this field. The group could center its studies around this objective by investigating astaxanthin’s long-term benefits in enhancing skin health and improving quality of life. Additionally, the literature related to "Life Below Water" and "Clean Water and Sanitation" suggests that the group could explore how astaxanthin's applications might improve the environmental sustainability of skincare products, advancing eco-friendly product development. By integrating astaxanthin with environmental protection, the research group could find breakthroughs in the development of environmentally friendly skincare products.

In summary, the experimental group should integrate global research outcomes and consider information across four dimensions: countries and regions, disciplines, fields of application, and sustainable development goals. By forming a multidisciplinary, cross-sector, and future-oriented research strategy for astaxanthin in skincare, the group can maintain a leading position in academic research while achieving innovation and sustainability in practical applications.