Founded by compounding pharmacist Singing Tin, CUTISÉ’s products are powered by astaxanthin, an antioxidant recognised for its ability to protect, repair, and strengthen skin “across every layer”.
The brand was launched in 2024 as a response to complex skin care routines and superficial fixes. Its mission is to develop a streamlined system grounded in clinical science — using potent, multifunctional ingredients that address the root causes of skin ageing and not just the symptoms.
“The most noticeable shifts in the anti-ageing space across the Oceania region is the growing move toward science-backed and minimal skin care. There is now a strong focus on ingredients that provide quick visible results while also supporting long-term skin health.
“Interest is growing in more advanced cosmeceutical ingredients, including peptides, growth factors, and marine-sourced extracts such as astaxanthin and sea algae. These ingredients are gaining recognition for their ability to strengthen the skin, enhance hydration, and offer protection against environmental damage,” Tin told CosmeticsDesign-Asia.
For over a decade, she has garnered clinical experience spanning medical-grade dermatology treatments to personalised cosmetic formulations. Based on her observations, more and more people are looking for ways to keep their skin looking youthful, and are turning to professionals for guidance on what actually works.
“In medicine, we try to understand the root cause and do everything we can to prevent it. I think skin care should follow that same principle. The truth is most products focus on fixing what has already gone wrong, such as wrinkles or pigmentation, instead of preventing the damage from happening in the first place.
“Our skin is like a natural shield. It protects us every day from the sun, pollution, stress, harsh weather etc. But that same protective barrier makes it really difficult for skin care ingredients to reach the deeper layers where true repair happens. To put it simply, getting active ingredients through the skin is like trying to make your way through a packed football stadium. There are so many layers and obstacles in the way.
“Astaxanthin is a perfect fit for this challenge. Its molecular structure is unique because it can anchor itself in both the inner and outer layers of the cell membrane, giving it the ability to protect and support the skin on many levels.”
When formulated “properly” in conjunction with other actives, astaxanthin does not just improve skin hydration, texture, and tone, but also works at the cellular level to help protect the skin from oxidation, UV rays and inflammation, which are main causes of premature ageing.
“It is not just a quick fix for the surface; it’s doing important work behind the scenes that truly makes a difference over time. Astaxanthin perfectly blends real science with conscious skin care, which is the kind of skin care I am passionate about creating.”
An under-tapped resource
Although astaxanthin is starting to attract more attention in the skin care space, Tin considers it still a largely underused ingredient.
“Compared to well-known antioxidants like vitamin C and retinol, it has not yet reached mainstream status. While a handful of science-focused and niche brands are beginning to include it in their formulations, it is far from common across most skin care lines.
“As a pharmacist, I am always drawn to ingredients that balance proven results with safety. What makes astaxanthin so compelling is its exceptional antioxidant strength. Studies show that astaxanthin can be up to 6,000 times more effective than vitamin C in neutralising free radicals.”
According to Tin, one of the reasons why astaxanthin may still be under-recognised is due to formulation challenges.
“It is a lipid-soluble compound, so it requires thoughtful delivery systems to ensure it penetrates the skin effectively and remains stable within a formulation. This may deter brands that are not deeply invested in the science of skin health or those that rely heavily on marketing rather than research-led development.
“In my experience, the results from consistent use of astaxanthin are impressive. Its vibrant red-orange colour, derived from microalgae, is a visual cue to its potency but it does require careful handling to avoid staining the skin. Overcoming these technical hurdles is well worth it because of the clear benefits it delivers.”
As consumers become more educated and selective, seeking out ingredients that offer real, long-term benefits, and as more research is published, Tin believes that astaxanthin is poised to become a key player in the future of skin care.
Key advantages
Among other widely used antioxidants, astaxanthin is said to stand out for several important reasons — other than its free radical scavenging potency.
When exposed to certain conditions, some antioxidants can switch from being protective to causing oxidative stress. However, astaxanthin does not display pro-oxidant behaviour and continues to act as a pure antioxidant, without any risk of contributing to cellular damage.
Another key advantage is its molecular structure. Unlike vitamin C, which primarily acts on the surface of the skin, astaxanthin can reach deeper layers. Because of this deep cellular action, it plays a more complete role in maintaining healthy and youthful skin.
Furthermore, vitamin C is known to be sensitive to light, air and temperature, meaning that it can lose its effectiveness quickly once exposed to these elements.
“Astaxanthin, on the other hand, is highly stable and maintains its antioxidant power even under these conditions. This makes it a more dependable choice in skin care products that are intended for consistent, long-term use.
“Moreover, astaxanthin performs well at a pH level similar to that of healthy human skin. Its gentle yet powerful properties make it suitable for a wide range of skin types. In contrast, vitamin C needs a more acidic environment to remain effective, which can sometimes cause irritation, especially in those with sensitive skin.”
