It is a self-driven initiative exclusive to Thai market after discovering certain finished products have problems with labeling and unauthorised use of the AstaReal® astaxanthin trademark logo. We aim to differentiate unfamiliar brands that claim to use AstaReal® astaxanthin from genuine ones. This is a testament to our commitment to quality and trust so that consumers can purchase from brands' finished products with trust and confidence.​​​

When a finished product has the AstaReal® VeriReal✔ certificate, it had passed the paper audit by AstaReal and third-party independent laboratory assay using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). We can ensure that the finished product is using 100% AstaReal astaxanthin. Also, we want to make sure it is not mixed sources of astaxanthin and the dosage matches the label claim.

The AstaReal® trademark logo represents our branded ingredient, astaxanthin. It is used for market differentiation from other sources. AstaReal® is a registered trademark of Fuji Chemical Industries Co., Ltd., Japan. Only brands that have met certain requirements are permitted to use the logo via a trademark licensing agreement. However, we discovered finished products on the Thailand online shopping platforms like Shopee and Lazada that the AstaReal® ingredient trademark logo is easily copied without prior authorization. Furthermore, in some finished products, there was no astaxanthin detected and therefore, such products are mislabeled. Therefore, AstaReal® VeriReal✔ program is the next level of guarantee to consumers that the finished product brand uses 100% astaxanthin by AstaReal. Only products that have passed the verification process will be issued a certificate of authenticity and VeriReal QR code. The QR code will link to our website to prevent misuse of the certificate because only products listed on our website has been authenticated.

No, the problem is specific to finished products made and sold in Thailand.

The certificate is valid for 2 years, subject to the finished product passing lab testing and paper audit during the initial verification process.

No. We only require a one-time paper audit per certificate issuance. For certificate renewal, it will necessary to repeat the audit once more.

AstaReal will conduct one random finished product checks for around a year after the issue date of certificate. Should the brand owner fail to address and rectify any non-compliance found during the audit or random testing, AstaReal will void the certificate and remove the product listing from our AstaReal® VeriReal✔ webpage.

In Thailand, we discovered suspicious products and unauthorised use of our AstaReal® astaxanthin trademark. Therefore, we do not know if they are using AstaReal. Products listed here have been checked and tested. We want Thai consumers to purchase products with trust and confidence the product uses 100% genuine AstaReal.​​​

This our AstaReal brand logo. Unfortunately, it has been copied many times. Look out for the new AstaReal QR code in the product marketing and labelling. This is a high level brand authentication seal. Scan the QR code to see the list of products that have been authenticated by AstaReal. Products not listed on our web page have not been checked by AstaReal. The product owner should also have an original certificate of authentication issued by AstaReal.

No, not necessarily. Most likely we are dealing with just a few bad apples. There are a few scenarios that may apply: a. Some brands that have just launched their products in the market; b. Some brands are not participating in the verification program due to various reasons. If you are still not sure, it is recommended to purchase from established brands compared to unfamiliar ones.