Having survived for billions of years, Haematococcus pluvialis is arguably one of the most resilient organisms in nature and the best source of astaxanthin. Haematococcus Pluvialis produces astaxanthin to protect itself from harsh environmental conditions. During the summer, when conditions become stressful and ponds begin to dry up, astaxanthin enables the microalga to preserve its DNA undamaged, ready to grow again when the next rain comes, even if that takes years.