The invention relates to a method for preparing a cyclic α-ketoalcohol, particularly a 6-hydroxycyclohexenone from a cyclic α-ketoenol, particularly a 6-hydroxycyclohexadienone, using a reducing agent. This reducing agent is selected from hydrogen gas; a secondary alcohol, formic acid and the salts of formic acid or a mixture of at least two representatives of these compound classes. The invention further comprises the use of an α-ketoenol, in particular a 6-hydroxycyclohexadienone, as intermediate for preparing astaxanthin.