💡 A specialized face serum from CIRCADIA built around Advanced Glycation End-product (A.G.E.) inhibition — a targeted approach to the sugar-related protein cross-linking that leaves mature skin stiff, dull, and deeply lined.

The formula deploys a multi-pathway anti-glycation system: the Carnosine Anti-Glycation Complex intercepts reactive carbonyl species to help preserve the appearance of collagen and elastin integrity, while Tripeptide-9 Citrulline (dGlyage peptide) addresses a distinct metal-mediated glycation route. Complementary antioxidant botanicals — including Edelweiss-ECO and DermalRx LuShield — close the loop, since oxidative stress and glycation are interrelated aging drivers. The Derm SRC PF matrix complex supports visible skin density and resilience alongside the anti-glycation actives, making this a cohesive multi-concern formula rather than a single-mechanism treatment.

✨ The Counter A.G.E. concept is itself a client education opportunity — one that naturally opens the door to pairing with CIRCADIA's Glyco Guard for a retail-ready anti-glycation protocol.

For practices building advanced anti-aging facial menus around mature clients presenting with firmness loss, deep lines, and dullness together.

• Targets visible signs of glycation-related aging: The Carnosine Anti-Glycation Complex (Carnosine and Decarboxy Carnosine HCL) and Tripeptide-9 Citrulline together address multiple A.G.E. formation pathways — carbonyl trapping and metal-mediated cross-linking — to help minimize the look of stiffened, dull, and deeply lined skin associated with glycation over time.
• Helps maintain the appearance of firm, resilient skin: The combination of anti-glycation actives and the Derm SRC PF matrix-support complex works to preserve and support the skin surface's visible firmness and elasticity — addressing the loss of a firm, lifted appearance that characterizes mature skin.
• Antioxidant defense against oxidative skin aging: Osmanthus Fragrans Flower Extract (DermalRx LuShield) and Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract (Edelweiss-ECO) deliver complementary antioxidant protection, helping shield the skin surface from oxidative stressors that accelerate visible aging and contribute to new A.G.E. formation.
• Improves the appearance of texture and radiance: By targeting the glycation process that causes skin to appear dull and uneven, the serum's multi-pathway anti-A.G.E. system supports a visibly smoother, brighter-looking complexion over consistent use.
• Supports the appearance of skin density and plumpness: The Derm SRC PF complex (Bambusa Vulgaris and Pisum Sativum extracts) is included to support the skin's surface appearance of density and resilience, contributing to a fuller, more youthful-looking skin texture.

Carnosine / Decarboxy Carnosine HCL — Carnosine Anti-Glycation Complex: A complementary pair of carnosine-class molecules that work together as the formula's primary anti-glycation defense. Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide (beta-alanine + histidine) recognized for its ability to intercept reactive carbonyl species — the molecules responsible for cross-linking proteins like collagen and elastin in a process called glycation. Decarboxy Carnosine HCL is a modified carnosine derivative with distinct binding characteristics, broadening the carbonyl-trapping activity across different reaction pathways. Together, they help preserve the appearance of skin firmness and smoothness by targeting the chemical process that causes skin to stiffen and lose elasticity with age and high-sugar environments.

Osmanthus Fragrans Flower Extract — DermalRx LuShield: A specialty botanical extract derived from osmanthus flowers, used in its trademarked DermalRx LuShield form. This extract is studied for its activity against glycating agents at the skin surface, where it helps intercept the oxidative and glycation-related stressors that contribute to visible skin aging. It contributes antioxidant protection alongside its anti-glycation role, giving this serum a dual layer of defense against A.G.E.-related skin changes. Its position in the INCI list above the estimated 1% line indicates a functional use concentration.

Tripeptide-9 Citrulline — dGlyage Peptide: A targeted biotech-derived peptide (dGlyage) that addresses a distinct pathway of glycation: metal-mediated A.G.E. formation. Certain metal ions can catalyze oxidative reactions that accelerate glycation and cross-link skin proteins. Tripeptide-9 Citrulline is designed to interfere with this metal-mediated process, reducing the resulting damage to the skin's structural matrix. As a peptide active, it functions effectively at trace concentrations — a characteristic of the class — and its leave-on delivery in a serum format supports cumulative action over continuous wear.

Leontopodium Alpinum Flower/Leaf Extract — Edelweiss-ECO: A high-altitude botanical extract from the edelweiss plant (Edelweiss-ECO), rich in leontopodic acids A and B and chlorogenic acid — phytochemicals with well-documented antioxidant activity. In this serum, the extract provides antioxidant support that complements the anti-glycation strategy: oxidative stress and glycation are interrelated aging processes, and quenching free radicals helps reduce the formation of new A.G.E.s. The combination of leontopodic acids and chlorogenic acid gives this ingredient a broader antioxidant spectrum than single-molecule antioxidants.

Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract / Pisum Sativum Extract — Derm SRC PF Matrix Complex: A trademarked botanical complex (Derm SRC PF) combining bamboo silica extract and pea extract to support the appearance of skin density and resilience. Bamboo-derived silica is associated with structural support for skin firmness. Pea extract (Pisum Sativum) contains peptide precursors and bioactive fractions studied for their role in supporting the appearance of a firmer, more youthful skin surface. Together, they work alongside the anti-glycation actives to address the structural appearance dimension of skin aging — complementing the formula's effort to preserve the look of collagen and elastin integrity.

1. Cleanse the client's face thoroughly and pat dry before application.
2. Dispense several drops of the serum onto fingertips.
3. Apply the serum to the client's face and neck.
4. Gently massage the serum into the skin using upward circular motions until fully absorbed.
5. Follow with a moisturizer.
6. During daytime use, apply a broad-spectrum SPF product after the moisturizer.
7. For optimal results, use morning and night as part of an ongoing anti-aging protocol.

Protocol pairing and client education

CIRCADIA recommends pairing this serum with Glyco Guard both morning and night to enhance anti-glycation outcomes — a natural upsell opportunity when presenting the serum to clients, since the two products address complementary aspects of the same aging mechanism. When introducing this serum in a facial service, the 'Counter A.G.E.' concept (Advanced Glycation End-products) is a compelling and differentiating client education moment: explaining that sugar-related skin aging is a distinct and addressable concern positions the professional as knowledgeable and supports retail conversion. For mature clients presenting with deep smile lines, loss of firmness, and dullness simultaneously, this serum's multi-pathway formulation can be framed as a single-step treatment addressing several of these concerns at once.