✨ A CIRCADIA leave-on face lotion built around triple anti-glycation defense — purpose-formulated for mature and aging-prone skin where sugar-driven collagen breakdown is an underlying driver of firmness loss, fine lines, and uneven texture.

The formula targets glycation at three distinct points in the cascade: Decarboxycarnosine (Alistin) and DermalRx LuShield scavenge reactive carbonyl compounds before they bond to structural proteins, while Benfotiamine works upstream at the cellular level to reduce A.G.E. formation directly. Matrixyl Synthe'6® (Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38) adds a matrix-support layer — signaling fibroblasts to rebuild collagen and hyaluronic acid — and Panthenol rounds the formula with reliable humectant hydration. Suitable for all skin types.

🧪 In-service, it functions as the moisturizing finale in an anti-aging facial — and the glycation narrative gives estheticians a differentiated, science-grounded retail hook when pairing with CIRCADIA's Counter A.G.E. for home care.

For practices building results-driven anti-aging protocols where client education is part of the service.

• Anti-Glycation Protection: Three complementary anti-glycation actives — Decarboxycarnosine HCl (Alistin), DermalRx LuShield (Osmanthus Fragrans Flower Extract), and Benfotiamine — work at different points in the glycation pathway to help defend collagen and elastin from the sugar-driven cross-linking that contributes to the visible signs of premature aging, including loss of firmness and uneven texture.
• Antioxidant Defence Against Environmental Stressors: Multiple antioxidant actives, including Bis Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate and the antioxidant properties of Alistin and LuShield, provide broad-spectrum neutralisation of free radicals and reactive carbonyl species generated by UV exposure and environmental pollution, helping maintain the appearance of clarity and even tone over time.
• Visible Reduction in Fine Lines and Improved Skin Texture: Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 (Matrixyl Synthe'6) helps support key matrix proteins — including collagen and hyaluronic acid — at the dermal level. With consistent leave-on use, this contributes to the appearance of smoother skin texture, a reduction in the look of fine lines, and improved skin firmness.
• Hydration for a Smoother Complexion: Panthenol (Pro-Vitamin B5), together with the formula's polyol humectant base, draws moisture into the outer layers of the skin to support a visibly plumper and smoother complexion. Suitable for all skin types, including dehydrated and mature skin.

Decarboxy Carnosine Hcl - known as Decarboxycarnosine (Alistin): A stabilized, skin-permeable derivative of carnosine engineered specifically for anti-glycation activity. Glycation is the non-enzymatic bonding of sugars to proteins such as collagen and elastin, which stiffens and discolors skin over time. Decarboxycarnosine acts as both a sacrificial scavenger that intercepts glycating sugar molecules before they can react with structural proteins, and as a direct antioxidant that neutralizes reactive carbonyl species. The result is a dual defence against one of the primary biochemical drivers of visible skin aging.

Osmanthus Fragrans Flower Extract - known as DermalRx LuShield: A standardized botanical extract from osmanthus flower, delivered as the proprietary DermalRx LuShield complex. It functions through two complementary pathways: it binds and traps glycating carbonyl compounds (methylglyoxal and glyoxal) before they can form advanced glycation end-products (A.G.E.s), and it quenches oxidative species generated by environmental stressors. Together these actions help preserve the structural integrity of collagen and elastin in the dermal matrix and defend against cumulative environmental-stress aging.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 - known as Matrixyl Synthe'6®: A lipopeptide (fatty-acid–coupled tripeptide) designed to communicate with fibroblasts and keratinocytes, signalling the skin to produce six key extracellular matrix constituents: collagen types I, III, and IV, fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, and laminin-5. Because the peptide is palmitoylated, it can penetrate through the lipid layers of the stratum corneum to reach the upper dermis where matrix proteins are synthesised. In this leave-on lotion, the extended wear time supports the sustained delivery window needed for peptide-mediated matrix activity. The visible effect is a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and improvement in skin firmness and texture over time.

Benfotiamine: A fat-soluble, highly bioavailable form of vitamin B1 (thiamine). Unlike water-soluble thiamine, benfotiamine is absorbed through the lipid-rich skin barrier and, once inside cells, is converted to thiamine pyrophosphate (TPP), a coenzyme that activates the pentose phosphate pathway — a metabolic route that diverts glucose away from glycation reactions. By raising intracellular TPP levels, benfotiamine reduces the formation of A.G.E.s at the cellular level, helping protect collagen and elastin from glycation-induced cross-linking and rigidity. This mechanism operates upstream in the glycation cascade, making benfotiamine complementary to the carbonyl-scavenging actions of Alistin and LuShield.

Bis Ethylhexyl Hydroxydimethoxy Benzylmalonate - known as Parsol SLX: A high-performance oil-soluble antioxidant and UV-filter enhancer (sometimes listed under the trade name Parsol SLX). In leave-on formulas, it acts as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, neutralising free radicals generated by UV exposure and environmental pollution before they can oxidise cellular lipids and proteins. This antioxidant shielding complements the anti-glycation mechanism of the formula's hero actives by reducing the oxidative stress environment in which glycation reactions are accelerated.

Panthenol - known as Pro-Vitamin B5: A water-soluble provitamin that converts to pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) on the skin surface. Panthenol is a well-established humectant and skin-conditioning agent: it draws moisture into the stratum corneum, helps maintain the skin's natural moisture factor, and supports the appearance of smooth, supple skin texture. In the context of a leave-on lotion, the extended contact time allows panthenol to deliver its full humectant and conditioning benefit, supporting the product's hydration and smoothing claims.

1. Cleanse and tone the client's face, then apply any targeted serums as preceding steps in the service protocol.
2. Dispense a pea-sized amount of lotion onto fingertips.
3. Apply evenly over the entire face and neck, using gentle upward strokes.
4. Allow the lotion to absorb fully before proceeding.
5. In the morning, follow immediately with a broad-spectrum SPF product as the final step.
6. Use morning and evening for best results. For a comprehensive anti-glycation protocol, pair with CIRCADIA Counter A.G.E. at both the AM and PM steps.

Positioning this service and supporting retail conversion

Glyco-Guard is well suited as the moisturising finale in an anti-aging facial service, particularly when the treatment has addressed texture, firmness, or hyperpigmentation — concerns that share glycation as a contributing factor. When explaining the product to the client during application, connecting the concept of 'sugar aging' to their specific concern (loss of firmness, dullness, fine lines) creates a memorable and differentiated retail conversation. Clients who understand the glycation mechanism are strong candidates for the paired Counter A.G.E. product as a home-care add-on, reinforcing the professional service between appointments.