Issue link: https://www.ascpskindeepdigital.com/i/1537409
Protection. Education. Connection. There's an app for that at ascpskincare.com/app 41 ENTER CYCLORETIN: GENTLE POWER, ROOTED IN NATURE CycloRetin is a plant-derived active sourced from Pseudostellaria heterophylla (P. heterophylla), an adaptogenic herb long revered in traditional Chinese medicine. What makes this plant unique is its ability to naturally produce heterophyllin B, a cyclic peptide that helps set CycloRetin apart from other botanical retinol alternatives. HETEROPHYLLIN B: NATURE'S BIOACTIVE BLUEPRINT Heterophyllin B is the only known naturally occurring cyclic peptide found in P. heterophylla. This ring-like molecular structure enhances bioactivity, stability, and skin penetration—qualities that give CycloRetin a performance edge. Peptides with cyclic confi gurations resist enzymatic degradation, making them more durable and eff ective in skin applications. Clariant extracts this peptide using sustainable methods—no pesticides, no fertilizers, just a respectful approach to sourcing a high-performance natural compound. HOW CYCLORETIN WORKS (AND WHY IT'S DIFFERENT) Unlike traditional retinol, CycloRetin doesn't supply vitamin A to the skin—it enhances the body's ability to use what's already there. Here's how: • Retinol is naturally present inside skin cells, but its activity depends on the availability of enzymes and receptors to convert and respond to it. • CycloRetin increases the expression of certain enzymes and retinoid receptors (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, XDH, DHRS3, and ALDH), optimizing the retinoid pathway homeostasis within the cell. • Instead of overloading the skin with synthetic retinoids, CycloRetin helps the skin do more with less, reducing the risk of irritation and increasing efficacy. In contrast to retinol, which must convert to retinoic acid in the skin (a process often linked to irritation, redness, or fl aking), CycloRetin works through a noninfl ammatory pathway. That means no "retinization" period. It's an ideal choice for sensitive, reactive, or barrier-compromised skin. Think of it this way: Retinol overloads the system; CycloRetin optimizes it. It's like turning up the sensitivity of a satellite dish rather than building a bigger one. The signal—vitamin A—is already there. CycloRetin simply helps the skin tune in and use that vitamin A more effi ciently. What INGREDIENT DECK CycloRetin works through a noninflammatory pathway. That means no "retinization" period. GETTY IMAGES