Skincare products containing glycogen.

Glycogen is a polysaccharide molecule, meaning it is composed of a chain of many glucose units linked together, forming a complex structure. It is the primary form of carbohydrate storage in the human body. Glycogen is mainly found in the liver and muscles, but a small portion is also present in the epidermis, where it is believed to play a role in the production of ceramides. As a reminder, ceramides are the intercellular lipids of the corneal layer that make up the skin barrier. When applied topically, glycogen has moisturising and potentially firming properties, explaining its increasing use in cosmetic formulation.

• Moisturising Cream : Glycogen can primarily be found in moisturising creams due to its humectant action. This hydrophilic sugar indeed has good water absorption capabilities and helps to prevent skin dehydration. Suitable for all skin types, glycogen can be incorporated into moisturising creams with either a light or rich texture. However, it is most commonly found in products designed for mature skin. It indeed has an interesting anti-wrinkle potential and could potentially stimulate the activity of fibroblasts, the cells producing the collagen and elastin of the dermis's extracellular matrix.

• Mask : There are also masks that contain glycogen. To be used once or twice a week, this type of treatment works deeply on the various layers of the epidermis to provide the skin with all the active ingredients it needs. There are as many face masks as there are skin concerns. Those containing glycogen often target dehydration, dryness and ageing.

• Sun cream : Glycogen is neither a chemical nor an organic filter, but it sometimes features in the formulation of sun care products. It enhances the texture of the product, making it more comfortable for the skin and providing the care with a dual effectiveness: protection from UV rays thanks to the filters and hydration/prevention of photoaging due to glycogen.

• Serum : Some hydrating serums or those targeting skin firmness loss also contain glycogen. Most often, this active ingredient is combined with hyaluronic acid, a well-known moisturiser. A recent study has shown that there is a synergistic effect between these two molecules, explaining their frequent combination.

• Eye Contour : Glycogen can finally be incorporated into certain treatments intended for the eye contour, a delicate area requiring special attention. Here again, it plays a moisturising role and contributes to the prevention of dehydration fine lines, these superficial streaks that form at the corner of the eyes when the shield formed by the skin barrier is weakened and can no longer retain water.

For the benefits it brings to the skin, we have decided to incorporate glycogen into our SPF 30 face cream for wrinkles and fine lines. This hybrid formula, containing 85% naturally derived ingredients, combats photoaging and helps support the dermal collagen network, thus ensuring firmer and more resilient skin. Suitable for all skin types, it is particularly recommended for individuals showing early signs of ageing, such as dehydration fine lines and expression wrinkles. In addition to glycogen, this face cream contains biomimetic collagen, which supports hydration and strengthens the skin's barrier function, thereby improving its density. It also includes low molecular weight hyaluronic acid, renowned for its moisturising properties, as well as a carefully selected set of sun filters, chosen for their safety in relation to health and the environment.

For individuals showing more pronounced signs of aging, we recommend our day cream for multiple signs of aging SPF 50. Formulated with 80% ingredients of natural origin, this treatment targets photo-induced signs of aging—such as wrinkles, dark spots, and overall skin laxity—day after day. In addition to its high photoprotective potential, this cream stands out thanks to its peptide complex that complements the action of glycogen. The peptide fragments it contains (Pal-GHK and Pal-GQPR), known as matrikines, stimulate the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid—two key components for maintaining skin firmness and elasticity. Moreover, Pal-GHK helps protect collagen from the damaging effects of UVA rays, which are primarily responsible for skin sagging, while Pal-GQPR helps reduce inflammation triggered by UVB exposure.

• YATSUHASHI H. & et al. Impact of Glycogen on Ceramide Production in Cultured Human Keratinocytes through Acid Sphingomyelinase Activation. Journal of Applied Glycoscience (2021).

• Supplier document.