APPLEguard®
Anti-Melanogenic Biomimetic Ingredient for Circadian Rhythm Regulation
INCI
Glycerin, Malus Domestica Fruit Extract
Blue Light Shield
Melanin Control
Circadian Balance
APPLEguard® is a biomimetic ingredient derived from Malus domestica (Shinsekai 1 cultivar), renowned for its exceptionally high melatonin content. Utilizing advanced techniques such as ultrasound-assisted extraction and tangential flow filtration, the extract is enriched with active compounds. This melatonin-rich formulation enhances skin protection and repair by restoring melatonin levels disrupted by blue light exposure, regulating melanin production, and supporting the skin’s natural circadian rhythm. APPLEguard® helps combat skin hyperpigmentation and premature aging, acting as a natural defense for both day-time protection and night-time regeneration.
According to the literature, the active ingredient is expected to be biodegradable, non-irritating, and environmentally safe for aquatic ecosystems.
These properties align with its chemical structure and natural origin, supporting its sustainability profile.
BLUE LIGHT IMPACT ON SKIN
- Can lead to skin hyperpigmentation and accelerate ageing.
- As direct effect, increases melanin production through ROS and RNS overproduction.
- As indirect effect, disrupts the skin circadian rhythm via melatonin signaling.
UV RADIATION IMPACT ON SKIN
- Has developed mechanisms to counteract damage from radiation exposure.
- Through melatonin synthesis, reduces browning in the fruit and juice due to its potent antioxidant properties.
- Scavenges free radicals, inhibiting the conversion of o-diphenolic compounds into quinones, responsible for the browning.
UV RADIATION IMPACT ON SKIN
- Rich in melatonin, helps counteracting the harmful effects of blue light.
- Help preventing hyperpigmentation and restoring skin circadian rhythm.
- Protects viability and reduces melanin production in melanocytes after blue light exposure.
efficacy on hair growth
Many studies support the use of melatonin to promote scalp hair growth.
While melatonin is primarily known as the main regulator of the circadian rhythm, it has also been shown to play a role in modulating hair growth and regulating the hair cycle (Fischer T.W et al., 2012; Greco G. et al., 2024).
Research indicates that melatonin directly influences hair follicles by extending the duration of the anagen phase while delaying the transition to the catagen and telogen phases (Babadjouni A. et al., 2023).
EFFICACY TESTS
APPLEguard® PROTECTS THE SKIN FROM BLUE LIGHT DAMAGE
A melanocyte cell line was exposed to blue light for three days and treated with different concentrations of APPLEguard®.
APPLEguard®, not only protects cells viability (Graph 1), but significantly (p<0.05) reduces melanin production in melanocytes after blue light exposure (Graph 2) demonstrating its efficacy in protecting the skin from blue light. Pictures of melanin production (represented by brown color intensity) in melanocytes after blue light exposure and APPLEguard® treatment are shown for each sample. The browner the cells become, the more melanin and radiation-induced damage increase.
Key Product Details
% OF USE
2% – 5%
APPLICATIONS
Ideal for emulsions or transparent water-based formulations
TECHNICAL DATA
| APPEARANCE | CLEAR LIQUID |
| COLOUR | LIGHT YELLOW |
| ODOUR | CHARACTERISTIC |
| DRY RESIDUE (105°C) | > 95 % |
| SPECIFIC GRAVITY (25°C) | 1.2 – 1.3 g/ml |
| PH (5% WATER SOLUTION AT 25°C) | 3.5 – 6.5 |
PROPERTIES
- Protects Against Blue Light and Ageing: Blue light, prevalent from device screens, accelerates skin aging and hyperpigmentation by overproducing reactive oxygen (ROS) and nitrogen species (RNS). APPLEguard® mitigates these effects, preventing oxidative stress.
- Reduces Melanin Production: APPLEguard® significantly reduces melanin production in melanocytes following blue light exposure, helping to prevent hyperpigmentation.
- Restores Skin Circadian Rhythm: Blue light disrupts the skin’s natural circadian cycle by inhibiting melatonin signaling. APPLEguard® counteracts this disruption, reinforcing skin defense during the day and repair functions at night.
- Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties: Thanks to the high melatonin concentration in the Shinsekai 1 apple cultivar, APPLEguard® neutralizes free radicals and reduces inflammation, promoting overall skin health.
- Natural and Sustainable: Derived from Malus domestica extract, enriched with melatonin, and biodegradable, ensuring safety for skin and the environment.