What they are
Melatonin analogues are topical ingredients designed to mimic some of the protective functions of melatonin within the skin. While melatonin is best known as a sleep hormone it also plays an important role in skin defence and repair.
How they work in skincare
In the skin, melatonin acts as a powerful antioxidant and supports DNA repair. Topical melatonin analogues help protect skin cells from oxidative stress caused by UV exposure and pollution, particularly overnight when the skin is in repair mode.
Topical melatonin analogues do not affect sleep or circadian rhythm when applied to the skin. Instead, they help reinforce the skin’s natural defences, making them particularly useful in night-time skincare for urban, sensitive and prematurely ageing skin.
