Four white Amerín skincare bottles and pump containers arranged in a row on a white background, including Essential, Defend, and Correct lines.

Ritual for the first signs of aging

Benefits: smoother-looking texture + peptide firming care | Skin type: normal to dry skin | Usage: evening ritual

A 4-step ritual for the first visible signs of aging. Includes an enzymatic foaming cleanser, a night eye cream with HPR and Ectoin, a firming serum with Matrixyl™ 3000 and VitaSource™, and a peptide recovery night cream with Matrixyl™ 3000 and Sodium Hyaluronate. Helps skin look smoother, fresher, firmer, more hydrated and better conditioned.

4-step ritual for the first visible signs of aging
With HPR, Ectoin, Matrixyl™ 3000 and VitaSource™
Supports early firmness, hydration and smoother-looking texture
Includes cleanser, eye cream, firming serum and peptide night cream
Designed for evening well-aging care with daily SPF support

VITASOURCE™ is a well-ageing cosmetic active developed by Provital. The ingredient is derived from the root of Scutellaria baicalensis (Baikal skullcap) and standardized in baicalin, a flavonoid known for its role in cellular protection and longevity pathways.

Why VITASOURCE™ is different?
VITASOURCE™ acts on cellular senescence, a key biological mechanism involved in skin ageing. Unlike classic anti-ageing ingredients that focus mainly on hydration or surface smoothing, this active targets the loss of replicative capacity of dermal fibroblasts, which directly impacts firmness, elasticity, and skin structure over time.

Key differentiators:
- Targets biological pathways linked to cellular ageing, not only cosmetic surface effects
- Mechanism associated with telomere and telomerase regulation, linked to cellular lifespan
- Preservative-free raw material
- COSMOS Approved, vegan, halal, China compliant
- ISO 16128 natural origin index: 100%

Mode of action
Skin ageing correlates with progressive telomere shortening in fibroblasts, which reduces their ability to divide and maintain dermal structure.
Supplier data describe that VITASOURCE™:
- Delays replicative senescence of fibroblasts
- Increases the number of cell divisions before senescence occurs
- Supports long-term renewal capacity of the dermis

Additional distributor documentation reports activity at the epigenetic level, including:
- Improved genomic stability
- Increased cellular proliferation
- Reduced expression of senescence-associated markers
- This mechanism supports skin that maintains firmness, elasticity, and structural integrity for longer.

Scientific evidence
In vitro studies
Laboratory testing on human dermal fibroblasts showed:
- +10% increase in fibroblast duplication capacity before senescence
The supplier interprets this effect as equivalent to compensating for approximately 10 years of age-related decline in cell replication, based on their decade-by-decade senescence model
- Reduction in senescence-associated cellular markers
These results demonstrate a direct action on cellular ageing mechanisms.

In vivo (human use study)
Study design
- Female volunteers aged 35–45
- Split-area design: placebo on one forearm, VITASOURCE™ 1.5% on the other
- Twice-daily application
- Duration: 56 days
- Measurements at baseline (T0) and day 56 (T56)

Results vs placebo at day 56:
- Skin firmness: +10.9% to +12.5%
- Skin elasticity: +10.4% to +12.4%
- Skin microrelief restructuring: −13% anisotropy, interpreted as improved skin structure
- Reported as a 13% improvement in skin restructuring in supplier documentation
These results confirm visible and measurable improvements in skin mechanical properties and surface quality.

MATRIXYL™ 3000 is a patented anti-ageing peptide complex developed by Sederma, part of the Croda group. It is designed to stimulate skin matrix repair and renewal by activating key biological pathways involved in wrinkle formation and loss of firmness.

What MATRIXYL™ 3000 is?
MATRIXYL™ 3000 is a combination of two biomimetic peptides that reproduce signals naturally released during skin repair:
INCI (peptide components): Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7

These peptides act as messengers, signaling fibroblasts to restore components of the extracellular matrix that decline with age.

Why MATRIXYL™ 3000 is different?
MATRIXYL™ 3000 targets the root causes of wrinkle formation, not only their visible appearance.

Key differentiators:
- Dual-peptide system acting on complementary ageing mechanisms
- Stimulates synthesis of collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycans
- Reduces inflammation-linked degradation of the dermal matrix

Mode of action
Skin ageing involves reduced matrix production and increased breakdown driven by chronic micro-inflammation.
MATRIXYL™ 3000 acts through two coordinated pathways:
- Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 stimulates the production of collagen types I, III, and IV, fibronectin, and hyaluronic acid
- Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 reduces the release of pro-inflammatory mediators (such as IL-6), which are associated with matrix degradation
- This dual action supports structural rebuilding while limiting further breakdown of the dermal matrix.

Scientific evidence
In vitro studies
Supplier laboratory studies on human dermal fibroblasts showed:
- Increased synthesis of collagen and extracellular matrix proteins
- Reduced expression of inflammation-related markers involved in skin ageing
These results demonstrate direct biological stimulation of skin renewal mechanisms.

In vivo (human clinical studies)
Study design (supplier-reported):
- Adult volunteers with visible wrinkles
- Topical application of MATRIXYL™ 3000 at recommended cosmetic use levels
- Duration: up to 8 weeks
- Instrumental wrinkle measurements and visual assessments

Key results reported by the supplier:
- Reduction in wrinkle depth and volume after regular use
- Improvement in skin surface smoothness
- Visible softening of fine lines and deeper wrinkles
Sederma documentation reports wrinkle reduction results of up to 30–45%, depending on wrinkle type and study duration, based on profilometry and image analysis.

Ritual for the First Signs of Aging was developed for skin that does not yet need an intensive mature-skin routine, but already needs more than basic hydration.

The cleanser creates the first step: clean, fresh and comfortable skin. Pumpkin ferment, panthenol, green tea and allantoin help make cleansing feel gentle and supportive.

The eye cream targets early fine lines and tiredness around the eye contour. HPR supports smoother-looking skin, Ectoin and panthenol support comfort, while caffeine, green tea, ginseng, cucumber and Acmella extract support a fresher and more rested-looking eye area.

The firming serum brings the first-signs-of-aging direction. Matrixyl™ 3000, VitaSource™ / Baicalin, soluble collagen, Retinyl Palmitate, sodium hyaluronate, sodium PCA, panthenol, squalane and botanical oils support firmness, hydration and a smoother-looking surface.

The peptide night cream completes the routine with comfort and recovery-focused care. Matrixyl™ 3000, sodium hyaluronate, calcium PCA, squalane, cranberry oil, jojoba oil, safflower oil and shea butter help the skin feel softer, more nourished and better conditioned by morning.

The result is a structured evening ritual created for skin that is beginning to show early visible aging signs and needs consistent, prevention-focused care.

$196.00

Ritual for the First Signs of Aging is a 4-step skincare set designed for skin that starts to show early fine lines, loss of freshness, dehydration, uneven texture or reduced firmness.

The ritual combines daily cleansing, targeted night eye care, a firming serum and a peptide recovery night cream.

ESSENTIAL | Enzymatic Foaming Cleanser helps remove impurities and daily buildup while keeping the skin feeling fresh and comfortable.
CORRECT | Night Eye Cream with HPR and Ectoin supports a smoother, more rested-looking eye contour.
DEFEND | Longevity Firming Serum with Matrixyl™ 3000 and VitaSource™ helps support firmer, more hydrated and better conditioned skin.
DEFEND | Peptide Recovery Night Cream with Matrixyl™ 3000 and Sodium Hyaluronate helps comfort and nourish the skin overnight.

Used as a structured evening routine, the set supports the skin before visible aging signs become more pronounced. It focuses on hydration, comfort, smoother-looking texture, early firmness and daily SPF protection.

This 4-step ritual helps cleanse, hydrate, smooth and comfort skin showing the first visible signs of aging.

The formula logic combines a gentle enzymatic foaming cleanser, a night eye cream with HPR, Ectoin and caffeine, a firming serum with Matrixyl™ 3000, VitaSource™ / Baicalin and Retinyl Palmitate, and a peptide recovery night cream with Matrixyl™ 3000, sodium hyaluronate, squalane and nourishing oils.

Use it when your skin starts to look tired, dehydrated, less firm, less smooth or in need of a preventive evening longevity routine.

Fresh cleanser, targeted eye cream, serum-emulsion and nourishing night cream.

The cleanser has a light foaming texture designed for daily use. The eye cream has a creamy, nourishing texture suitable for the evening eye contour routine. The firming serum has a milky serum-emulsion texture that feels more comfortable than a classic water serum. The night cream has a richer, cushioning texture that helps the skin feel nourished and supported overnight.

Suitable for normal, dry, dehydrated, tired-looking and early aging skin.

It can be used by anyone looking for a structured routine that supports cleansing, eye contour care, first fine lines, hydration, early firmness and smoother-looking texture.

If your skin is very sensitive or reactive, patch test before use, as the ritual contains fragrance, listed fragrance allergens, botanical extracts, HPR, Retinyl Palmitate and peptide ingredients.

Evening routine:
Step 1 – Cleanse
Use ESSENTIAL | Enzymatic Foaming Cleanser on damp skin. Massage gently, then rinse well.
Step 2 – Eye contour
Apply CORRECT | Night Eye Cream with HPR and Ectoin around the orbital bone. Avoid eyelids, lash line and direct contact with the eyes. Start 2–3 evenings per week, then increase gradually if tolerated.
Step 3 – Serum
Apply DEFEND | Longevity Firming Serum with Matrixyl™ 3000 and VitaSource™ to the face and neck. Massage gently until absorbed.
Step 4 – Night cream
Apply DEFEND | Peptide Recovery Night Cream with Matrixyl™ 3000 and Sodium Hyaluronate as the last step of the evening routine.

Suggested weekly rhythm for sensitive skin:
Night 1: Cleanser + Firming Serum + Night Cream
Night 2: Cleanser + Eye Cream + Night Cream
Night 3: Cleanser + Firming Serum + Night Cream
Night 4: Cleanser + Eye Cream + Night Cream
Night 5–7: Cleanser + Night Cream, or add serum if tolerated

If your skin tolerates the ritual well, the serum and night cream can be used more frequently.
Use SPF every morning.
Do not combine the ritual in the same evening with strong exfoliating acids, scrubs or high-strength retinoids.

General warnings: For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. In case of contact, rinse thoroughly with water. Discontinue use if irritation or redness occurs. Keep out of reach of children.

ESSENTIAL | Enzymatic Foaming Cleanser: Aqua, Glycerin, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Decyl Glucoside, Polysorbate 80, Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate, Panthenol, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Allantoin, Polyquaternium-7, Citric Acid, Sodium Levulinate, Parfum, Sodium Gluconate, Potassium Sorbate

CORRECT | Night Eye Cream with retinol HPR and ectoin: Aqua, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Saccharomyces/Xylinum/Black Tea Ferment, Diisopropyl Adipate, Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Propanediol, Sorbitan Caprylate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glycerin, Caffeine, Ectoine, Panthenol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Allantoin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Disodium EDTA, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Acmella Oleracea Extract, Alcohol, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Myristic Acid, Carbomer

DEFEND | Longevity Firming Serum with Matrixyl™ 3000 and VitaSource™: Aqua, Glycerin, Hydrogenated Ethylhexyl Olivate, Hydrogenated Olive Oil Unsaponifiables, Squalane, Soluble Collagen, Panthenol, Propanediol, Dimethicone, Polyacrylate Crosspolymer-11, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba Seed Oil, Sodium Hyaluronate, Butylene Glycol, Persea Gratissima Oil, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Sodium PCA, Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Glycine Soja Germ Extract, Hydrolyzed Serum Protein, Aminobutyric Acid, PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Tocopherol Acetate, Baicalin, Enteromorpha Compressa Extract, Silybum Marianum Fruit Extract, Ocimum Sanctum Leaf Extract, Retinyl Palmitate , Calcium Sulfate, Magnesium Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Potassium Sulfate, Zinc Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate , Ferric Sulfate, Polysorbate 20, Sodium Lactate, Carbomer, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Isopropyl Alcohol , Citric Acid, Parfum, Benzyl Salicylate, Hexyl Cinnamal

DEFEND | Peptide Recovery Night Cream with Matrixyl™ 3000 and Sodium Hyaluronate: Aqua, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Glycerin, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Seed Oil,Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Dimethicone, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Cetyl Palmitate, PEG-100 Stearate, Ceteareth-20, Butylene Glycol, Calcium PCA, Squalane, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Laureth-4, Carbomer, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan Isostearate, Sodium Lactate, Polysorbate 20, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Potassium Sorbate, Parfum, Hexyl Cinnamal, Geranyl Acetate, Amyl Salicylate, Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate, Citronellol, Vanillin, Linalool, Linalyl Acetate, Disodium EDTA

In your attention: We do our best to keep the INCI list updated. However, ingredients may occasionally change. Please refer to the product label for the latest details.

Warnings: Do not use if you are allergic to one of the INCI contained by the product.

Quantity: 270.0 mL
PAO: 12 months
SKU: RITUAL-DEFEND
Made in Europe with love for your skin

Pairs well with the following products

Complements a first-signs-of-aging routine focused on prevention, smoothness, comfort and daily SPF support

Targets the eye contour with HPR, Ectoin, caffeine and comfort-focused ingredients

Supports hydration and comfort through humectants, emollients and barrier-supporting ingredients

Helps improve the look of early fine lines, dryness and uneven texture

Helps support the appearance of early firmness and elasticity

Results you’ll love:

Immediately after use
Skin feels clean, softer, more hydrated and more comfortable.

With consistent use
The complexion may appear smoother, fresher, firmer, more supple and better conditioned.

In a skin longevity routine
The ritual helps support early well-aging care by combining cleansing, eye contour care, peptide firming support, hydration and overnight comfort with daily SPF protection.

LONGEVITY PERSPECTIVE:

The first visible signs of aging often appear as fine lines, dehydration, dullness, uneven texture and a subtle loss of firmness.

This ritual was created to support the skin before these signs become more visible. The cleanser prepares the skin by removing daily buildup. The eye cream targets the delicate eye contour with HPR, Ectoin and caffeine. The firming serum supports early firmness and smoother-looking texture with Matrixyl™ 3000, VitaSource™ / Baicalin, soluble collagen, Retinyl Palmitate and NMF-inspired hydration. The night cream helps comfort and nourish the skin with Matrixyl™ 3000, sodium hyaluronate, squalane, cranberry oil, jojoba oil, safflower oil and shea butter.

Together, the products create a practical longevity routine for skin that needs prevention-focused care, hydration, smoothness and comfort.

Two clear circular petri dishes on a white background containing glossy droplets of pale beige and pale yellow liquid, likely cosmetic or skincare serum/oil droplets.

Main ingredients

Lactobacillus/Pumpkin Fruit Ferment Filtrate
A ferment ingredient used in cleansing care to support a smoother, fresher and well-conditioned skin feel.

Sodium Lauroamphoacetate and Decyl Glucoside
Gentle cleansing agents that help remove impurities, excess sebum and daily buildup.

Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate, HPR
A cosmetic retinoid derivative used to support smoother-looking skin and improve the appearance of fine lines.

Ectoin
A comfort-supporting ingredient used in cosmetic formulas to help maintain hydration, resilience and a calmer skin feel.

Caffeine
Helps support a fresher-looking eye contour and may help reduce the look of puffiness.

Matrixyl™ 3000
A peptide complex associated with Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7. It supports the ritual’s smoother-looking and visible well-aging positioning.

Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1 and Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7
Peptides used in cosmetic formulas to support smoother-looking skin and improve the appearance of early visible aging signs.

VitaSource™ / Baicalin
A baicalin-associated cosmetic active used for antioxidant-focused and skin-conditioning care. Supplier confirmation is needed to state the commercial active with full certainty.

Soluble Collagen
A skin-conditioning ingredient that helps support surface hydration, softness and a smoother skin feel.

Retinyl Palmitate
A cosmetic vitamin A derivative used to support smoother-looking skin and improve the appearance of uneven texture.

Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium PCA and Sodium Lactate
Hydration-supporting ingredients that help the skin feel smoother, softer and more supple.

Panthenol and Calcium PCA
Ingredients that support hydration, softness and skin comfort.

Squalane
A skin-compatible emollient that helps support barrier comfort and a smoother skin feel.

Cranberry Seed Oil
A nourishing botanical oil that helps soften the skin and supports a richer care profile.

Meadowfoam Seed Oil
An emollient oil that helps improve softness and comfort.

Jojoba Seed Oil
A skin-conditioning emollient that helps soften and nourish the skin.

Safflower Seed Oil
A lightweight emollient oil that helps reduce the feeling of dryness and supports skin comfort.

Shea Butter
A rich emollient that helps comfort dry skin and improve softness.

Avocado Oil and Sweet Almond Oil
Nourishing emollient oils that support comfort and help reduce the feeling of dryness.

Tocopheryl Acetate
A vitamin E derivative used in cosmetic formulas for antioxidant support.

Ginseng, Soy Germ, Milk Thistle, Holy Basil and Marine Extracts
Botanical and marine ingredients that support the ritual’s well-aging, conditioning and freshness profile.

Mineral complex
Calcium, magnesium, copper, potassium, zinc, manganese and iron salts support the formula’s cosmetic skin-conditioning profile.

A close-up of a smooth, creamy white product, likely a skincare cream or lotion, swirled in a circular motion.

FAQ

What is this ritual designed for?
It is designed for skin that starts to show early fine lines, loss of firmness, dehydration, dullness, uneven texture or a tired appearance.

What products are included in the ritual?
The ritual includes ESSENTIAL | Enzymatic Foaming Cleanser, CORRECT | Night Eye Cream with HPR and Ectoin, DEFEND | Longevity Firming Serum with Matrixyl™ 3000 and VitaSource™, and DEFEND | Peptide Recovery Night Cream with Matrixyl™ 3000 and Sodium Hyaluronate.

Is this ritual for mature skin?
It can be used by mature-looking skin, but it is mainly designed for the first visible signs of aging: early fine lines, reduced freshness, dehydration and the first loss of firmness.

Does this ritual contain retinoids?
Yes. The eye cream contains HPR, and the firming serum contains Retinyl Palmitate. Both are cosmetic vitamin A derivatives.

Can I use all products every evening?
Introduce the eye cream and firming serum gradually if your skin is sensitive. The cleanser and night cream can usually be used more regularly if well tolerated.

Is SPF necessary?
Yes. Daily SPF is important when using products with vitamin A derivatives and when building a longevity-focused skincare routine.

Is it suitable for sensitive skin?
If your skin is very sensitive or reactive, patch test before use and introduce the products slowly. The ritual contains fragrance, fragrance allergens, botanical extracts, HPR, Retinyl Palmitate and peptide ingredients.

Can I use acids with this ritual?
Avoid using strong exfoliating acids in the same evening as the eye cream or firming serum if your skin is sensitive. Alternate routines if needed.

Can I use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Because the ritual includes vitamin A derivatives, avoid use during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor confirms it is appropriate for you.