Human / LactiGo
Topical carnosine for human performance use.
HUMAN/LACTIGO
HUMAN RESEARCH • PEER-REVIEWED • 2025
A 2025 study examined topical carnosine gel during repeated high-intensity exercise in world-class rugby sevens players.
007 / THE TEST
PROTOCOL
Each work interval: 24 s cycling at 3 W/kg → 6 s maximal sprint → 30 s rest
WHAT THEY MEASURED
Not every outcome changed.
TOPICAL CARNOSINE GEL VS PLACEBO
The study found no treatment effect for mean power output, heart rate or ratings of perceived exertion.
The researchers' plain-language summary described the observed acute performance effect as approximately +5–10%.
In this small group of world-class rugby sevens players, topical carnosine gel was associated with higher peak power during several of the repeated sprint efforts compared with placebo.
The findings are preliminary and should not be interpreted as evidence that every athlete, sport or exercise session will respond the same way.
The researchers noted that future research should determine whether topical carnosine gels increase intramuscular carnosine concentrations in humans.
EQUINE
HUMAN
Together, they build an intriguing research story — but they do not answer every question.
HUMAN PRODUCT
A topical carnosine gel developed for human performance use.
THE SCIENCE NOW SPANS MUSCLE DELIVERY AND HUMAN PERFORMANCE.
BUT PERFORMANCE ISN'T ONLY HUMAN — OR EQUINE.
THE PRODUCT
FOR HUMANS
Topical carnosine gel for human performance.
Topical carnosine vs oral supplementation
Because application method changes how a product fits into the performance routine.
Topical carnosineApplied directly to a chosen external area.
Oral supplementationTaken by mouth.
Traditional topical rubsApplied externally to a chosen area.
Topical carnosineCan be integrated around activity.
Oral supplementationOften used as part of a broader supplementation routine.
Traditional topical rubsOften used as part of topical care routines.
Topical carnosineContains carnosine directly in the topical formulation.
Oral supplementationMay use carnosine itself or ingredients related to carnosine metabolism, depending on the product.
Traditional topical rubsMay or may not contain carnosine.
Topical carnosineAllows external application to a selected area.
Oral supplementationIs not locally applied.
Traditional topical rubsAllows external application to a selected area.
Topical doesn't mean "better."
It means different.
Different delivery approaches serve different routines, goals and use cases.
The formulation contains carnosine itself.
It is applied externally to a chosen area.
Topical carnosine has been investigated in both equine muscle-delivery research and human performance research.
How it's applied is one part of the story.
What's inside is the next.
Let's look at the formula.
How do I use it?
Choose the product that matches who you're applying it to.
For human use
Apply enough gel to cover the area you want to target.
For pre-activity use, apply to clean, dry skin.
Massage gently in circular motions until fully absorbed.
For pre-activity use, apply approximately 30–45 minutes before physical activity.
Before activity • After activity • Daily routine
Apply topically to the area of focus according to the product directions.
For external use only.
Application is simple.
The next question is why topical?
LactiGo ingredients
A topical formula is more than one active ingredient — it is the complete system that carries, stabilizes and applies the product.
The core molecule
Carnosine is a naturally occurring dipeptide found in skeletal muscle and is the central molecule explored throughout The Carnosine research story.
Formulation component
Magnesium sulfate is included as part of the topical formulation.
Humectant / formulation support
Glycerin helps retain moisture and contributes to the feel and application characteristics of the gel.
Solvent / delivery system component
Ethoxydiglycol is commonly used in topical formulations as a solvent and formulation aid.
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Carnosine, Magnesium Sulfate, Ethoxydiglycol, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Sorbic Acid.
Always refer to the current product label for the most up-to-date ingredient information.Fortigo is the animal-use product in The Carnosine system. Its full formula should be presented separately once the current manufacturer ingredient information is verified.
Formula explains what's in the product.
Evidence explains why the story matters.
Now let's hear from the people using it.
Knowledge hub
Start with the questions people ask before they understand the science, the products, or the difference between human and animal use.
LactiGo is a topical carnosine-based gel developed for human performance use. The regular product featured on The Carnosine is for external human use.
Yes. LactiGo is the human-use product in The Carnosine system. Fortigo is the animal-use product.
Apply enough gel to cover the target external area and massage it in until absorbed. For pre-activity use, current product directions recommend applying to clean, dry skin approximately 30–45 minutes before physical activity. Always follow the current product label.
The product is positioned for topical use around activity, including before or after activity. Always follow the current product directions for the specific LactiGo product you are using.
The regular LactiGo product currently featured on The Carnosine is the 100 mL size. Other LactiGo formats may also be available.
The regular 100 mL formula currently featured includes water, glycerin, carnosine, magnesium sulfate, ethoxydiglycol, phenoxyethanol, xanthan gum, caprylyl glycol and sorbic acid. Always check the current product label for the most up-to-date ingredient information.
Not every LactiGo formula is the same. The regular 100 mL formula featured in this section does not list menthol, while some LactiGo variants may contain additional ingredients such as menthol.
You've seen the science.
You've seen the products.
Now choose your performance world.
Choose your world
Choose the product built for your performance world.
Research-led.
Application-focused.
Claims kept in context.
One molecule.
Three performance worlds.
One question: what could carnosine mean for your routine?
Explore. Understand. Choose.
Enquiries
Questions about LactiGo or the human research? Send us a message.
