NoGlo is fundamentally formulated to lower acetaldehyde build-up. Inflammation which causes facial flushing is caused by acetaldehyde build-up. Pepcid AC does indeed just mask the redness because it is an anti-inflammatory (Though exact causes are disputed). NoGlo has no anti-inflammatory properties. Our trials demonstrate a reduction in facial flushing. So far our trials have only used facial flushing, heart rate, and subjective physical experience (nausea, hangover symptoms) as markers for a reduction in acetaldehyde. We are working on blood trials which are in the written protocol stage to demonstrate a direct reduction in blood acetaldehyde, but we would not move forward with them unless we were 100% confident in a reduction through the indications of lowered heart rate, facial flushing and physical experience. The reason for this is that the clinical blood trials are extremely costly. In addition, only special lab facilities have the ability to do this trial as blood must be drawn and tested at the same location as acetaldehyde is a very unstable compound. I wish I could provide to you more concrete trial research showing acetaldehyde reduction however that data is not yet available, but I assure you NoGlo does in fact lower acetaldehyde accumulation.
NoGlo was formulated by UC Berkeley graduates (one being myself) and was worked on and consulted on by multiple PhD Professors in Berkeley's biochemistry and biophysics departments. The research and biochemistry behind NoGlo is very strong and much of it is available on the NoGlo website at gonoglo.com.
Let me also mention that pepcid ac use with alcohol can be very damaging to the stomach lining, especially if done over time. NoGlo has equal if not superior efficacy in terms of flushing reduction, but is a much healthier option to achieve this.