Harley Street Formulations
Stimulate RE
Retinol+ Dual Vitamin A Cream
A precision-engineered dual retinoid cream combining 0.5% Retinol with Retinyl Palmitate in a hydrating base of Hyaluronic acid and Ceramide-3. Formulated by Harley Street cosmetic doctors for nighttime cellular renewal — targeting fibroblasts, keratinocytes and melanocytes to reverse the visible signs of ageing from the inside out.
Quick Answer: Stimulate RE is a dual retinoid cream with 0.5% Retinol and Retinyl Palmitate that stimulates collagen production in fibroblasts, accelerates cell turnover in keratinocytes, and regulates pigmentation in melanocytes — all in a hydrating, non-drying formula at £65 for 30ml.
Cell-Level Rejuvenation
How Retinol Activates Your Skin Cells
Retinol (Vitamin A) is the gold standard in anti-ageing dermatology. It works by binding to retinoid receptors on each of the three essential skin cell types, triggering measurable cellular renewal.
Fibroblasts
Stimulates collagen & elastin
Retinol activates fibroblast proliferation, directly increasing production of collagen type I, elastin fibres and endogenous hyaluronic acid. This restores dermal volume lost through chronological ageing and photoageing.
Keratinocytes
Accelerates cell turnover
Retinoids normalise the desquamation cycle, promoting faster shedding of damaged surface cells and revealing smoother, more refined skin underneath. Combined with Ceramide-3, the barrier remains intact.
Melanocytes
Regulates pigmentation
Retinol inhibits melanosome transfer between melanocytes and keratinocytes, gradually fading age spots, sun damage and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation for a more even complexion.
Dual Retinoid Formulation
0.5% Retinol
The clinically effective workhorse. Retinol penetrates deeply into the dermis where it converts to retinoic acid — the active form that directly stimulates fibroblasts:
- Stimulates collagen and elastin synthesis
- Accelerates cell turnover for smoother texture
- Reduces fine lines, wrinkles and pore size
- 0.5% is the optimal strength for daily use without prescription
1.0% Retinyl Palmitate
A gentler retinoid ester that works at the skin's surface while retinol works deeper:
- Improves surface texture without deep irritation
- Provides additional antioxidant protection
- Enhances overall retinoid efficacy synergistically
- Better tolerated by sensitive or retinol-naive skin
Complete Formulation
Active Ingredients
- 0.5% Retinol
- 1.0% Retinyl Palmitate
Supporting Ingredients
- Sodium Hyaluronate
- Ceramide-3
- Squalane
- Tocopherol (Vitamin E)
Cream Profile
- pH: 3.0–3.5
- Texture: Lightweight cream
- Fragrance-free
How Stimulate RE Compares
A dual retinoid formulation with built-in hydration — no need for separate moisturisers or buffer creams.
| Feature | Stimulate RE | Medik8 Crystal Retinal | The Ordinary Retinol 0.5% | Dermatica Rx |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retinoid Type | Dual (Retinol + Retinyl Palmitate) | Retinaldehyde | Retinol only | Tretinoin (Rx) |
| Strength | 0.5% + 1.0% | 0.01–0.1% | 0.5% | 0.025–0.1% |
| Ceramides | ✓ Ceramide-3 | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Hyaluronic Acid | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ (squalane) | ✗ |
| Prescription Required | No | No | No | Yes |
| Hydrating Base | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ (oil-based) | Varies |
| Price | £65 | £49–£69 | £8.50 | £24/month |
| Doctor Formulated | ✓ Harley Street | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ (remote) |
How to Apply
Evening Routine
- 1. Cleanse your face thoroughly
- 2. Apply 1–2 pumps of Stimulate RE
- 3. Massage a thin layer over face, avoiding the eye area initially
- 4. Allow to dry — it hydrates as it exfoliates
Start with 1–2 times per week. Gradually increase to nightly use as tolerated. Store in a cool place.
Morning Partner
In the morning, switch to Revitalise C20 Vitamin C Serum for daytime antioxidant protection. The AM/PM protocol ensures 24-hour cellular support.
The Clinical Evidence for Retinoids
Retinoids are the most evidence-based topical anti-ageing ingredients in dermatology. Over 50 years of clinical research demonstrates their ability to reverse both intrinsic and extrinsic ageing at the cellular level. Retinol binds to nuclear retinoic acid receptors (RARs) on fibroblasts, keratinocytes and melanocytes, modulating gene expression to increase collagen synthesis, accelerate cell turnover and regulate pigmentation.
The dual retinoid approach in Stimulate RE combines the deep dermal penetration of retinol with the surface-level benefits of retinyl palmitate. Clinical studies show that 0.5% retinol produces significant improvement in fine lines and photodamage within 12 weeks, with continued improvement over 12 months of use. Retinyl palmitate provides complementary surface renewal with reduced irritation potential.
Patient Reviews
Rebecca
Skin: Normal • Concern: Anti-ageing • Age: 30–39
I use this at night and my skin feels incredibly soft and smooth just after use. It also doesn't seem to dry my skin out. I would happily buy this again.
Valeria B
Skin: Combination • Concern: Fine lines • Age: 40–49
It made my skin so smooth and I can see wrinkles are less and my face is more hydrated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a dual retinoid cream?
Stimulate RE combines two forms of Vitamin A: 0.5% Retinol for deep cellular action and 1.0% Retinyl Palmitate for gentle surface improvement. This dual approach provides both immediate texture refinement and long-term anti-ageing benefits.
Can I use retinol with Vitamin C?
Yes — use Vitamin C (Revitalise C20) in the morning for antioxidant protection and Retinol (Stimulate RE) at night for cell renewal. This AM/PM protocol is the foundation of the 3-Cell Skin Philosophy.
How long before I see results from retinol?
Most patients notice smoother skin texture within 2–4 weeks. Visible reduction in fine lines and improved skin tone typically appears at 8–12 weeks with consistent nightly use.
Complete Your Routine
Pair with Vitamin C for the Ultimate AM/PM Protocol
Retinol repairs by night. Vitamin C protects by day. Together, they address all three skin cell types for visible, lasting transformation.
Discover Revitalise C20 (Vitamin C)