Harley Street Formulations
Revitalise C20
Antioxidant Formula on Steroids
Power up your skin's radiance with a clinical-strength 20% L-ascorbic acid serum, enhanced with Ferulic acid, Vitamin E and Niacinamide at a stabilised pH of 3.0–3.5. This is not a cosmetic vitamin C — it's a targeted cosmeceutical formulated by Harley Street cosmetic doctors to deliver measurable results across all three essential skin cell types.
Quick Answer: Revitalise C20 is a doctor-formulated 20% L-ascorbic acid serum with Ferulic acid and Vitamin E at pH 3.0–3.5. It targets all three skin cell types — melanocytes for even tone, keratinocytes for barrier strength, and fibroblasts for collagen protection — at £85 for 30ml.
The Science Behind Great Skin
The 3-Cell Skin Philosophy
Great skin starts at cell level. Vitamin C is the only antioxidant clinically proven to optimise all three essential skin cell types simultaneously.
Melanocytes
Regulates pigment production
Even skin tone, reduced dark spots and hyperpigmentation. L-ascorbic acid inhibits tyrosinase — the enzyme responsible for excess melanin production.
Keratinocytes
Strengthens the skin barrier
Resilient, hydrated skin that resists sensitivity and environmental damage. Niacinamide boosts ceramide synthesis to seal moisture in.
Fibroblasts
Protects collagen & elastin
Firmer, more elastic skin with reduced fine lines. Ferulic acid doubles the photoprotective capacity of L-ascorbic acid, shielding collagen from UV degradation.
Formulation Science
Maximum Antioxidant Power
The triple-antioxidant combination of L-ascorbic acid, Ferulic acid and Vitamin E (Tocopherol) is based on landmark Duke University research:
- Enhanced antioxidant protection up to 8× compared to Vitamin C alone
- Increased photostability — serum remains effective even after UV exposure
- Improved penetration and absorption of active ingredients
- Superior brightening and anti-ageing benefits
Oil & Inflammation Control
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) is integrated for multi-targeted benefits beyond antioxidant protection:
- Improves skin barrier function and prevents moisture loss
- Regulates sebum production and minimises pore size
- Reduces and prevents skin inflammation
- Ideal for sensitive, oily or acne-prone skin types
Complete Formulation
Active Ingredients
- 20% L-ascorbic acid
- Ferulic acid
- Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Supporting Ingredients
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
- Hyaluronic acid
- Panthenol (Vitamin B5)
Serum Profile
- pH: 3.0–3.5
- Colour: Clear to slight yellow
- Scent: Woody (ferulic) — fragrance-free
How Revitalise C20 Compares
We formulated Revitalise C20 to deliver clinical-grade efficacy at a fair price. Here's how it stands against the most popular Vitamin C serums in the UK.
| Feature | Revitalise C20 | SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic | Medik8 C-Tetra | The Ordinary 23% |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C Form | L-ascorbic acid | L-ascorbic acid | Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate | L-ascorbic acid |
| Concentration | 20% | 15% | 7% | 23% |
| Ferulic Acid | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Vitamin E | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Niacinamide | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| pH | 3.0–3.5 | 2.0–3.5 | N/A (oil) | ~2.3 (grainy) |
| Texture | Lightweight serum | Lightweight serum | Oil-based | Suspension (gritty) |
| Price (30ml) | £85 | £165+ | £59 | £6.50 |
| Doctor Formulated | ✓ Harley Street | ✓ Dermatologist | ✗ | ✗ |
How to Apply
Morning Routine
- 1. Cleanse your face
- 2. Place 4–5 drops of Revitalise C20 into your palm
- 3. Smooth evenly over face and neck
- 4. Allow to penetrate before applying SPF
Pro tip: Reapply in the afternoon to build an antioxidant reservoir for enhanced protection.
Evening Routine
In the evening, switch to Stimulate RE Retinol+ for nighttime cell renewal. The AM/PM protocol ensures your skin receives both antioxidant protection and active repair across all three cell types.
The Clinical Evidence for Vitamin C
L-ascorbic acid is the most extensively studied topical antioxidant in dermatological research. The majority of visible facial ageing is attributable to photoageing (cumulative UV damage) and repetitive muscular movements (dynamic expressions). Antioxidants neutralise the free radicals that form due to sunlight, pollution, smoking and normal biological ageing.
The synergistic combination of L-ascorbic acid with Ferulic acid and Vitamin E was first demonstrated by Pinnell et al. (2005), showing that this triple formulation doubled the photoprotective capacity of Vitamin C alone. At pH 3.0–3.5, L-ascorbic acid remains in its protonated form — the only form capable of penetrating the stratum corneum and reaching the viable epidermis where melanocytes, keratinocytes and fibroblasts reside.
Patient Reviews
Christina
Skin: Oily • Concern: Anti-ageing • Age: 30–39
My new holy grail serum! I have been using this serum for over a month now and I can safely say that it is by far the most effective vitamin C serum out there! Love the fact how lightweight and non-greasy this serum is — it sinks into my skin really quickly. I have also paired it with their retinol cream for my nighttime skincare routine. Obsessed? Yes.
D
Skin: Normal • Concern: Uneven tone • Age: 40–49
Have been using this product for a number of years now — it's very easy to apply and has become a solid part of my morning routine. I think it's great for evening out skin tone and combating the effects of too much sun. I often get compliments on my skin. Planning on making this a permanent part of my skincare set up.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Revitalise C20 different from SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic?
Both contain L-ascorbic acid, Ferulic acid and Vitamin E at low pH. Revitalise C20 adds Niacinamide for oil control and barrier repair, plus costs £85 vs SkinCeuticals' £165+ — formulated by Harley Street cosmetic doctors.
How does Vitamin C help the three skin cell types?
Vitamin C supports all three essential skin cells: Melanocytes (regulates pigment for even tone), Keratinocytes (strengthens the skin barrier), and Fibroblasts (protects collagen and elastin from free radical damage).
Can I use Vitamin C serum with retinol?
Yes — use Vitamin C in the morning for antioxidant protection and retinol at night for cell renewal. This AM/PM approach maximises benefits to all three cell types without irritation.
Complete Your Routine
Pair with Retinol for the Ultimate AM/PM Protocol
Vitamin C protects by day. Retinol repairs by night. Together, they address all three skin cell types for comprehensive skin transformation.
Discover Stimulate RE (Retinol+)