
Renew
Supports cell renewal and smoother-looking texture.
Correct
Targets uneven tone, dark marks and congestion.
Buffer
Niacinamide and Bakuchiol support a more comfortable active routine.
Formula focus
The actives behind the formula.
Ingredient profile
Key ingredients.
A vitamin A derivative used in formulas designed to improve the appearance of ageing skin.
A plant-derived antioxidant, paired with the retinoid for complementary skin care.
Helps refine the appearance of congested skin, uneven texture and dark marks.
Supports barrier function and helps improve the appearance of pores and uneven tone.
DISTILLED WATER, NICOTINAMIDE, DIMETHYL ISOSORBIDE (AND) HYDROXYPINACOLONE RETINOATE, C13-15 ALKANE, GLYCERINE, COCO-CAPRYLATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, BUTYLENE GLYCOL, PROPANEDIOL, BAKUCHIOL, AZELAIC ACID, DEHYDROACETIC ACID (AND) BENZYL ALCOHOL, AMMONIUM ACRYLOYLDIMETHYLTAURATE/VP COPOLYMER, XANTHAN GUM
How to use
Make the formula work inside the ritual.
Cleanse
Begin with a gentle cleanser and dry the skin completely.
Apply
Use 1–2 pumps on clean, dry skin in the evening.
Absorb
Allow about 60 seconds before the next step.
Seal
Follow with Night Repair or a simple hydrating moisturiser.
Product information
Everything you need, without the document dump.
Open the sections you need for ingredient detail, mechanism, safety, application notes, FAQs, expected-results guidance and storage instructions.
Formula & actives+
What It Does
A high-performance evening treatment designed to target ageing, hyperpigmentation, and texture irregularities simultaneously. By fusing next-generation retinoids with targeted botanical and clinical actives, this formula delivers dramatic clinical results without compromising your skin barrier.
The Active Quad
Directly activates cell renewal to smooth fine lines without the traditional retinol irritation.
A plant-derived antioxidant that amplifies collagen production and stabilises the retinoid.
Minimises redness, clears congested pores, and targets stubborn dark spots.
Strengthens the moisture barrier, shrinks pores, and calms the skin.
How to Store Your Serum
To maintain the high potency and freshness of the active ingredients, follow these simple storage guidelines:
Store the bottle in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight, such as a cupboard or drawer.
The fluctuating humidity and heat in a bathroom can degrade the Granactive Retinoid over time.
Always ensure the cap is screwed on tightly, and do not open the screwed cap to prevent oxidation, degrading active ingredients.
Keeping it in the fridge can prolong its stability and offer a refreshing, cooling sensation upon application.
For maximum efficacy, finish the bottle within 3 months of opening.
How it works+
Why This Combination Is a "Super-Formula"
It is a Triple-Threat Synergy:
The Age-Defiers (Retinoid + Bakuchiol): They work on the lower layers of the skin to rebuild collagen, plump wrinkles, and firm up sagging skin.
The Tone-Correctors (Azelaic Acid + Niacinamide): They work on the surface layers to minimise dark spots, calm redness, and smooth out rough texture.
Built-In Buffer System: Niacinamide and Bakuchiol inherently soothe the skin, helping this high-performance formula balance visible results with barrier support.
How It Works
The Science of Synergy: One Serum, Three Skin Results
Most skincare routines require layering multiple products to target ageing, dark spots, and breakouts. This formula changes that. By combining four dermatological powerhouses, we created a smart network of ingredients that complement each other.
Granactive Retinoid and Bakuchiol dive deep to accelerate cell turnover and rebuild collagen.
Azelaic Acid and Niacinamide sweep the surface to fade hyperpigmentation, calm redness, and tighten pores.
While traditional retinols compromise your skin barrier, our built-in soothing system (Niacinamide + Bakuchiol) protects and hydrates while the actives transform your skin.
How to use+
How to use
Apply 1-2 pumps onto clean, completely dry skin during your evening (PM) routine. Allow to absorb for 60 seconds, then follow with Night Repair or your favourite moisturiser.
Use 2 nights a week for the first 14 days, then increase frequency gradually.
Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+) the following morning.
Do not layer with other strong acids (AHA/BHA) or prescription treatments.
How to Use Your Serum: The Step-by-Step Guide
For the best results, use this serum exclusively in your evening (PM) routine. Because it contains high-performance active ingredients, proper application ensures maximum efficacy with zero irritation.
Step 1: Cleanse Thoroughly
Wash your face with a gentle, hydrating cleanser.
Removing makeup, oil, and pollution ensures the active ingredients can penetrate your skin efficiently without any barriers.
Step 2: Dry Your Skin Completely
Pat your face dry with a clean towel and wait 1–2 minutes before applying the serum.
Applying retinoids and acids to damp skin causes them to absorb too quickly and deeply, which can lead to unnecessary irritation or redness.
Step 3: Apply the Serum
Dispense 2–3 pumps (or a pea-sized amount) onto your fingertips. Smooth it evenly across your face and neck, avoiding the immediate eye area and lips.
A little goes a long way. The advanced blend of Granactive Retinoid and Bakuchiol is highly potent, so you do not need a thick layer to see results.
Step 4: Lock It in with Moisturiser
Wait about 60 seconds for the serum to absorb, then apply Night Repair moisturiser or your favourite basic, hydrating moisturiser.
While Niacinamide protects your skin barrier, a moisturiser seals in the active ingredients and prevents trans-epidermal moisture loss overnight.
The Beginners' Introduction Plan
If your skin is new to advanced retinoids or acids, introduce this serum gradually to let your skin adjust:
Apply just 2 nights per week (e.g., Mondays and Thursdays).
Increase to every other night.
Week 5+: If your skin feels comfortable, move up to every night for optimal results.
⚠️ Pro-Tips
This formula accelerates skin cell renewal, bringing fresh, new skin to the surface. Always apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) the following morning.
On the nights you use this serum, do not layer it with other strong acids (like Glycolic, Salicylic, or Lactic acid) or prescription acne treatments.
FAQ & expectations+
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can you mix Retinoids, Bakuchiol, Azelaic Acid, and Niacinamide safely?
Yes. The formula is balanced as a single product, so the actives are designed to work together without the uncertainty of combining separate formulas.
Why use both Granactive Retinoid and Bakuchiol?
They complement one another. Bakuchiol provides antioxidant support alongside next-generation Granactive Retinoid to support smoother, firmer-looking skin while keeping the routine considered and balanced.
How does Azelaic Acid help in this formula?
Azelaic Acid supports clearer-looking pores, more even-looking tone and calmer-looking skin. Paired with Niacinamide, it adds complementary support for redness and uneven tone.
Will this serum cause my skin to peel or “purge”?
Granactive Retinoid is paired with Niacinamide to support a more comfortable experience, but individual skin responses vary. Introduce the serum gradually and reduce frequency if sensitivity develops.
What to Expect: The Before & After Timeline
Skincare is a journey. Because this serum works at both the surface and cellular levels, results will accumulate over time. Here is what you can expect to see:
Week 2: The Initial Glow
Niacinamide and Bakuchiol begin improving surface hydration and regulating sebum production.
Skin looks noticeably brighter, plumper, and more hydrated. Surface dullness starts to fade, and morning skin feels softer.
Week 4: The Texture Refinement
Cellular turnover accelerates due to the Granactive Retinoid, while Azelaic Acid clears out congested pores.
Rough texture smooths out, and breakouts or redness are visibly reduced. Post-acne marks and dark spots begin to lighten.
Week 8: The Tone Correction
Azelaic Acid actively minimises melanin overproduction, and collagen production begins to ramp up.
Hyperpigmentation, sunspots, and uneven skin tone look significantly more uniform. The skin barrier is stronger and less reactive.
Week 12+: The Youthful Transformation
Deep-layer changes occur as collagen and elastin stores are replenished.
Fine lines, crow's feet, and dynamic wrinkles are visibly plumped and softened. The overall complexion looks firm, clear, and resilient.
Storage & care+
Storage & care
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and humidity. Keep the cap tightly sealed to prevent oxidation. For maximum active ingredient potency, use within 3 months of opening.
Here is a detailed breakdown of how each active ingredient works, what it does for the skin, and why this specific combination creates an exceptionally smart, multi-functional formula.
Granactive Retinoid (Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate)
A next-generation, esterified form of Vitamin A.
Unlike traditional retinol, it does not need to be broken down by skin enzymes. It binds directly to the skin’s retinoid receptors to instantly signal cellular renewal.
It delivers the powerful anti-ageing results of prescription-strength retinoids—smoothing fine lines and boosting collagen—but bypasses the typical redness, flaking, and irritation phase.
Bakuchiol
A natural, plant-derived antioxidant extracted from the Psoralea corylifolia (babchi) plant.
It targets the same genetic pathways in the skin as retinol to stimulate collagen production, despite having a completely different chemical structure.
It acts as a natural booster. When paired with Granactive Retinoid, it creates a synergistic effect that amplifies wrinkle reduction and skin firming, while simultaneously calming the skin and preventing moisture loss.
3. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
A water-soluble vitamin and ultimate skin-barrier protector.
It boosts the natural production of ceramides in the skin barrier and regulates sebum (oil) production.
It acts as the "peacekeeper" in this formula. It actively counteracts potential dryness from the active ingredients, minimises the appearance of enlarged pores, and minimises pigment transfer to brighten dull skin.
4. Azelaic Acid
A dicarboxylic acid naturally derived from grains like barley and wheat (often used in synthetic forms for stability).
It functions as a mild, leave-on exfoliant that clears out pores, acts as a potent anti-inflammatory, and functions as a tyrosinase inhibitor (stopping the overproduction of melanin)
This is your primary weapon against uneven tone. It targets dark spots, acne scars (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation), and redness caused by rosacea or breakouts, leaving the skin tone exceptionally uniform.
Customer reviews
Your experience matters.
Used this formula? Share your experience to help others choose with confidence.
Read existing reviews or leave your own product review.
Read & write a reviewNeed a clearer starting point?
Choose products around your skin priority, not guesswork.
Use the routine guide or ask Stratum 5 for product guidance if you are combining active treatments or introducing something new.