20 years of Passion, Science and Care

Founder Laurie Nicoll Nord came to skincare through work with a stem-cell research company and her own lifelong skin concerns. Our early research explored growth factors associated with mesenchymal stem-cell conditioned media. Over time, the formulations evolved to include bio-identical growth factors and peptides.

That evolution is central to Stem Cell Skin Science: a research heritage translated into cosmetic formulas for the appearance and feel of skin.

Growth factors are proteins involved in communication between cells. Research into topical preparations has explored their potential to improve the appearance of facial lines and texture. How a topical formula performs depends on the ingredients, formulation and delivery; research into the precise mechanisms continues.

Stemulation’s history began with conditioned-media research. Today, Liquid Gold’s ingredient list includes sh-oligopeptide-1 alongside several peptides. Each formula has its own composition; the entire collection does not contain an identical growth-factor blend.

Peptides are chains of amino acids. Different peptides have different roles, which is why the specific ingredient list matters more than the word “peptide” alone.

Liquid Gold includes acetyl hexapeptide-8 and palmitoyl tripeptide-5. Fauxtox combines acetyl hexapeptide-8 with additional peptides, niacinamide and sodium hyaluronate. Diamond Neckless brings together a peptide blend, niacinamide, sodium hyaluronate and ceramide NG in a cream for the neck and décolleté.

These are topical cosmetic formulas intended for your skincare routine. Their ingredient lists and directions are available on every product page.

Our approach extends beyond a single ingredient. Liquid Gold includes glycerin and niacinamide; Fauxtox and Diamond Neckless include sodium hyaluronate. Boost contains lactic acid for an exfoliating nighttime step, while Daily Micro Derm and Nitty Gritty use diatomaceous earth in the current formulas for physical exfoliation.

Choose exfoliation frequency according to your skin’s tolerance and follow each product’s directions. Products with alpha hydroxy acids carry sun-sensitivity precautions on their product pages.

A 2017 randomized, double-blind, split-face trial followed 20 participants using two growth-factor preparations for three months. Both preparations improved the investigators’ wrinkle assessments. The study was small and evaluated other brands, not Stemulation.

A separate 12-week randomized study of 50 participants evaluated a 5% niacinamide formula and reported improvements in several measures of skin appearance. That tested concentration and formula should not be assumed for Stemulation products.

These publications provide ingredient-category context. They are not clinical trials of our finished formulas, and their results should not be read as a promise of the same outcome.

Read the growth-factor trial
Read the niacinamide trial

Our original customer photographs identify the products used together and the time between photographs. Individual experiences vary, and combined-routine photographs do not establish the effect of a single product.

Behind the science is a personal journey. Laurie shares how childhood skin challenges and a career change led to Stemulation, together with her original before-and-after photographs.