REN Skincare started out 15 years ago in a stand alone shop on Liverpool Street in London by Robert Calcraft and Antony Buck. Since then it's grown into an award winning brand that follows the Clean Beauty Series mantra of created cutting edge products free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oil, petrolatum, synthetic fragrances and dyes, T.E.A, D.E.A and silicones. Oh and did I mention they are 100% against animal testing? Yep, that's a long list of things that sometimes crop up in our skincare folks!
Today's post will break down the inspiration and ethos of REN, some of my favourites from the line as well as my wish list of products I can wait to try.
Using 100% plant and mineral derived actives, the nice people at REN believe that texture and fragrance should add to the overall experience of using their products, and I would have to agree. It's become no surprise to me that REN Skincare has grown a bit of a cult following around the world.
I've had the pleasure of trying out some of the products from the line (though not nearly as many as I want to try!) and here's what I am loving:
Evercalm Anti-Redness Serum* - I've struggled with reactive skin and jawline redness since I was young and I find this to be super soothing and calming. This is formulated to give instant relief from discomfort and sensitivity and I found it really did just that. I pump of this after a too-hot shower left my previously red splotchy face even toned and hydrated. Apparently, Evercalm is meant to strengthen capillary walls and 'trains' the skin to be less sensitive (which can protect against premature ageing) but that is a claim I wouldn't know the results of for some time.
The texture is milky, almost like a thin lotion, and includes the following ingredients which I've broken down into what the heck they actually do:
Milk Polypeptides
-creates signals to your skin to regenerate collagen
Beta-Glucan
-strong anti-inflammatory agent
-aids reducing redness and sensitivity
Antileukine
-fights free radical damage
Wild Canadian Rumex
-reduces hyperpigmentation
-protects blood vessels and helps decongest and stop swelling
Hyaluronic Acid
-boosts skin's moisture content as well as reduces moisture loss
Flash Rinse 1 Minute Facial - Imagine last minute plans pop up and your skin is looking less than stellar. Now enter in the 1 Minute Facial which visibly rejuvenates skin almost instantly. It claims to banish urban grey, reduce fine lines and imperfections as well as tones and firms.
While I don't particularly care for the slightly metallic scent to this product, my skin looks great after using it and the recommended time frame actually fits into my life when I can rarely be reminded to apply a mask.
The texture is grainy like a sugar scrub and has the following bio extracts:
Vitamin C
-stimulates collagen synthesis and provides radiance
Boswellic Acid
-relaxes facial tissue to smooth lines
Glycogen Magnesium
- Boosts radiance and skin energy
Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask* - This is the mask for when you have more time (10-20 minutes) and want to give your skin a serious overhaul once a week or so. It's 6.5% Glycolic Acid removes dead skin cells, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, fights congestion and blackheads and improves skin tone.
I was initially worried about this product after reading slight tingling might occur, but I didn't notice any of it, and my sensitive skin reacted really well to this pumpkin hued mask. It exfoliates the skin using the following ingredients:
Natural Fruit Acids
-Papaya, lemon, grape, pineapple and passionfruit encourage cell turnover
So what's on my list next?
Being a rose lover, I'd love to try the Moroccan Rose Range which looks gorgeously lush and hydrating. New to the brand is the Citrus Limonum Hand Wash and Cream, which look divine as well as the good people at REN have created a Shampoo and Conditioner which I would love to try, loving sulphate free haircare!
What are your favourite REN products? Which ones should I try next?
