The Ultimate REN Skincare Review: A Critical Look at This "Clean" Brand

About REN Clean Skincare

REN Clean Skincare was founded in 2000 by Antony Buck and Rob Calcraft with the mission to create effective yet non-toxic beauty products. The inspiration came after Antony‘s wife had severe reactions to skincare during her pregnancy, revealing issues with many mainstream brands.

Based in London, REN uses botanical ingredients and a cruelty-free testing process to craft "clean" skincare. But are these products as ethical and effective as claimed? Let‘s analyze REN‘s background, sustainability promises, formulations, bestsellers, and more in this comprehensive review.

The REN Creation Story: Was it a True Lightbulb Moment?

REN has a compelling origin story of Antony searching for safe products after his wife‘s skincare woes. This customer-centric genesis sets up the brand as a passion project, driven by real consumer needs.

However, REN was also started by industry veterans Buck and Calcraft. So while the personal motivation makes for good marketing, REN ultimately seems more an ambitious business venture than a radical overhaul of beauty norms.

Still, identifying lack of safe options for pregnant women was astute. REN filled a gap by catering to the clean beauty wave before it crested. Overall, the founders deserve credit for centering ethical aims early on.

Rating REN‘s Sustainability Efforts

One pillar of REN‘s identity is environmental stewardship. They have admirable sustainability targets, like 100% recycled packaging by 2021. However, REN admits missing this deadline, now shifted to 2025.

Such delays disappoint green shoppers expecting quick transformation. While pursuing big goals is positive, brands need the operational follow-through.

Plus, sustainability encompasses more than packaging. REN must address unsustainable palm oil in their Bio Retinoid Concentrate, find an alternative source, and ensure ethical production of all ingredients.

Still, partnering with eco organizations shows proactive engagement. If REN realizes delayed promises, enacts a comprehensive sustainability strategy, and innovates beyond simple recycling, they could truly lead in this arena.

The REN Formula Philosophy: Natural, Non-Toxic…and Effective?

REN uses botanical extracts, antioxidants and essential fatty acids aiming for gentleness and efficacy. They exclude over 2,000 "nasties" like sulfates, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances. But do results match this conscientious composition?

The Highs and Lows of Hero Ingredients

REN‘s star ingredients feature across its line. For example, Atlantic Canadian kelps promise hydration and anti-aging effects.

Studies do find antioxidants like polyphenols in seaweeds may help skin. However, research specificity and quality is mixed. REN provides no data proving kelps reduce wrinkles or improve elasticity as claimed on their site. This illustrates a larger issue – lack of rigorous testing for many hero ingredients.

There are positives though. Backing clinical evidence exists for shea butter, vitamin C, probiotics and hyaluronic acid benefits cited by REN. Still, the brand must better substantiate more novel or exotic components that lack research.

Free of "Nasties" But Also Results?

REN‘s exclusion of over 2,000 nasty chemicals earns consumer confidence. But how do products perform once stripped of these ingredients?

Reviews indicate the Gentle Cleansing Milk and Evercalm creams soothe easily irritated skin. The AHA tonic and Glycol Lactic Mask also seem to refine texture for many.

However, some report inadequate moisture from the day creams or breakouts from actives like the Bio Retinoid. Granted, negative effects are infrequent next to widespread praise.

Nonetheless, REN must determine if removing certain components impedes efficacy for some. Are surface-level irritants like fragrance and alcoholreplaced with subtler offenders? Balancing gentle cleansing without stripping skin is tricky.

Perhaps with stratified testing on diverse skin types, REN can pinpoint problematic elements within their "clean" formulas.

REN Bestsellers: Which Products Really Work?

REN offers multiple lines targeting concerns from aging to acne. With over 70 products promising clear, youthful skin, what lives up to expectations?

Evercalm Range: A Soothing Solution?

REN‘s Evercalm line tops charts as their most beloved collection. The Global Protection Day Cream earns 4.6 stars across 600+ reviews for defending reactive and aging complexions. Rich in omegas, meadowfoam seed oil and white mushroom extract, it appears to hydrate while combatting irritation.

However, a few reviewers mention clogged pores or inadequate moisture. Again, the dilemma arises of creating both super gentle and hardworking formulas.

Getting the balance perfect across all skin types presents an uphill climb. But the largely positive feedback indicates REN gets it right more often than not. For those easily inflamed, Evercalm seems a safe harbor.

Glycol Lactic Radiance Renewal Mask

This 10-minute treatment marries AHA chemical exfoliation with fruit enzymes for renewed radiance and smoothed texture. Glorious before special events, the mask earns 4 stars.

REN‘s potent blend of AHAs pass safety regulations. Customers also praise visible smoothing and brightening. Still, chemical exfoliation poses risks of redness or drying that dissuade some.

But for unsensitive skin, this mask lifts dullness without abrasion of physical scrubs. REN avoids nasty fillers to prevent further irritation. While results vary with continued use, short term effects live up to claims.

Additional Top Performers

Beyond Evercalm and the Radiance Mask, Glow Daily Vitamin C Gel Cream and Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil earn applause. And REN‘s eye care often outshines face products with superior hydration.

Overall, certain ranges have more slam dunks than others. But factoring price, ingredients and reviews – REN delivers satisfactory performance for a predominantly natural brand.

Comparing REN to Other Green Beauty Brands

How does REN stack up to competitors in ethical beauty? Let‘s see how key players in non-toxic skincare measure up.

REN vs Naturopathica

Like REN, Naturopathica spotlights natural formulas with aromatherapy and herbal extracts. Both brands excel at balancing wellness and luxury.

However, Naturopathica sources rarer ingredients like ruby crystal extracts for unique skin healing properties. Special complexes target specific issues such as rosacea or hydration in depth.

In contrast, REN takes a more stripped down, sensory approach centered on texture and scent. Overall Naturopathica goes several steps further toward therapeutic, professional grade skin health.

REN vs True Botanicals

True Botanicals matches REN‘s transparency about ingredients, sourcing and sustainability. Their strict "No Compromise" chemical exclusion list also aligns with REN‘s promised purity.

Pricewise, both brands hover at a premium level with serums over $80. However True Botanicals offers more robust multi-step regimens while REN sticks to standalone hero offerings.

For those seeking serious clean beauty, True Botanicals‘ comprehensive systems push further. But REN provides greater versatility for people mixing selections.

REN vs Tata Harper

Like REN, Tata Harper is a pioneer in clean luxury skincare, combining ethics with sensorial treatments. Both maximize botanical ingredients while meeting stricter EU safety standards.

The brands share bestsellers like Vitamin C and resurfacing masks. Prices also hit similar benchmarks, with Tata Harper just slightly pricier. Further, both have origins stories centered on founder‘s personal experiences.

Ultimately these two brands are quite aligned in approach and offerings. The choice falls to individual product preference and prices. But essentially, Tata Harper and REN share space as OG clean skincare queens.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy REN Skincare?

Based on this comprehensive analysis, I believe REN deserves its status as an industry leader in clean beauty. They formulate without nasties that provoke reactions, especially helpful for reactive or pregnant skin.

Potent natural extracts provide real smoothing and brightening effects for most. And REN sets ethical benchmarks for sustainable packaging and responsible supply chains.

Are the products as radically effective as the copy suggests? Likely not, but they deliver solid age defense, gentle cleansing and radiance boosting free of irritation. REN also keeps up with pioneers like Tata Harper as innovators in green luxury beauty.

Ultimately REN makes the safe, conscientious choice an equally luxurious one. For those seeking clean beauty that feels like a sensory treat rather than a compromise, REN fits the bill.

Where to Buy REN

Shop REN Skincare from their official website to access special discounts. You can also find select products at:

• Sephora
• SkinStore
• Revolve
• Amazon
• Nordstrom

REN FAQs

Get answers to common questions about REN here:

Is REN really natural and sustainable?

Yes, REN avoids over 2,000 toxic ingredients and uses botanical extracts. They aim for 100% recycled packaging by 2025. Areas for improvement include palm oil sourcing and proving sustainability across the entire supply chain.

Can you use REN while pregnant?

REN states their products are safe for expectant mothers. However, certain essential oils might be avoided by some pregnant users. Check with your doctor.

Does REN test on animals?

No, REN is Leaping Bunny certified cruelty-free. Their products are never tested on animals.

What is REN‘s return policy?

REN offers 60 day returns and will refund the total minus shipping costs. Note kits must contain all original items. Email or call REN to start the return process.

How fast is REN shipping?

Standard shipping is 5-7 business days and free over $50. Two day shipping is $10 while next day shipping is $22. Delivery to Canada varies and costs $12.