Ren Skincare

Ren Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum

Name: Ren Skincare - Bio Retinoid Youth Serum
Brand: Ren Skincare

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Niacinamide, Tocopherol + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Our clinically proven healthy ageing serum combines our plant-derived alternative to Retinol, Bidens Pilosa, with Ceramides and Niacinamide to visibly even skin tone and pigmentation, plump, smooth, for a firmer-looking skin, while visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles after just 7 days.”

Source: Ren Skincare

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~3.2–3.9%

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.25–0.5%

Lactic acidUnder-dosedAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)~0.15–0.3%

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 15 more

Works well

What the product description says

“Our clinically proven healthy ageing serum combines our plant-derived alternative to Retinol, Bidens Pilosa, with Ceramides and Niacinamide to visibly even skin tone and pigmentation, plump, smooth, for a firmer-looking skin, while visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles after just 7 days.”

Source: Ren Skincare

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: arginine, caprylic/capric triglyceride.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production~3.2–3.9%

Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~6.7–8.2%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~4.1–5%

Coco-caprylate/caprateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumHelps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture~2–2.5%

SqualaneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.~1.8–2.2%

Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~1.5–1.8%

ArginineKey active· Humectant, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin~1.2–1.5%

Crambe abyssinica seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.55–0.85%

Astrocaryum murumuru seed butterKey active· EmollientEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. Could be comedogenic due to the myrisic acid content~0.5–0.75%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.45–0.65%

Helianthus annuus seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function~0.25–0.45%

Gossypium herbaceum seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumCottonseed oil. It is used as an emollient and occlusive in products. It is rich palmitic, oleic acid, and linoleic fatty acids.~0.2–0.4%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.5–0.75%

Linum usitatissimum seed oilEffect: Low~0.3–0.5%

Rosa canina fruit oilUnder-dosedA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating~1–1.2%

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide, Lactic acid

Works well

What the product description says

“Our clinically proven healthy ageing serum combines our plant-derived alternative to Retinol, Bidens Pilosa, with Ceramides and Niacinamide to visibly even skin tone and pigmentation, plump, smooth, for a firmer-looking skin, while visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles after just 7 days.”

Source: Ren Skincare

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Exfoliation

Lactic acid ~0.15–0.3%

Under-dosed

What the product description says

“Bidens Pilosa offers the same re-surfacing and rejuvenating benefits of retinol, while minimising the risk of irritation associated with traditional retinol use.”

Source: Lookfantastic

This product does not contain effective exfoliating ingredients. It might be able to deliver physical exfoliation, that is scrub off some of the dead cells on the surface of the skin. We do not recommend physical exfoliation, because it is not uniform (some bits of skin can get exfoliated too much while others not at all). It can also traumatize the skin and aggrevate acne and other skin conditions.

Anti-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

Works well

This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractUnder-dosedCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.15–0.3%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

6 strong irritants: Parfum, Rosa damascena extract + 4 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.45–0.7%est.

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Rosa damascena extractOil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.High~0.2–0.4%est.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.2%est.

GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.15%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.

Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~6.7–8.2%est.

Cetyl phosphateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~2.3–2.9%est.

Rosa canina fruit oilA great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritatingMedium~1–1.2%est.

Crambe abyssinica seed oilHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.55–0.85%est.

Astrocaryum murumuru seed butterHelps soften the upper layer of the skin. Could be comedogenic due to the myrisic acid contentMedium~0.5–0.75%est.

Sodium dehydroacetateA preservativeMedium~0.3–0.6%est.

Dehydroacetic acidA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

XanthophyllsA yellow colorantMedium~0.2–0.4%est.

Lactic acidAn exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)Medium~0.15–0.3%est.

Comedogenic

1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale

1 flagged

These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.

IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount

Gossypium herbaceum seed oilCottonseed oil. It is used as an emollient and occlusive in products. It is rich palmitic, oleic acid, and linoleic fatty acids.3/5~0.2–0.4%est.

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

SUNGBOON EDITOR Active Marine Astaxanthin Capsule Serum

CheaperHigher efficacy · 100/10093% match

$18.80

Jin Jung sung Omega Vegan Vita Serum

Higher efficacy · 100/10093% match

$31.40

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Caprylic/capric triglyceride~6.7–8.2%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride

Glycerin~4.1–5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin

Niacinamide~3.2–3.9%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces rednessAnti-inflammatory

Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production

More about Niacinamide

Cetyl phosphate~2.3–2.9%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl phosphate

Coco-caprylate/caprate~2–2.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin without creating a greasy texture

More about Coco-caprylate/caprate

Squalane~1.8–2.2%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.

More about Squalane

Cetyl alcohol~1.5–1.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol

Arginine~1.2–1.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

An amino acid that is naturally present in skin and helps keep it hydrated. When used together with AHAs, it can reduce their irritating effect on the skin

More about Arginine

Rosa canina fruit oil~1–1.2%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient. Contains vitamin E (tocopherol) which may give it some anti-oxidant properties. Can contain volatile compounds and can be irritating

More about Rosa canina fruit oil

Triticum vulgare/aestivum grain extract~0.65–1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Triticum vulgare/aestivum grain extract

Crambe abyssinica seed oil~0.55–0.85%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Crambe abyssinica seed oil

Benzyl alcohol~0.45–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating

More about Benzyl alcohol

Astrocaryum murumuru seed butter~0.5–0.75%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Could be comedogenic due to the myrisic acid content

More about Astrocaryum murumuru seed butter

Glyceryl stearate~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Sodium hyaluronate~0.45–0.65%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Bidens pilosa extract~0.4–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Bidens pilosa extract

Sodium dehydroacetate~0.3–0.6%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium dehydroacetate

Linum usitatissimum seed oil~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

More about Linum usitatissimum seed oil

Sclerotium gum~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create gel-like formulas and stabilize emulsions

More about Sclerotium gum

Parfum~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Tocopherol~0.25–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol

Xanthan gum~0.25–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Dehydroacetic acid~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Dehydroacetic acid

Rosa damascena extract~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.

More about Rosa damascena extract

Gossypium herbaceum seed oil~0.2–0.4%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

Cottonseed oil. It is used as an emollient and occlusive in products. It is rich palmitic, oleic acid, and linoleic fatty acids.

More about Gossypium herbaceum seed oil

Beta-carotene~0.2–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A colorant adding orange or bright yellow color

More about Beta-carotene

Xanthophylls~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A yellow colorant

More about Xanthophylls

Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A great emollient due to its high linoleic acid content. One of the most effective plant oils in helping skin hydration and repairing skin barrier function

More about Helianthus annuus seed oil

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract~0.15–0.3%

Under-dosedIrritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-blemishAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

Can be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract

Lactic acid~0.15–0.3%

Under-dosedIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneMoisturizingExfoliationAnti-aging

An exfoliating and moisturizing alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA). Typically causes less irritation than other AHAs, for example, glycolic acid. At high concentrations (about 15%), lactic acid can help reduce lines and wrinkles. Recent studies show that lactic acid can support the "good" bacteria living on skin's surface (healthy skin microbiome)

More about Lactic acid

Sodium hydroxide~0.15–0.3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide

Citronellol~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

Geraniol~0.1–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol

Linalool~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Ingredient list view

Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Niacinamide, Cetyl phosphate, Coco-caprylate/caprate, Squalane, Cetyl alcohol, Arginine, Rosa canina fruit oil, Triticum vulgare/aestivum grain extract, Crambe abyssinica seed oil, Benzyl alcohol, Astrocaryum murumuru seed butter, Glyceryl stearate, Sodium hyaluronate, Bidens pilosa extract, Sodium dehydroacetate, Linum usitatissimum seed oil, Sclerotium gum, Parfum, Tocopherol, Xanthan gum, Dehydroacetic acid, Rosa damascena extract, Gossypium herbaceum seed oil, Beta-carotene, Xanthophylls, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Lactic acid, Sodium hydroxide, Citronellol, Geraniol, Linalool

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
	Ren SkincareBio Retinoid Youth SerumYOUR PRODUCT	SUNGBOON EDITORActive Marine Astaxanthin Capsule Serum	Jin Jung sungOmega Vegan Vita Serum	TalikaSkintelligence Anti-Age Regenerating Serum
Match	—	93%	93%	93%
Price	—	$18.80	$31.40	$39.26
Shared key ingredients	—	8 of 11	6 of 11	6 of 11
Key difference	—	Copper Tripeptide-1	Vitamin C	Adenosine
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Ren Skincare - Bio Retinoid Youth Serum" is effective for: Evens skin tone, Anti-aging, Moisturizing and Anti-blemish

Ingredient callouts

A good concentration of Niacinamide (3.20% - 3.90%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.45% - 0.65%, glycerin 4.10% - 5.00% and arginine 1.20% - 1.50%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 70.68€ in Germany, from 75.00$ up to 81.00$ in the United States, from 42.18£ up to 94.50£ in the United Kingdom, from 96.00CA$ up to 97.00CA$ in Canada, for 64.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 640.00HK$ in Hong Kong.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.