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Ren Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Mask
Ren Skincare

Ren Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Mask

Efficacy70/100IrritancyHigh·100% recommend (3 reviews)
See all ingredients

Works for

Exfoliation
Lactic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“A radiance recharge for dull or tired-looking skin, this potent gel mask will help to exfoliate away dirt and impurities, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and refine skin texture to reveal a renewed and more energised complexion.”
Source: Ren Skincare

This product can help exfoliate the skin. In other words, it helps break down the bonds between dead cells on the surface of the skin and speed up the skin turnover. Skin often appears softer and brighter after exfoliation, but overdoing it can result in disrupted skin barrier. The following ingredient is doing the exfoliating job in this product: lactic acid.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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)~2–3%
Evens skin tone
Lactic acid
Works well
What the product description says
“REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask dramatically improves tone, reduces congestion and minimises pore size, as well as working to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.”
Source: SpaceNK

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

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.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: HighAn 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)~2–3%
Anti-aging
Lactic acid, Tocopherol
May help
What the product description says
“A radiance recharge for dull or tired-looking skin, this potent gel mask will help to exfoliate away dirt and impurities, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and refine skin texture to reveal a renewed and more energised complexion.”
Source: Ren Skincare

This product contains lactic acid. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Lactic acidKey activeEffect: MediumAn 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)~2–3%
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~0.15–0.5%
Moisturizing
Glycerin, Lactic acid + 11 more
Works
What the product description says
“Nourishes and conditions skin”
Source: SpaceNK

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: glycerin, lactic acid.

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: helianthus annuus seed oil, hippophae rhamnoides oil.

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~4–5.9%
Lactic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighAn 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)~2–3%
Vitis vinifera seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~1.7–2.5%
Ribes nigrum seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.~1.4–2.1%
Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA plant oil that can help neutralize free radicals, soften the upper layer of the skin, and support skin's barrier function~0.85–1.25%
Sodium lactateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product~0.4–0.95%
Vitis vinifera fruit extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds~0.3–0.7%
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~0.15–0.55%
Hippophae rhamnoides oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient. Contains various ingredients including vitamins and fatty acids that could work in the skin to neutralize free radicals and minimize moisture loss - if enough of these compounds is able to penetrate the skin in an active form.~0.15–0.55%
Lecithin· EmollientEffect: LowUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~2.5–3.7%
Ananas sativus fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin~0.35–0.8%
Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.35–0.85%
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~0.15–0.5%
Anti-blemish
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract ~0.1–0.35%
Under-dosed
What the product description says
“The AHAs resurface the skin, visibly improving firmness and radiance, while at the same time reducing fine lines, post acne scarring, blemishes and blackheads - the outcome is a bright, new complexion.”
Source: Cultbeauty

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractUnder-dosedCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.1–0.35%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil, Vitis vinifera seed oil + 5 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumA plant oil that can help neutralize free radicals, soften the upper layer of the skin, and support skin's barrier function~0.85–1.25%
Vitis vinifera seed oilEffect: LowA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties~1.7–2.5%
Ribes nigrum seed oilEffect: LowAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.~1.4–2.1%
Vitis vinifera fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds~0.3–0.7%
Hippophae rhamnoides oilEffect: LowA good emollient. Contains various ingredients including vitamins and fatty acids that could work in the skin to neutralize free radicals and minimize moisture loss - if enough of these compounds is able to penetrate the skin in an active form.~0.15–0.55%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.1–0.35%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure 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~0.15–0.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
13 strong irritants: Citrus limon fruit extract, Carica papaya fruit extract + 11 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 25 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus limon fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~1.2–1.8%est.
Carica papaya fruit extract—High~0.35–0.85%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.2–0.75%est.
Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.15–0.65%est.
Citrus grandis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
Citrus tangerina peel oilEssential oil that can be irritating. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis flower oil—High~0.15–0.55%est.
Alcohol denat.Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve productsHigh~0.15–0.6%est.
Benzyl alcoholA preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.5%est.
Hippophae rhamnoides oilA good emollient. Contains various ingredients including vitamins and fatty acids that could work in the skin to neutralize free radicals and minimize moisture loss - if enough of these compounds is able to penetrate the skin in an active form.High~0.15–0.55%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
Sodium bisulfiteA preservativeHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.15%est.
Polysorbate 60Helps oil and water mix togetherMedium~3.3–5%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~2–3%est.
Vitis vinifera seed oilA great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~1.7–2.5%est.
Ribes nigrum seed oilAn emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.Medium~1.4–2.1%est.
Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oilA plant oil that can help neutralize free radicals, soften the upper layer of the skin, and support skin's barrier functionMedium~0.85–1.25%est.
Sodium lactateHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the productMedium~0.4–0.95%est.
Ananas sativus fruit extractA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skinMedium~0.35–0.8%est.
Vitis vinifera fruit extractA plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seedsMedium~0.3–0.7%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.55%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Biome One Mask
Cultured Skincare Biome One Mask
Higher efficacy · 100/10059% match
$64.31
Enzyme Peel Mask
The Organic Pharmacy Enzyme Peel Mask
Higher efficacy · 100/10058% match
$45.61
View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?
100%·yes

3 of 3 community members would buy it again.

100% would0% wouldn't
What reviewers noticed
Marker shows the average response

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Glycerin~4–5.9%
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
Polysorbate 60~3.3–5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polysorbate 60
Lecithin~2.5–3.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin
Lactic acid~2–3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
ExfoliationEvens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-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
Vitis vinifera seed oil~1.7–2.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A great emollient that can also have anti-oxidant properties

More about Vitis vinifera seed oil
Ribes nigrum seed oil~1.4–2.1%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.

More about Ribes nigrum seed oil
Citrus limon fruit extract~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus limon fruit extract
Xanthan gum~1–1.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum
Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil~0.85–1.25%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

A plant oil that can help neutralize free radicals, soften the upper layer of the skin, and support skin's barrier function

More about Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil
Maltodextrin~0.5–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin
Sodium lactate~0.4–0.95%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is often used to adjust the pH level of the product

More about Sodium lactate
Carica papaya fruit extract~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Carica papaya fruit extract
Ananas sativus fruit extract~0.35–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin

More about Ananas sativus fruit extract
Glyceryl caprylate~0.35–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate
Passiflora edulis fruit extract~0.3–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Passiflora edulis fruit extract
Vitis vinifera fruit extract~0.3–0.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. It might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals in skin, but is less potent than the extract from the seeds

More about Vitis vinifera fruit extract
Parfum~0.2–0.75%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Citrus nobilis peel oil~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus nobilis peel oil
Citrus grandis peel oil~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus grandis peel oil
Citrus tangerina peel oil~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Essential oil that can be irritating. Can lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus tangerina peel oil
Citrus aurantium dulcis flower oil~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis flower oil
Alcohol denat.~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Produces temporary toning effect. Can help dissolve other ingredients or preserve products

More about Alcohol denat.
Benzyl alcohol~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

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

More about Benzyl alcohol
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Tocopherol~0.15–0.5%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

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
Hippophae rhamnoides oil~0.15–0.55%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A good emollient. Contains various ingredients including vitamins and fatty acids that could work in the skin to neutralize free radicals and minimize moisture loss - if enough of these compounds is able to penetrate the skin in an active form.

More about Hippophae rhamnoides oil
Helianthus annuus seed oil~0.15–0.55%
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~0.1–0.35%
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
Sodium bisulfite~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A preservative

More about Sodium bisulfite
Citral~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Geraniol~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Limonene~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Linalool~0.05–0.15%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Lecithin, Lactic acid, Vitis vinifera seed oil, Ribes nigrum seed oil, Citrus limon fruit extract, Xanthan gum, Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil, Maltodextrin, Sodium lactate, Carica papaya fruit extract, Ananas sativus fruit extract, Glyceryl caprylate, Passiflora edulis fruit extract, Vitis vinifera fruit extract, Parfum, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Citrus grandis peel oil, Citrus tangerina peel oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis flower oil, Alcohol denat., Benzyl alcohol, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium sorbate, Tocopherol, Hippophae rhamnoides oil, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Sodium bisulfite, Citral, Geraniol, Limonene, 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 SkincareGlycol Lactic Radiance MaskYOUR PRODUCTCultured SkincareBiome One MaskThe Organic PharmacyEnzyme Peel MaskNaturopathicaSweet Cherry Brightening Enzyme Peel
Match—59%58%56%
Price—$64.31$45.61$60.10
Shared key ingredients—3 of 84 of 84 of 8
Key difference—Potassium Azeloyl DiglycinateSalicylic AcidSalicylic Acid
Irritancy High Low High Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol — Contains drying alcohol —
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Product summary

"Ren Skincare - Glycol Lactic Radiance Mask" is effective for: Exfoliation and Evens skin tone

This product could be helpful for: Anti-oxidation, Anti-aging and Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

  • This product contains acids (lactic acid 2.00% - 3.00%). Their concentration is low, and they will not have a strong exfoliating effect. Instead, they work to support the skin natural acid mantle and to attract water (as humectants). Lactic acid is particularly good in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin and improving the skin barrier.
  • Humectants (sodium lactate 0.40% - 0.95%, glycerin 4.00% - 5.90% and lactic acid 2.00% - 3.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails from 19.00$ up to 58.00$ in the United States, from 26.30CA$ up to 76.00CA$ in Canada, from 15.00£ up to 46.00£ in the United Kingdom, for 40.00£ in the United Kingdom and for 500.00HK$ in Hong Kong.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 20 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Epidermal and dermal effects of topical lactic acidncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Dual Effects of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids on the Skinpdfs.semanticscholar.org
  4. 4
    Safety Assessment of Citrus-Derived Peel Oils as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
  5. 5
    Wound‐healing Properties of the Oils of Vitis vinifera and Vaccinium macrocarpononlinelibrary.wiley.com
  6. 6
    BERRY SEEDS: A SOURCE OF SPECIALTY OILS WITH HIGH CONTENT OF BIOACTIVES AND NUTRITIONAL VALUEonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Ren Skincare Glycol Lactic Radiance Mask
Ren SkincareGlycol Lactic Radiance Mask
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.