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Ren Skincare T-Zone Balancing Gel Cream
Ren Skincare

Ren Skincare T-Zone Balancing Gel Cream

Efficacy41/100IrritancyHigh
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Works for

1 of 3 advertised claims delivered

Moisturizing
14 ingredients credited for this claim
Good support
What the product description says
“T-Zone Balancing Gel Cream”
From product name

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, glucose.

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: caprylic/capric triglyceride, helianthus annuus seed oil.

Glucose oxidaseKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.25%
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%
LactobacillusKey activeEffect: HighA non-living ingredient made by fermentation with the bacteria Lactobacillus. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help reduce inflammation~0.2–0.4%
Laminaria ochroleuca extractKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.5%
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~0.5–0.75%
LactoperoxidaseKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In theory, could support healthy skin's microbiome, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.15–0.3%
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~1–1.2%
Cocos nucifera fruit extractKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~0.25–0.45%
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~4–4.9%
Cetearyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture~2.3–2.9%
GlucoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function~0.25–0.5%
Lauryl laurateEffect: LowHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~3.1–3.8%
Cetearyl ethylhexanoate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin~5.6–6.9%
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~0.4–0.65%
Anti-aging
1 ingredient credited for this claim
Limited support
What the product description says
“Global protection complex Antileukine from Ochroleuca Seaweed, Tocotrienols from Arctic Cranberry Seed Oil, Kaempferol from Candle Tree Leaves and Leghemoglobin from Kudzu Zymbiozome protect the skin against UV induced damage and premature ageing.”
Source: Lookfantastic CA

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.

This ingredient vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.

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~0.4–0.65%
Anti-blemish
1 ingredient credited for this claim
Weak support
What the product description says
“Reduces shine and the appearance of blemishes and breakouts.”
Source: Skinstore

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low.

Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractUnder-dosedEffect: MediumCan be helpful in reducing inflammation in skin, including inflamed acne. It can be irritating~0.15–0.3%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · 6 ingredients credited for this claim
Moderate support

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~0.5–0.75%
Cassia alata leaf extractEffect: LowMight have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating~0.25–0.5%
OryzanolEffect: LowAn anti-oxidant that helps stabilize product formulations. Might help neutralise free radicals in skin~1.2–1.4%
TocopherolUnder-dosedEffect: HighPure 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~0.4–0.65%
BisabololEffect: Low, below effective doseAn active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties~0.35–0.65%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseCan 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: Lavandula angustifolia oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil + 4 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 15 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.4–0.6%est.
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.3–0.6%est.
Rosa damascena flower water extract—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.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.1–0.15%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.1%est.
Lauryl laurateHelps soften the upper layer of the skinMedium~3.1–3.8%est.
Tapioca starchUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~2–2.4%est.
Salix nigra bark extractA plant extract that might contain salicylic acidMedium~1.7–2%est.
HydroxyacetophenoneUsed to increase effectiveness of preservativesMedium~1.4–1.7%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~1–1.2%est.
Amorphophallus konjac root powder—Medium~0.95–1.15%est.
Cetearyl glucosideHelps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product textureMedium~0.5–0.8%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~0.5–0.75%est.
Cassia alata leaf extractMight have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingMedium~0.25–0.5%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 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
Laminaria ochroleuca extractHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin3/5~0.3–0.5%est.
Cocos nucifera fruit extractAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.25–0.45%est.
Cetearyl alcoholA non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture2/5~2.3–2.9%est.
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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
Cetearyl ethylhexanoate~5.6–6.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that helps soften the skin

More about Cetearyl ethylhexanoate
Glycerin~4–4.9%
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
Lauryl laurate~3.1–3.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lauryl laurate
Cetearyl alcohol~2.3–2.9%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol. Works as an emollient. Helps water and oil mix together and creates a nice product texture

More about Cetearyl alcohol
Tapioca starch~2–2.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Tapioca starch
Salix nigra bark extract~1.7–2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Exfoliation

A plant extract that might contain salicylic acid

More about Salix nigra bark extract
Hydroxyacetophenone~1.4–1.7%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to increase effectiveness of preservatives

More about Hydroxyacetophenone
Oryzanol~1.2–1.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

An anti-oxidant that helps stabilize product formulations. Might help neutralise free radicals in skin

More about Oryzanol
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~1–1.2%
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
Amorphophallus konjac root powder~0.95–1.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
More about Amorphophallus konjac root powder
Carbomer~0.55–0.85%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Cetearyl glucoside~0.5–0.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil in the product mix well together and improves product texture

More about Cetearyl glucoside
Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil~0.5–0.75%
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
Bisabolol~0.35–0.65%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil
Tocopherol~0.4–0.65%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

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
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.3–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil
Pueraria lobata symbiosome extract~0.3–0.55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Pueraria lobata symbiosome extract
Laminaria ochroleuca extract~0.3–0.5%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Laminaria ochroleuca extract
Cassia alata leaf extract~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Might have some anti-oxidant properties. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Cassia alata leaf extract
Glucose~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Could be helpful in restoring the skin barrier function

More about Glucose
Crataegus oxyacantha stem extract~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Crataegus oxyacantha stem extract
Phenoxyethanol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Callitris intratropica wood oil~0.25–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Callitris intratropica wood oil
Rosa damascena flower water extract~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Rosa damascena flower water extract
Lactobacillus~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A non-living ingredient made by fermentation with the bacteria Lactobacillus. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help reduce inflammation

More about Lactobacillus
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
Cocos nucifera fruit extract~0.25–0.45%
Key activeComedogenic 3/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera fruit extract
Sodium chloride~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Lactoperoxidase~0.15–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In theory, could support healthy skin's microbiome, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Lactoperoxidase
Glucose oxidase~0.15–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Glucose oxidase
Sodium hydroxide~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to adjust the product's pH

More about Sodium hydroxide
Limonene~0.1–0.15%
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~0.05–0.1%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Ingredient list view

Water, Cetearyl ethylhexanoate, Glycerin, Lauryl laurate, Cetearyl alcohol, Tapioca starch, Salix nigra bark extract, Hydroxyacetophenone, Oryzanol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Amorphophallus konjac root powder, Carbomer, Cetearyl glucoside, Vaccinium macrocarpon seed oil, Bisabolol, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Tocopherol, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Pueraria lobata symbiosome extract, Laminaria ochroleuca extract, Cassia alata leaf extract, Glucose, Crataegus oxyacantha stem extract, Phenoxyethanol, Callitris intratropica wood oil, Rosa damascena flower water extract, Lactobacillus, Helianthus annuus seed oil, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf extract, Cocos nucifera fruit extract, Sodium chloride, Lactoperoxidase, Glucose oxidase, Sodium hydroxide, Limonene, Linalool

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 19 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Antioxidant activity of gamma-oryzanol: Mechanism of action and its effect on oxidative stability of pharmaceutical oilssciencedirect.com
  3. 3
    Skin Anti-aging Assays of Proanthocyanidin Rich Red Rice Extract, Oryzanol and Other Phenolic Compoundsjournals.sagepub.com
  4. 4
    Wound‐healing Properties of the Oils of Vitis vinifera and Vaccinium macrocarpononlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    BERRY SEEDS: A SOURCE OF SPECIALTY OILS WITH HIGH CONTENT OF BIOACTIVES AND NUTRITIONAL VALUEonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  6. 6
    α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammationresearchgate.net
Ren Skincare T-Zone Balancing Gel Cream
Ren SkincareT-Zone Balancing Gel Cream
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.