I’m about halfway through this 2nd bottle of the REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask and you know what? I still can’t quite make up my mind about it! So, rather than procrastinate further, I hoped that by writing about it, I’d figure out how I feel once I hit the conclusion 😛
REN Skincare (rhymes with ‘ran’), some of you may be familiar with already. If you aren’t, its a range of skincare that hails from the UK and means ‘Clean’ in Scandinavian. Some of you may have also seen the REN video used to define how clean was clean (Be warned not to watch it at work or in front of parents and kiddies! 😉 ) REN is formulated without a lot of harmful things like petrochemicals and parabens etc and they use bioactives from botanicals where possible.
The Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask is one of their star products and gets tons of raves and wins loads of beauty awards. I have been told that it operates like a skin peel, without the side effects of chemical peels like sensitive skin or redness but gives skin an almost instant radiant and brighter appearance. This is where I start feeling a little nonplussed.
The bioactives in this products are natural fruit acids from passion fruit, lemon, grape and pineapple along with papain from papaya to exfoliate the top layer of the skin and encourage cell turnover and also smoothen fine lines. So many people who love this one tell me they see instant results. Instant! Brighter, more radiant skin!
I tried this back in 2009 and I wasn’t entirely bouncing off the walls with glee. Sometime in 2012 I decided to try it again. I know, sucker for punishment this one 😀 So I picked up a full size bottle (wee bit cheaper at RM175/50ml now from KENS Apothecary) to see how it performed.
It used to be called the Glycolactic Skin Renewal Peel Mask but they’ve changed the name. The product remains the same though. It is housed in a double walled plastic container with the product contained in a pliable soft plastic “bag” that compresses everytime you pump out the product. This way, they ensure that you get every last bit of the product instead of having it stick to the sides of the bottle.
One of my main grouses the first time I tried a sample was that it was very hard to wash off. Then I realised why. You need to use a muslin cloth to remove the product! One is provided inside the box of the full size bottle so no worries right there.
Considering all the fruit extracts that go in there, you would be thinking that it would smell like a tropical fruit salad right? Erm… not quite. It actually smells a little funky. Like fermented fruit. Not unpleasant, lest you start wrinkling your nose with distaste, but definitely not perfumed either. It also comes out a thick paste like fruit puree 😀
Slather a thick layer of this over your face, avoiding your eyes and lips. I warn you about lips because I have been having rather sensitive lips of late and when some of this mask touched my lips, I could feel a significant tingling. Not painful, but a little unpleasant.
In fact, you are expected to feel a little tingling or warming of the skin when using this mask. I didn’t experience any this time around but I did the first time I used it back in the day. Its the “peel” part of it, the same way that chemical peels do the job with AHA or BHA acids. The point of this mask is to leave it on so it softens your top layer of your skin and when you clean it off, it “peels” off this dead skin and reveals fresher brighter more radiant skin. With chemical AHA and BHAs there is a heightened chance of sensitivity and redness and especially sensitivity to the sun. REN promises us theirs will give you the same effect sans all the side effects.
After about 10-15 minutes of this goo on my face (it doesn’t dry, don’t hope for it to!), I take a damp muslin cloth and wipe off the product. I am usually a little lax about cream masks so I tend to leave them on longer than I should. But with this one, I took care to abide by the directions.
I usually need a few passes of the cloth to get most of it off and then I rinse it with more water. The immediate effect is that I feel that my skin does feel smoother. That effect is quite instantaneous in this regard. As for it perking up the complexion or smoothing out fine lines the jury is out on that.
I did notice that my skin did look a little clearer. I have been doing a lot of business travel and my skin feels and looks dull as dishwater. So might this be why I noticed the brighter effects almost immediately? I’m not sure. It does last, lest you think its a one off thing. My skin feels markedly smoother and it does seem to clean pores out nicely. I find that if I’m diligent and use this once a week, my skin looks and feels better and smoother. Foundation glides on and stay on like a dream. Its not a miracle. But its an effect that I notice improving over time, rather than an immediate one-off deal.
Oh and I had this horrible flaky skin on my nose and this mask took care of that. It was there before I did the mask and after that, flaky skin was gone. I then followed back up with more hydrating skincare to keep it away and its all good again. I think this second time around, I’ve found it to be better than before.
In a nutshell
The REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask operates like a chemical peel using fruit based enzymes and it is supposed to be more gentle than regular chemical face peels. From their website, I found that it contains 6.5% glycolic acid. The purpose of this product is to “peel” off the top layer of dead skin to reveal brighter clearer skin underneath. I did find that regular use of at least once a week does make my skin look and feel softer and smoother and keeps it feeling that way. My pores are cleaner with less clogging and skin looks better. I personally find that the effects are most noticeable after a couple of uses not just immediately. There is some tingling or warming sensations to be expected and I’m not 100% sure if this will be suitable for those with sensitive skin although REN says it is. If you are sensitive to glycolic acids or any of the ingredients then you do have to be a little more careful. I am not exactly in love with it, but I do like how my skin looks when I’m a little more diligent using it.
Pros: Dull skin does look brighter and clearer and remains that way with regular weekly use, Pores look cleaner and smaller, Helps remove flaky skin
Cons: Smell may put off some people, Some people may experience tingling and warming sensations, Dry skin areas may experience tingling
Who will like this: Anyone looking for an alternative to chemical at home peels
One point to note. This is a “Peel Mask” not a “Peel Off Mask”. With the latter, it will dry and harden on your skin and you will peel it off. With this one, the “peel” is the effect referred to in the “peeling” of dead skin cells to reveal clearer skin. There is no physical “peeling” so do not expect this to dry, because it will not. Leave it on too long at your own peril 😛
Here is the ingredient list for the product.
You know, I’m still not sure how I feel about this. Not quite bouncing off walls with glee, yet not hating it either. It works, I don’t deny but I’m not exactly deeply in love with it. Still, since it does help my skin stay flake free, I’m getting bottle #3 once this is done with. Unless I try an alternative, that is 😉
Have you tried this award winning REN peel mask? Have you tried other peel masks with good results?
I know AHA/BHA products are popular in chemical peels but I also know that if you use those, you have to be very stringent with the use of sunscreen and to expect redness and skin sensitivity. I am not clever enough to know if this is more gentle but my skin doesn’t get red nor feel extra sensitive after using this for the past few months so I’m guessing its better for me. I haven’t tried other peels though. Always been too scared to 😛
Paris B
REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask Price: RM175/50ml Availability: KENS Apothecary stores – Empire Shopping Gallery, Bangsar Village II
I am intrigue by this mask as I have heard a lot of raves about how glycolic acid could make your skin appear less dull and more radiant. But RM175 is a bit pricey for a mask though. Will definitely think about this. Thanks for the review 🙂
Yes, I too had heard a lot about glycolic acid and the wonders it does for the skin. Funnily however, I’ve tried a few products containing glycolic acid in my time, but have never seen the wonderful results people rave about 😛 Maybe I have elephant skin or something.
Intriguing but my hyper sensitive skin would probably throw a massive tanty. I might get a tiny sample to try and see how I go before I purchase the full big bottle. I love the sound of clearer and brighter skin, though 🙂
They do say even the most sensitive skin can handle it but then, they would wouldn’t they? 😉
I have this but I have yet to use it for fear of breakouts. I am very likely to experience tingling sensation as I have thin skin. I hope it is not drying as I think it would be. Will try the mask this weekend. Hope it goes well. Lol.
The concern I think, wouldn’t be breakouts but an uncomfortable sensation on the skin due to the glycolic acid action. I didn’t find it drying but then I would expect different people to experience different results. Did you manage to try it yet? Would be interesting to see how it fared for you 🙂
No time to try it yet. Been very busy with work, family and some personal stuff. Maybe I should try it on my bf and see how it fares. On a side note, my product count is increasing again. It comes to the point where I feel like selling the extras off.
Hmmm, I’ve wondered about this too since it gets such raves, but haven’t succumbed to the hype about it. On the list to try it goes now haha!
It is quite a cult product isn’t it? I think expectation must be managed for this one. Its not a miracle no matter what all the ravers say, but prolonged use most certainly yields benefits for me 🙂
Hi Paris!
I have been thinking of trying this after the Cellnique Advanced Bio Renewal Masque is finished. They seem to work on the same principle, though the acids in this Ren mask might be stronger. How do you think the two compare?
Irene
Hi Irene, gosh, its been so long since I used the Cellnique one! But from memory, it seems to be similar in action although I remember the Cellnique one smells of pineapples but this REN one smells of fermented fruit LOL Not as pleasant. I remember the Cellnique one could be washed off quite easily but I do need a muslin cloth to clean off the REN. I”m sorry, I can’t compare because its been far too long since I tried the Cellnique!
Hey Paris, your review is very timely because I was just thinking about trying a similar mask from Dermalogica. I love the sound of this, so perhaps this would be my first REN product 🙂 Thanks for the review!
Nice one Lily! I have never really tried anything from Dermalogica. For some reason, their products just don’t really grab me at all although I have heard loads and loads of raves for many of them. One of those things, I guess? 😉 Would be interesting to know your thoughts on this one if you pick it up! REN does quite nice stuff but not everything works for me either.
LOL I know how you feel–sometimes you just have to “write it out” and then your opinion of the product will eventually (hopefully) come through by the end 😛 BI also agree about this product. I don’t think it was OMG WOW for me like it was for so many other people but, as I’ve said about a million times before, I have very hardy, chemical-tolerant skin. I definitely noticed my skin was smoother and pores tightened and cleaner but it wasn’t the miracle I was expecting. Still, I really like it and probably will repurchase as well!
Right? I’m so glad someone understands how inarticulate I can feel LOL I’m glad we both feel the same way about this product. Its not a bad product, I don’t think. It does make my skin feel lovely and I do think that prolonged use helps my skin but it certainly isn’t a one-time-use miracle as people make it out to be! 😀
Hey Paris, my bottle is almost gone and I went from being a big fan to having found better stuff (Omorovicza Copper Peel. Costs way more but performs way better). I think it’s a good place to start for those who are just getting into at home peels, but after trying Omorovicza I’m pretty sure I won’t repurchase this.
Mmm I’m really keen to try stuff from Omorovicza. So far, I’ve only heard good things about the brand! 😀
It does have Lactic acid, which is great for hyperpigmentation and dehydration.. I would rather have lactic acid done professionally though and then move on to Vitamin A peels, once your skin has been prepped with Vit A products 🙂
Thanks for the heads up Natalie! I do think the best results are achieved with professional ministrations too but then, I’m terrified about seeing a doctor. My last experience was a horrible one and I’m just too scared to give it another try I suppose 🙁
Haven’t try anything from REN yet. Too many products to try and there’s only one face! 😛
I find that most product that contains glycolic acid doesn’t smell very pleasant. Trying this T-Zone refining serum from Murad, and it doesn’t smell great either. And yes, it has glycolic acid in it. 😉
Sadly its a fact that we can’t try everything out there! Boohoo! Sometimes, I read about the wonderful products available and then when I look at my current skincare routine and realise that I’m happy with it, I do try to slot in a new item but its just so hard sometimes. And you never know how it’ll work! I am a little more adventurous with masks. At least you know they’ll only last X number of uses and then you can move on 😀
I’m new to chemical peel vagon. As an oily skinned gal I was (well still) into scrubs. I like their instant effect 🙂 But reading a lot of foreign blogs I expanded my horizon and changed my usual ways in most of things (especially love the hydrating tips). This mask of REN is seriously famous in UK blogosphere. So when this brand arrived to Turkey I bought this mask. I never saw that “instant” effect. I never saw a brightening effect either. I always used it according to its instructions. I think it was a little mild for me, now I’m using Caudalie’s Vinoperfect enzymatic peel mask. Now that one…… gives one hell of a radiance I assure you 🙂
Ooh I shall have to try the Caudalie mask when I’m done with this REN one then! REN is getting quite popular online I noticed too, but mostly from the UK blogs which I think is quite natural since its a UK brand. So tempting when people rave and wax lyrical about it and so disappointing when it doesn’t work right?
Has anyone tried Juice Beauty’s Green Apple Peel? I believe it works on the same basis. I love it, so even though it’s terribly pricey, I think it’s worth it. My skin really looks brighter after every use.
I haven’t tried that one Seline. It does sound like it works on a similar basis and its great to know that it works for you! 😀
Hi Paris,
Have u tried this brand- Alpha H Liquid Gold? ( I just got a bottle yesterday). It works about the same way too, but it’s not a mask, more of a leave in lotion on the skin. This product has got rare review, and price is also cheaper too. You can give it a try and see if it works for you. I’llbe using mine tonight! Hahaha ( one thing: Glad u got out of spore.. We are really suffocating here!)
Hi Anne, I actually have tried the Alpha-H Liquid Gold and I happen to be one of those who remains unconvinced by it 😛 I don’t know, I just can’t seem to derive any benefits from using it although I tried staying on it for a few weeks. Can’t figure out why. Hope it works for you! 🙂 And I’m glad the haze scare is over – it was bad for a few days here too!
Ive tried many glycol masks and peel from hi to low end, I always come back to Freeman Pineaplle Enzyme Mask which works like a charm!Ive sensitive acne prone skin, my skin just glows each time I wear this mask, the morning after.
Mmm… now that one is really affordable and if it works, boy! Is that some seriously savings on the wallet or what! I should go and take a look in the pharmacies – thanks for the heads up!
i keep expecting to be wowed by this too, but after a sample packet or two, I was still meh. Now i have more sample tubes to try, so i guess we’ll see! haha
Yay for sample tubes! 😉 I think the key to seeing results with this one is consistency. I don’t know how everyone out there is seeing OMG Instant Results! But I’m not 😛 So maybe you’d be like me 😉
I haven’t tried any peel mask but peeling treatments yes, for example Avène Diacneal or La Roche-Posay Effaclar K; I could say it’s the same but in longer time and stronger in the end.
REN isn’t available in Mexico and I think this product isn’t enough to make me have a lemming.
I think they all work the same or in a similar manner, except for the concentration of ingredients. I haven’t tried Avene but I have used LRP Effaclar K as a moisturiser when my skin is feeling bumpy and weird and it smooths it out quite prettily.
Yup I just tried this a week ago and expected a miraculous boost to my skin because of all the rave reviews I’ve read but I think what it does is a good job of clearing the skin out and making it smoother. My skin is quite sensitive so it felt pretty delicate right afterwards and the next day. I took care not to use any other skincare except for a light weight scentless moisturizer on both days. After that, my skin looked clear and bounced back to its usual self. A couple of days later, I felt my skin fully returned to its old self so one would need to use the peel mask again to achieve the same smoothness. I would def stick with this till it runs out. I agree on the smell – kinda like rotten fruit!
Haha rotten fruit! I didn’t think it was that bad, but it most certainly smells fermented doesn’t it? I do think you’re right that it needs constant and regular use. Once our nice clean skin is exposed to all the air and dirt and pollution, it goes out of whack again! Ah such is the life of a beauty junkie hehe…
Hey Paris, I know this is an old post but any comments on the product? Did you get around using it again?
Hi Swati, no I don’t use it anymore. I found that it goes off a little too quickly for my liking and because it’s so expensive, I rather use something else.