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Shoppers are 'obsessed' with this Ren anti-aging serum — here's my honest review

I've noticed a major change in my skin when this serum is consistently in my routine (Photo via Krista Thurrott)
I've noticed a major change in my skin when this serum is consistently in my routine (Photo via Krista Thurrott)

It might just be me but I find as winter drags on, I find myself focusing more on my skin. Whether it's fighting the cold-weather dry skin or trying to create a faux-glow despite a lack of vitamin D, I always become hyper focused on maintaining skin health.

And while I'm not worried about aging per se, I do want to age gracefully — and so I'm always on the hunt for products that will help me on this personal mission. A vitamin C and retinol enthusiast, I've never really experienced any major skin issues so these two ingredients are heavy hitters in my skincare routine no matter how often I change up my products.

I recently decided to switch up my retinol game and was impressed with the almost immediate results. If you're looking to reduce fine lines, dullness and texture in your skin, look no further than the REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum.

REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum

REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum (Photo via Sephora)
REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum (Photo via Sephora)

$97 at Sephora

The details

Great for all skin types, the REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum targets fine lines, wrinkles, dullness and uneven texture to give you a youthful result in just seven days. Incredibly lightweight, this serum uses a plant-derived retinol alternative to combat signs of aging skin. Niacinamide and ceramides strengthen the skin barrier, improve hydration, reduce irritation and visibly brighten your skin tone.

Vegan, cruelty-free and gluten-free, this youth serum has Sephora's Clean + Planet Positive seal of approval meaning you can enjoy the benefits guilt free.

With its combination of clinical-grade ingredients, the REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum improves rough skin texture, boosting elasticity and firmness for those looking for anti-aging skincare. Balancing skin tone, this serum is suitable for sensitive skin as it uses a retinol alternative.

First impressions

As a former content manager for two beauty brands, I consider myself a bit of a skincare experimentalist. While I've never had major skin issues, I've definitely put my skin through the ringer when it comes to trialling new products. At one point I was obsessed with a seven-step nighttime skincare routine and I'd admit I even introduced retinol into my routine without the appropriate research and care.

I'm proud to say I've definitely started taking my skincare routine a bit more seriously — and I've drastically cut down my nighttime routine to include only three steps. As a seasoned skincare veteran, I still love to try new products but find myself reaching for certain items in my cupboard more often than others. One of those products is the REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum.

Sensitive skin friendly, I was initially skeptical about how this serum would perform when compared to my other, much stronger retinol products. Despite being a plant-based retinol alternative, this product feels incredibly gentle on the skin and delivers stunning results.

The first night I applied this, I simply washed my face and gently massaged the serum into my skin. It was lightweight and incredibly fast absorbing. Literally after the first use I noticed my skin looked brighter and healthier than it has in weeks. My usual redness around my nose and chin area was significantly reduced and my skin felt more plump and firm.

While it has been a particularly busy season of life, I've noticed a major change in my skin when this serum is consistently in my routine. My slightly textured cheeks are soft and smooth, making makeup application a dream. I can't say I'll never use a traditional retinol again, but I think this product is a nice change in the routine, giving my skin a break from the harsh retinols I've used in the past. I think it's smart to change up your routine every once in a while and I think this will be a product I keep on hand to give my skin a break without compromising how it looks: healthy, firm, even and glowing.

Despite being a plant-based retinol alternative, this product feels incredibly gentle on the skin and delivers stunning results (Photo via Krista Thurrott)
Despite being a plant-based retinol alternative, this product feels incredibly gentle on the skin and delivers stunning results (Photo via Krista Thurrott)

$97 at Sephora

'I am obsessed with this serum'

With a 4.6 star rating on Sephora, the REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum is a favourite for its anti-aging benefits and skin radiance effects.

"Woah, woah, woah. The stubborn wrinkle in between my eyes is gone. After one week only of this serum, it's gone... it unequivocally works!" raved one shopper.

"I swear I've never gotten compliments on my skin until recently... the REN serum takes the overall win for wrinkles and radiance — but it's not too much and not dewy at all."

"I am obsessed with this serum! I incorporated it into my skincare regimen because I thought I needed to start using anti-aging products, and this has been a godsend," added another.

"Smoothing, refining, gentle on my sensitive skin and gives me a nice glow in the morning when I wake up. Highly, highly recommend!"

REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum (Photo via Sephora)
REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum (Photo via Sephora)

$97 at Sephora

'Brighter, smoother skin that just looks better'

While customers notice a major difference in the texture of their skin and the reduction of fine lines, they do mention this serum has a slight fruity fragrance that shoppers should be aware of.

"I wasn't always good about wearing sunscreen or taking care of my skin when I was younger, so I'm trying my hardest to do what I can now... I've been very pleased so far with the Youth Serum. The formula is extremely gentle and the light scent (reminiscent of peaches) is very pleasant. I've been using it for a few weeks now and I've definitely noticed brighter, smoother skin that just looks overall 'better,'" said one reviewer.

"My skin feels firmer and my fine lines appear a little finer than before. I really love that this serum is lightweight and non-greasy feeling too! I can't wait to see how my face will look after the bottle is gone."

"This is the first retinol product I've ever used that didn't irritate my skin. I have noticed that my acne scars have gotten lighter. They haven't completely disappeared but they look way better than before," shared another.

The verdict

If you're in the market for an anti-aging serum that is easy to use and gentle on skin, the REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Serum will be perfect for you. With a light, fruity scent, this serum feels luxurious on the skin, absorbs quickly and gives youthful results despite being a retinol alternative.

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