Most of the reviews I post here tend to be positive. When I find something good I want to share it, but if something doesn’t work too well for me (or if I have a bad reaction to it) I often assume that different people might not react in the same way. However, the same would apply to products I like – they might not be great for everyone. I am keeping this in mind as I review this cleanser and moisturizer from Ren (that has been great) as I have heard a few stories where it is not suitable for some people.
I decided to try both the Ren hydra-calming cleanser and day cream after a recommendation from a mecca cosmetica store assistant. I basically described my skin and he had two product lines he recommended, Ren being one of them. He said that this particular ‘hyrda-calm’ product was the best for me given it calms irritation and redness and can help with occasional acne breakouts. Calendula was referred to as one of the ingredients that achieve this but it also contains omega essential oils that are good for eczema. On the other hand some people are sensitive to calendula so if you’ve had a bad reaction to it in the past you should avoid this cream.
I was wanting to try it as I had finished off my current cleanser and was looking for something new and the whole Ren selling point is that it is free from synthetic ingredients that are linked to skin irritation (e.g. parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals etc). Curious, I took them home and started to use them.
First off the pump dispenser is fabulous, both for keeping the product away from contaminants and for using the right amount. I find one pump of the cleanser is enough and two of the cream. I think if your skin is not too dry one pump of the cream would be enough. The cleanser is creamy and has a pleasant texture. To get the most out of it you should warm it up between your hands first and then massage it gently into the skin. I like to leave a cleanser on for a few moments to work into the skin. It did not dry out my skin and it did effectively remove excess oil and dirt leaving my skin feeling clean and soft.
The moisturizer is similarly creamy and easy to blend into skin. It was not too greasy for my skin although this has been mentioned by others. I do have combination skin which can get a little oily and I do notice that it still gets oily when using this but I prefer that to having tight and uncomfortable dry skin. From that perspective I would say that the day cream is probably best suited to those with dry skin only rather than a tendency for oily skin, even if just on the t-zone. To be fair however it is called ‘hydra’ calm and is designed to provide moisture over balancing sebum levels.
After my first use the effect was almost instantaneous – my skin felt really calm and soothed and looked it too. Redness seemed diminished and the comforting feeling was fantastic. I’ve been using it for a good 3-4 weeks now and I would say that it hasn’t gotten worse in its ability to sooth the skin, but it also hasn’t gotten better either. I half part expected that continued use would improve my skin tone and sensitivity overall, but that is a pretty high ask so I am not complaining too much. The fact that it is sensitive-skin safe for me is pretty impressive to begin with, and I do love the calming effect of using it.
My one major gripe with this stuff is the price! It is way too expensive for a basic sensitive skin cleanser/cream. I’m sure a lot of care went into the formulation of the product but I don’t think it justifies the exorbitant price. As always however, in Australia things cost a lot more. If you can buy this overseas for a better price then this point wont apply.
That said, the cleanser is one of the best I’ve tried for sensitive skin. I’m not 100% happy with the day cream because I don’t think it is perfect for my combination skin even though it is great for sensitive skin and calming irritation, but the cleanser is very, very good. If you have sensitive skin and a chance to try this out I think you’ll be pleased.
Overall a big thumbs up, especially if you have very dry skin as well as sensitivity – I think this would be a perfect product for you.

In store the hydra-calm cream retails for around $80 but you can find most Ren products on Amazon at prices around $30 cheaper.

P.s. I believe ren means ‘pure’ in Swedish. 

Related posts:

1. Kiehl’s: Centella skin-calming facial cleanser
2. Bioderma: atoderm ultra rich foaming gel
3. Kiehl’s: centella skin recovery salve
4. Omveda: Silver Day Cream
5. Clarins: Gentle Foaming Cleanser with Shea Butter