REN: Bio Retinoid Anti-Aging Concentrate Review

As I searched for retinol products on the market, two products caught my eye. The first was Peter Thomas Roth's Retinol Fusion AM/PM. The second was REN's Bio Retinoid Anti-Aging Concentrate. At the time, it was still new on the market so there were little to no reviews about it. I liked what it promised though - all the benefits of retinol without the aftereffects of redness and peeling skin.

What it is:
A complex of naturally derived ingredients that combat the appearance of wrinkles and imperfections for visibly younger skin.

What it is formulated to do:
This synergistic complex of pure, potent, 100 percent naturally derived vitamin A, pro-vitamin A, and retinoid analogue combat the appearance of wrinkles, imperfections, and age spots. The complexion appears brighter, toned, and healthy without the effects of synthetic retinol.
What it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Sulfates
- Phthalates

What else you need to know:
This formula is for all skin types, including sensitive skin and especially prematurely aging skin. For optimal results, follow with your favorite moisturizer.

Research results:
In an in vitro test carried out on bio retinoid actives:
- Reduces wrinkle depth by increasing collagen type 1 by 24%
- Reduces hyperpigmentation by decreasing tyrosinase enzymes by 80% and melanin production by 50%
- Decreases inflammatory cytokine (redness) by 40%
- Reduces prostaglandins receptors (redness) by 26%
- Increases superoxide dismutase (a natural skin antioxidant) by 189% 

REN's Bio Retinoid Anti-Aging Concentrate comes in a clear plastic bottle with a dropper top. As with all dropper tops, I have no problem with the way it dispenses the product, but I dislike it repeatedly exposing the product to the air.

The concentrate is yellow and oily. Sometimes it looks like the product separates and sediments settle on the bottom of the bottle. I fix this by gently rolling the bottle to reincorporate the mixture. Though it claims not to contain any parabens, the oil has a nice pleasant scent to it. It is subtle.

The oil is easy to apply and takes a minute or two to completely settle into the skin. Like it promises, it keeps my skin smooth and blemish free without the effects of redness and peeling. It is also not drying. I did not use a moisturizer on top of the concentrate because I felt that the concentrate alone was moisturizing enough. I only used this at night.

Perhaps it's due to the lack of traditional aftereffects like redness and peeling, but I can't tell if REN's Bio Retinoid Anti-Aging Concentrate is better or worse than Peter Thomas Roth's Retinol Fusion AM/PM. With REN, I never had any dryness, redness, peeling, or purging. Those are all things that I normally associate with retinol working. All I know for sure is that REN's retinoid didn't make my skin any worse.

Overall, I personally feel that PTR's items are stronger and more effective.

All photos (c) Little Luxuries 2013.