REN Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic

Entering the very trendy space of acid toners, REN recently launched the Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, which provides yet another option to transform dull to radiant without any downtime. Having completed a solid trial run of the tarte knockout, and with Glossier’s Solution on the way, I committed the past three weeks exclusively to pursue REN newness. As a fan of resurfacing potions, I admittedly enjoyed every application. My thoughts below!

Bio Extracts = very important

What is it?

Combining AHA (Lactic Acid) and BHA (Willow Bark Extract) with Azelaic Acid, the REN Tonic aims to improve uneven skin tone and rough texture while it combats congestion, enlarged pores, dryness and fine lines. That’s A LOT of work for a liquid that gets sandwiched between a cleanser and a moisturizer. The good news: it’s all doable since the product’s pH hovers between 3.5 and 4.5 to deliver maximum benefits sans irritation.

What you’ll need: cotton pads/rounds.

How to:

Unlike ‘essence’ type formulas, exfoliating toners require a cotton pad for proper application. Saturate one or two pieces (you can’t go wrong with these guys) and swipe across cleansed skin, concentrating on trouble areas (mine is the dreaded T-zone, ugh). If you splash it on your hand and press it into face, it will feel sticky and tacky. So… don’t do that.

Look, Ma! No hands!

All the feels…

When the conversation turns to acid toners, two common concerns always seem to be: does it sting and does it stink? Enter REN. Not only does it not tingle (ok, just a tiny bit and only for a few seconds if you (men) use apply it immediately after shaving), it smells of citrus, courtesy of the Mandarin, Orange, Grapefruit, and Tangerine Oils with just a touch of added fragrance. And, kudos for the press down lid, which is great for a hands free application.

P.S. I leave the Rescue Mask on overnight. It’s AMAH-ZEEEING.
Current REN faves feat. Perfect Canvas – an insane silicone free serum/primer that you need.

Real talk.

Let’s talk results. In a word: glowing. Both the texture and tone of my skin improved significantly. So much so, that within days into my new RENventure, a few friends wanted to know what I was using. Clearer, brighter and definitely more smooth, my often ruddy and fatigued complexion has reached a whole new level of fresh. If your skin responds well to Lactic Acid, absolutely give this AHA Tonic a try. If you’re familiar with the Glow Tonic from Pixi, this one is hands down more effective and sophisticated.

While I loved every swipe, the reduction in my admittedly pronounced pores wasn’t as dramatic as I’d hoped for. I think I probably prefer the tarte knockout tingling treatment that features Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide, both of which resulted in notably refined appearance.

$35 (250ml) – available at renskincare.com and sephora.com

REN so clean!

*press sample

7 Comments

  1. February 6, 2018 / 9:12 am

    Woo-hoo! I have a bottle on the way to me and can’t wait to have a go. Glad to know it’s got a glowing review 🙂

  2. Esther
    February 6, 2018 / 10:38 am

    I have a bottle unopened and can’t wait to crack into it!

    • omgbart
      Author
      February 6, 2018 / 11:13 am

      Hope you love it! Keep me posted!

  3. Tubsy
    April 18, 2018 / 8:30 am

    I was just buying a Pixi Glow Tonic (my 5th bottle) and decided to check if you have any alternative suggestions. Glad I read your post! I’ll definitely check out the Perfect Canvas as well.

    • omgbart
      Author
      April 18, 2018 / 5:26 pm

      I used to really like the Pixi Glow Tonic but once I dipped my cotton pad in P50, I got curious and explored more mainstream acid toners. Check out my post on the tarte knockout exfoliating tingling treatment as well – that’s a good one, too! x

      • Mary
        May 15, 2018 / 11:26 pm

        HI Bart,

        How does this compare to the P50?

        Thanks!

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