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!

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.

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.

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.

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

*press sample