The Philosophy
Ren is focused on 3 key concepts: Performance, Purity, and Pleasure. Their focus on performance really explains their level of innovation, from airless pump packaging to ingredients, Ren really push the boundaries of skincare inventions. As for Purity, they are firm advocates for 100% plant and mineral derivatives. Pleasure comes from their sensory experience, where they carefully formulate textures and fragrances to ensure the customer enjoys their Ren products.
The Product
The Flash Rinse Facial is part of their Flash range. This range is targeted at skin damaged by pollutants, leaving a duller, muddy complexion. Perfect if you live in the city or work in the city! The product claims to rejuvenate the skin and transform it from fatigued, photo-aged skin to a firm, toned, brightened complexion. (Side note: I didn't know photoaging and UV damage were the same thing…the more you know.) It does this in a minute with their 'potent water-activated vitamin C'. Sounds so cool!
The Application
Before water
I didn't know what to expect when this came out of the tube. It was gritty, green, and watery. The weirdest mask texture ever. I massaged a pea sized amount onto my freshly cleansed skin (patted dry). It felt gritty but not uncomfortable. The watery texture gave it some slip, it didn't feel like I was dry scrubbing my whole face. The instructions say to massage down the neck. Good on ya Ren. The face ends at your decolletage, no neglecting please.
After water
After that, I splashed some water on my fingers and proceeded to massage again. The gritty texture turned into this smooth serum-like wash. Fast forward a minute - it was easy to wash off and was far from messy.
The Result
As a dry skin gal, I notice immediately if something is instantly hydrating and plumping. This was such a beauty. There was no residue left from the product. I loved that my skin looked smoother and noticed some of the finer lines around my eyes had faded. After a long day in the city, this was just what I needed to bring radiance back into my skin. I also felt slightly tight, but in a good way… Almost like my products will absorb deeper because the facial got rid of all the gunk on top of my skin.
The Rundown
Water-activated Vitamin C. Who even thinks of that? Ren, obviously. I was really struck by the ingredients list. It was so short!
Coconut Alkanes, Ascorbic Acid, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Silica, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Mannitol, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Flower Oil, Faex (Yeast) Extract, Copper PCA, Boswellia Carterii Oil, Boswellia Serrata Extract, Glycogen, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Limonene
Notice how the first ingredient is Coconut Alkane. That's a great indicator of the company knowing how to store ingredients. Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) in the presence of water will degrade fast! Any product with the first ingredient as water claiming to have active Vitamin C, is a dud. I think that the Ascorbic acid was encapsulated in either the sugar (Mannitol) or in one of the coconut oil derived ingredients (indicated by 'coco'). I think they really stuck to their values on Purity and Pleasure, as the cleansing ingredients were derived from coconuts and the smell was divine.
This is a great way of delivering Vitamin C as it can remain stable-ish in the tube, assuming you don't lose the lid. As a quick boost of Vitamin C, this product is great. The effects of VC on UV damage are probably what you'll see most. In terms of collagen formation and skin lightening, you'll see more of an effect if you use it long term.
In relation to my skin prep 101 post, this product is perfect for revitalising a client's tired skin or your skin after a long day in the city. It's fast, effective, and not too messy.