REN Clean Skincare Clarimatte Balancing Gel Cream

REN Clean Skincare Clarimatte Balancing Gel Cream
2.9
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.3 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.6 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does REN Clean Skincare Clarimatte Balancing Gel Cream work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using REN Clean Skincare Clarimatte Balancing Gel Cream:

  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.9 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Basic moisturizer for oily skin

According to CreamScan analysis, REN Clean Skincare Clarimatte Balancing Gel Cream is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.9 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.6 out of 10 and a moderate humectancy of 5.3 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈5.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

Since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, it can also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that REN Clean Skincare Clarimatte Balancing Gel Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Hydroxyacetophenone (est. ≈1.3%), Oryzanol (est. ≈1.0%), Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
70
7.5
5
3
2.5
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Lauryl Laurate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Tapioca Starch
Function:
Origin:
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Oryzanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Glucoside
Function:
Origin:
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Pueraria Lobata Symbiosome Extract
Function:
Origin:
Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cassia Alata Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glucose
Function:
Origin:
Crataegus Oxyacantha Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Callitris Intratropica Wood Oil
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lactobacillus
Function:
Origin:
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Lactoperoxidase
Function:
Origin:
Glucose Oxidase
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hydroxide
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Linalool
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.3
5
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.3 10
5.3
5
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
2.9
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
5
0.3
All humectants 5.3 10
5.3
All humectants
5.3
5
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 1.2 20
0.6
All occlusives
1.2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 4.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
4.1
Hydroxyacetophenone
1.3
Oryzanol
1
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Pueraria Lobata Symbiosome Extract
0.3
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract
0.3
Lactobacillus
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.7 5 No
All soothing
2.7
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %70
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate
Est. %7.5
Function
Origin
Cetearyl EthylhexanoateAn emollient ester that is derived from palm and palm kernel oil and is known for its velvety soft skin feel and excellent spreading properties.
Glycerin
Est. %5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Lauryl Laurate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Lauryl LaurateLauryl laurate is an ester of lauryl alcohol and lauric acid. It is used in skincare products as an emollient and also helps to stabilize the emulsions in creams and lotions (which makes them a bit more opaque).
Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Tapioca Starch
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Tapioca StarchTapioca starch is used to absorb excess oil and provide slip for dry powder formulations.
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark ExtractAn extract obtained from black willow bark. It contains astringent tannins and salicin (which is converted to salicylic acid). Salicin has similar anti-inflammatory activity to aspirin.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Oryzanol
Est. %1
Function
Origin
OryzanolIsolated from rice bran oil, it is an antioxidant mixture of various bioactive compounds, mainly esters of ferulic acid along with different sterols.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Amorphophallus Konjac Root Powder
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Cetearyl Glucoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl GlucosideAn emulsifier that creates stable mixtures of oil in water that feel soft and spread easily. Cetearyl glucoside is sold with cetearyl alcohol as an emulsifier blend and also provides some body to the formula.
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed OilDerived from cranberry seeds, this rich-in-antioxidants oil contains a combination of emollient and occlusive moisturizing omega-3,-6, and -9 fatty acids.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) OilAn essential oil derived from common, or true, lavender. It is used in skincare for its lovely, calming scent. Like all essential oils, however, it may cause a contact skin allergy in more sensitive individuals.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil

An essential oil expressed from the peels of the bergamot orange. The scent of bergamot oil is woodier than those of other citrus essential oils. This essential oil is still not recommended if you are sensitive to citrus fruits.

Pueraria Lobata Symbiosome Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pueraria Lobata Symbiosome Extract
Laminaria Ochroleuca Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Laminaria Ochroleuca ExtractDerived from a species of edible brown seaweed known as golden kelp, this extract contains many different moisturizing and gel-forming polysaccharides, antioxidant compounds, and minerals.
Cassia Alata Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cassia Alata Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from the leaves of the candle bush that contains powerful antifungal phytochemicals called anthraquinones. It is aimed at problematic and acne-prone skin.
Glucose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GlucoseA simple sugar that is also one of two components of sucrose, or table sugar. It is used as a humectant in skincare products. Glucose is also used to flavor lip care cosmetics because of its mildly sweet taste.
Crataegus Oxyacantha Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Crataegus Oxyacantha Stem Extract
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Callitris Intratropica Wood Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Callitris Intratropica Wood Oil
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) ExtractAn extract from lavender flowers that mostly contains lavender essential oil. It also offers many beneficial antioxidant and astringent phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids.
Lactobacillus
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LactobacillusA genus of probiotic bacteria. Lactobacillus bacteria are part of the human microflora and their ferment products contain antioxidants.
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed OilA fatty oil expressed from sunflower seeds and one of the most commonly used oils in skincare. It has great emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Sunflower oil is one of the richest sources of vitamin E – an important skin antioxidant.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf ExtractA soothing and astringent extract derived from the fragrant, spicy leaves of rosemary. It has strong antioxidant properties. Rosemary extract can reduce signs of inflammation and also acts as an emollient and antimicrobial agent.
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Fruit ExtractSimilar to coconut milk or water, this fragrant extract has a sweet, coconut scent and contains a beneficial mixture of sugars, fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. It is used as an emollient ingredient in skincare due to its content of lipids and fatty acids.
Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Lactoperoxidase
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LactoperoxidaseLactoperoxidase is an enzyme that is present in our saliva and the milk of all mammals. For use in the cosmetic industry, the enzyme is isolated from cow’s milk and used as a preservative in combination with other ingredients.
Glucose Oxidase
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glucose OxidaseA synthetic version of a naturally occurring enzyme that protects skin from harmful light.
Sodium Hydroxide
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hydroxide

An ingredient that is able to bring the pH of a product up, thereby making it less harsh on the skin.

Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LinaloolA fragrant, volatile compound naturally present in many essential oils. It has a pleasant scent and is often used in skincare products as a fragrance. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.