REN Clay Cleanser
REN Clay Cleanser

The REN ClearCalm 3 Clarifying Clay Cleanser is a gentle cleanser designed for blemish prone, sensitive skin. The product is formulated without the use of sulfates (detergents), parabens (petrochemicals), synthetic dyes or scents. Just because a product is “natural” however, it doesn’t mean that it is gentle
(though the claims happen to be true in this case).

The product contains salicilin, an anti-inflammatory agent derived from the willow tree bark, which is converted to salicylic acid. The salicylic acid helps to combat inflammation and calm blemish prone skin. The clay texture helps to act as a very gentle exfoliant, though the acidic nature of the salicilin is also aiding the exfoliating properties of the cleanser. The product comes in a standard, clear plastic bottle, but upon closer inspection you’ll notice that the actual cleanser is encased in an airtight bag, attached directly to the pump.

I have extremely sensitive, oily, and blemish prone skin. I’m always hesitant to try new products as my skin can be rather temperamental. I’m especially hesitant to try any product geared toward “blemish-prone” skin as they tend to burn my skin rather than heal it.

The clay cleanser is rather thick in texture, so I would not recommend using it with a Clarisonic.

I especially enjoy that it does not form a lather, but glides over the skin easily. The instructions suggest using 1 pump, but I find ½ a pump sufficient (this is helpful considering the hefty cost). The product rinses off nicely, without any residue, leaving me with a very soft and clean (not at all tight) feeling. Side note: though the cleanser rinses clean, it leaves a slight film/residue over the lips. I just smack my lips together when rinsing to avoid this).

I usually use this as my night cleanser followed by the Avène Gentle Gel Cleaner in the morning.

Price: 32.00 USD

Availability/Store: Sephora (online and in store), Nordstrom

Scent: Unscented, but contains natural clay/earthy scent

Color/Texture: creamy color and thick (mud like) and emollient texture

Size: 5.1 Oz.

Shelf Life: 9 Months

The Verdict: Overall, I would definitely recommend this product. At 32 U.S. dollars it is definitely an investment, but one I can justify (in my mind, though maybe not always in my pocket).