Latest news with #REN
The Independent
18 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
REN skincare is closing down – stock up on my tested favourites before it's too late
More than two decades before the 'clean girl aesthetic' started trending on TikTok, REN was founded in East London with a pared-back, clean approach to skincare. A pioneer in the sustainable beauty space, the brand brought natural ingredients and sensitive skin-friendly formulas to the forefront. Getting its brand name from the Swedish word for 'clean', Ren was created in 2000 when its founder's pregnant wife began experiencing sensitivity from her everyday beauty products. From its bestselling evercalm balm to the barrier support elixir, its roster of products favour bioactives that are kind to both the planet and your skin. It was among the first to eliminate parabens, synthetic fragrances, sulfates and petrochemicals from its formulas, inspiring all the green brands that followed suit. REN's efficacious formulas are not only great for sensitive skin and eczema, but also young skin. I was first introduced to REN as a teenager just getting into skincare, when my parents wrapped up one of the brand's gift sets for Christmas. Its formulas are still a staple of my beauty routine, from the glow-getting tonic to the brightening eye cream. The beauty industry is full of buzzwords and green washing, but REN is one of the few sustainable brands you can trust, with its formulation standards enduring for a quarter of a century. So, when REN announced its imminent closure last month, I was one of its many fans preparing to mourn its loss in the space. Unilever – which bought the brand in 2015 – said it took the 'difficult decision' after a consultation period, blaming 'a combination of internal factors, compounded by market challenges in recent years', Unilever said REN is 'unable to sustain success in the long term'. 'We are proud of the REN team for all they have accomplished during 25 years of business, putting 'clean' skin care on the agenda and creating positive change for both people and planet and thank them as they continue to support us through this closure,' Unilever said in the statement. No date has been set yet for its official closure, but the brand said it will cease trading in the last quarter of 2025. As it winds down, I'm supporting the brand one final time by stocking up on cult classics and new favourites (see its sensitive skin daily SPF), and suggest you do too. Here are the best products to buy from REN while you still can. This has been a staple in my skincare routine for as long as I can remember. The non-invasive facial exfoliator is formulated with smoothing AHA's (lactic avid) and pore refining BHA's (salicin) to brighten and even out your skin tone. It leaves a dewy, glowy finish, gliding effortlessly on with a cotton pad. I've never found a product that both exfoliates and tackles hyperpigmentation while also boosting radiance. I use it every morning to give my skin the best start to the day. It's a great choice for those who usually find exfoliators or BHA toners too harsh on their skin - just make sure to build up to daily use. Delivering radiant skin by morning, Ren's recovery balm has a thick, gel-like consistency, with the product transforming into a lightweight consistency after warming it up in your hands. It's ultra-nourishing (thank you lipids like olive, almond, linseed and jojoba), locking in moisture and strengthening the skin's barrier. My skin feels soft and super hydrated come morning, with redness soothed and the appearance of pores minimised. REN's brightening eye cream is a perfectly weighted formula that instantly nourishes the under-eye area thanks to hyaluronic acid and a skin-balancing duo of elderberry flower and glycogen. Though absorbing quickly, it leaves a subtle sheen that immediately brightens up the area, making it perfect for daily morning use. It also works as a stellar primer, so you can apply concealer straight away. I also just love the fuss-free pump applicator, which is far less messy than the tubs that most eye creams come in. This is a new launch from the brand, but already a firm favourite in my SPF rotation. It's non-greasy and absorbs into skin fast (my two non-negotiables when it comes to sunscreen), with a satin finish and no risk of a white cast residue. Suitable for sensitive and eczema-prone skin, the formula isn't fragranced and is non-comedogenic. Not only does it protect against UV rays, but it's formulated with an anti-pollution complex to tackle environmental aggressors and has niacinamide to protect against blue light damage from electronic devices. REN's gentle cleanser is suitable for sensitive, oily or combination skin. I double cleanse with it in the morning and find that it doesn't dry out skin like other gel-based cleansers, nor leave that feeling of tightness. The formula works to strip the skin of impurities and dirt without losing any moisture, thanks to a strengthening duo of beta-glucan and prebiotic extracts. The cleanser leaves your face feeling soft, supple and ready for the day. REN's barrier support elixir is a product deserving of its cult status. If you've got oily skin already, or don't like the greasy sheen facial oils can leave, then REN's formula is a must-try. It's super lightweight and packed with seven nourishing oils - including camellia and rosehip - to strengthen and soothe skin. It absorbs quickly, so don't fret about using it in the morning before SPF, though I prefer to apply it as the final step of my routine in the evening. It works to tackle redness, hydrate dry patches and restore radiance to skin.
Daily Mirror
6 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
What to stock up on from REN Clean Skincare as brand announces imminent closure
With the recent sad news that popular beauty brand REN Clean Skincare will soon cease trading, here are the best products we recommend buying while you still can Beauty fans were heartbroken when, a few weeks ago, much-loved skincare brand REN Clean Skincare announced that, after 25 years in business, it will soon cease trading, citing "internal factors" and "market challenges" as the reason why. This came as sad news to fans of the brand who loved its iconic products such as Ready Steady Glow Daily AHA Tonic, Redness Relief Serum and their luxurious bath oils. The official word from Unilever, the company that owns REN, is that "there is no fixed date for final closure, but [they] expect to cease trading by the end of Q3 2025". This means that you've potentially only got a few months before your skincare favourites from the brand are no longer available to buy, and if you're dreading the thought of being without them, you might want to stock up. Here's what we'll be adding to our baskets now, while we still can... Best REN Clean Skincare products REN Clean Skincare Radiance Brightening Dark Circle Eye Cream Was £49, now £37 from Lookfantastic This is our beauty editor Laura Mulley's all-time favourite eye cream – and she's tried plenty over the years. " It's incredibly creamy and nourishing, which my dry eyes need, but also doesn't make my already-puffy eyes look even puffier and, although it won't have a dramatic impact on dark circles, feels like it's active enough to be actually doing something, and gives an instant illumination to the eye area. For me, it's the perfect formula." For an alternative, try Origins GinZing Brightening Eye Cream with Caffeine and Ginseng, £24. Was £30, now £23.60 from Boots Perhaps REN's most famous product, this is the OG of liquid exfoliators, an effective yet gentle combination of lactic acid (one of the more hydrating ones) and salicylic acid (great for unclogging pores). Expect brighter, more even-toned skin, both instantly and over time, while we know someone who swears by this for keeping adult acne at buy (just remember that, despite its name, you might not need to use an acid exfoliator every day). Once it's gone for good, you might also like Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 6% Mandelic + 2% Lactic Acid AHA Liquid Exfoliant, currently from £10.40. REN Clean Skincare Evercalm Overnight Balm Was £46, now £36.80 from Boots The whole Evercalm range is excellent for sensitive or compromised skin and this treatment balm, while too thick for most to use as a daily face cream, is a brilliant store cupboard essential for using on sore noses, chapped skin or after procedures such as laser. It instantly soothes and calms stressed skin. We wouldn't recommend putting this over your whole face, but CeraVe Advanced Repair Ointment, currently £9.20, is a great standby for dry lips and small patches of skin. REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Youth Cream Was £54, now £43.20 from Boots If you can't – or don't want to – use retinol, this anti-ageing cream contains a plant-derived alternative, with testers reporting firmer and more supple skin after using this for 28 days. There's also an excellent serum in the range and, for dry skin, an oil (Medik8's Bakuchiol Peptides, £55, is similar).
CBS News
21-05-2025
- Health
- CBS News
FDA-approved Nerivio REN wearable device is a noninvasive, drug-free way to treat migraine headaches
Nerivio, an FDA approved and REN wearable device, is a drug free way to treat migraine headaches Nerivio, an FDA approved and REN wearable device, is a drug free way to treat migraine headaches Nerivio, an FDA approved and REN wearable device, is a drug free way to treat migraine headaches A device that is a noninvasive, drug-free way to treat and prevent migraine headaches is now FDA-approved for use in children. Millions of people suffer from migraine headaches that can be debilitating. Treatments range from drugs to botox injections. But for many, nothing works. Doctors said this device, Nerivio REN wearable, could change that. Alison Kerber said it's a device that's turned her life around, helping control her migraine headaches. "Dealing with chronic pain on a daily basis was really difficult, and I was often sidelined," she said. The Downingtown working mom said traditional migraine medications caused serious side effects, so she turned to the Nerivio REN wearable device that sticks to the skin. "It works by sending an electrical impulse via the nerve fibers in the upper arm up to the brain to get your brain to activate its own pain-relieving capabilities," said Dr. Heidi Kling-Newnam, a Penn Medicine nurse practitioner. Kling-Newnam, who works with migraine patients, said the stimulation tricks the brain into relieving migraine pain. "If you can mimic something that's like pain, that your body perceives as pain, even though this device isn't painful.... it can trigger the release of these natural chemicals that your body makes to relieve pain, almost like natural pain relievers," said Kling-Newnam. Kerber, who's been using the device for about a year, said she controls the level of stimulation from her phone. "I'm starting to feel the stimulation right now in my arm. I continue to increase that until it no longer feels comfortable," she said. "And then I dial it back just a little bit." The device is used for 45 minutes either as a treatment during a migraine or every other day to prevent them. "I think it's a really great drug-free, noninvasive option," said Kerber. Some insurance companies don't cover the prescription device that can cost about $90 a month. Kerber said for her, it's worth the price to be pain-free. Doctors said the device doesn't work for everyone, but there are no serious side effects. And it's often used in conjunction with other treatments.
Business Mayor
20-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Solana set for biggest protocol overhaul yet with ‘Alpenglow' upgrade
Solana is entering a whole new era with the launch of Alpenglow. Price always depends on whether the market buys the vision. Solana [SOL] has firmly secured its spot among the top L1s, thanks to its unique Proof-of-History architecture that's delivered on speed, throughput, and cost-efficiency. But things are about to level up. Behind the scenes, Solana's devs are pushing boundaries with protocol-level changes aimed at unlocking serious long-term value. The upcoming 'Alpenglow upgrade', with its shift to Votor and Rotor, is set to reduce network latency. Yet, long-term holder conviction in SOL remains razor-thin. Clearly, the market wants more than innovation; it wants results. The question now is: Can Solana turn this technical progress into sustained price action? Solana sets a new standard for decentralization Sure, Solana's Proof-of-History (PoH) mechanism has already set it apart from other L1 blockchains. But with the Alpenglow upgrade, PoH gets replaced by two new components – Votor and Rotor, which are all about making the network faster and more efficient. They slash finality times from over 12 seconds to about 150 milliseconds. Basically instant, matching the speed of centralized systems. Source: That's a big deal. Older consensus methods just couldn't keep up with centralized tech for real-time apps like gaming or finance. Alpenglow changes that, bringing Solana's speed into the same league. This could be the key to making decentralized networks actually practical for every day, real-world applications. In short, making Solana ' ready' for the next wave of blockchain use cases. Protocol advancements in a shaky market Solana developers are clearly playing the long game, engineering the protocol for long-term scalability and performance. Hence, giving Solana a clear technical edge over other L1s. Read More REN decouples from market – did the sharks play a role? Price-wise, however, SOL is still stuck where it was three months ago – no breakout, no real momentum. And whales seem to be losing patience. One major holder just moved over 186k SOL (worth $31 million) to Coinbase after 10 months of staking. Despite earning over 11k SOL in rewards, they're sitting on a $823k loss. This reveals a growing disconnect—solid fundamentals but sluggish price action. The downturn could be driven by macroeconomic uncertainty or lingering market caution around SOL's valuation. Either way, the technology is advancing faster than sentiment. Meanwhile, retail participation continues to rise, with wallets holding over 0.01 SOL reaching a record 11.16 million. Source: Glasssnode According to AMBCrypto, if the Alpenglow upgrade delivers, some of these small holders could become long-term investors, helping SOL finally get priced right.
Wales Online
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Jo Malone fragrance and £40 serum slashed to £5 in LookFantastic Father's Day set
Jo Malone fragrance and £40 serum slashed to £5 in LookFantastic Father's Day set The online beauty retailer's new curated grooming box for men is packed with nine products from the likes of Jo Malone, Elemis and REN - and it's worth a whopping £180 Shoppers can save around £135 on grooming essentials with the set (Image: LookFantastic ) With Father's Day fast approaching, Lookfantastic has rolled out a grooming edit that will save shoppers money on the ultimate gift, while looking like they've put in bags of effort to pull it off. Worth a hefty £180, the haul is priced at £45 and contains some seriously impressive products, if you ask our shopping writers. The Father's Day Edit is a curated bundle of nine pampering essentials - six of them full-size - from cult-favourite brands like Jo Malone, Elemis, Avène, and REN. It's a sleek mix of skincare, fragrance, and grooming goodies designed to elevate a man's self-care game without making it feel like a chore. The undeniable highlight of the box is Jo Malone's Cypress and Grapevine Intense Cologne. This 9ml deluxe size marks the brand's first appearance in a Lookfantastic box, and it's a strong debut. Worth £24, it's an earthy aromatic scent, with notes of vetiver and amber, leaving a 'long-lasting crisp woody aroma'. As part of the set, it works out at £5, which is a steal for a Jo Malone scent. READ MORE: 'Life-changing' hair growth kit is boosting confidence with 'stronger and healthier' locks READ MORE: Woman lost over six stone doing at-home workouts that only needed 'a wall' In terms of skincare, there's a generous spread ranging from REN's Marine Moisture Serum and Avène's Hydrance Aqua-Gel, both hydrating for the summer and great for soothing tired skin without feeling heavy or greasy. Add to that Elemis's Pro-Collagen Marine Cleanser, and you're pretty much set for a streamlined but effective face routine. There's even a full-size tub of Nip and Fab Glycolic Pads Extreme (think exfoliation made easy) and a Barber Pro Foaming Cleansing Mask to refresh your skin after a long day. A similar face mask from the same brand can also be found in the Men's Edit Beauty Box at Boots , which is £38 but worth over £118. However, this is last year's Father's Day box from the retailer, so we're hoping to see them launch a fresh set in the coming weeks. Alternatively, Next also has The Well Groomed Essentials Box for a more affordable £20. It's worth over £77 and contains names like Emma Hardie, Dr Paw Paw, This Works and Percy Nobleman. But if you want to know the full contents of the LookFantastic edit, find them here: Inside the LookFantastic Grooming Edit for Father's Day (Image: LookFantastic ) REN Clean Skincare Everhydrate Marine Moisture Serum 30ml (Full-Size) - Worth £40 Avène Hydrance Aqua-Gel Hydrating Cream 50ml (Full-Size) - Worth Over £25 Ameliorate Transforming Body Lotion 200ml (Full-Size) - Worth £24 Jo Malone Cypress and Grapevine Intense Cologne 9ml (Deluxe-Size) - Worth £24 Nip and Fab Glycolic Pads Extreme 50 (Full-Size) - Worth Over £18 American Crew Boost Powder 10g (Full-Size) - Worth Over £18 Elemis Pro-Collagen Energising Marine Cleanser 30ml (Deluxe-Size) - Worth £13 This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray 10ml (Deluxe-Size) - Worth £10 Barber Pro Foaming Cleansing Mask (Full-Size) - Worth £6 The box offers some great variety, however, some people may not like every single item in the edit, so that's always worth weighing up. Plus, the Jo Malone inclusion, though lovely, is only a 9ml, so hardly enough to last long if it becomes a favourite. If fragrance is your main aim, the Jo Malone London Men's Cologne Collection at LookFantastic could be a shout. It's more expensive at £102, but contains five signature, luxury colognes totalling 45ml. Elsewhere Boots has turned its attention to fitness fans with the launch of its brand-new Fuel & Recover Sports Box . This all-in-one bundle is designed for gym-goers, runners and anyone looking to dip their toe into the often overwhelming world of sports nutrition. The box includes 21 full-sized products from industry heavyweights like MyProtein, Optimum Nutrition, Huel, and Grenade, spanning protein powders, energy shots, hydration aids, protein bars, supplements, and even gym socks and recovery tools. Article continues below That said, Lookfantastic's Father's Day Edit is set to be a crowd-pleaser. Saving more than £135, shoppers can buy it here for £45.
