IMAGE skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum Versus REN Clean Skincare Glow and Protect Serum
Updated on March 22, 2024
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free serums. They have a total of 8 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain hyaluronic acid and Vitamin C
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for dry skin, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain common allergens, fragrances and oils
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
IMAGE skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum 79 ingredients
REN Clean Skincare Glow and Protect Serum 34 ingredients
What's inside (and what isn't)
What's inside (and what isn't)
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
IMAGE skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum 79 ingredients
REN Clean Skincare Glow and Protect Serum 34 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil
Masking
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Masking
Limonene
Perfuming
C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialCetearyl Olivate
Sorbitan Olivate
Emulsifying
Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract
Skin ConditioningMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer
EmollientTetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Glyceryl Stearate
Emollient
PEG-100 Stearate
Cetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Dimethicone
Emollient
Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate
Emollient
Stearic Acid
Cleansing
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate
UV Absorber
Panthenol
Skin Conditioning
Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCaprylyl Glycol
EmollientButylene Glycol
Humectant
Tocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Glycine Soja Sterols
Emollient
Linoleic Acid
Cleansing
Phospholipids
Skin Conditioning
Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil
Emollient
Squalene
Emollient
Propylene Glycol
Humectant
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningGlucosamine Hcl
Hexylene Glycol
EmulsifyingLinoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate
PEG-8
HumectantPisum Sativum Extract
Skin ConditioningCitrus Nobilis Peel Oil
Masking
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
HumectantStearyl Glycyrrhetinate
Skin ConditioningBambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract
HumectantTocopherol
Antioxidant
Magnesium Aluminum Silicate
AbsorbentOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Disodium EDTA
Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil
Masking
Yeast Polysaccharides
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Glyceryl Polymethacrylate
Carbomer
Emulsion StabilisingEugenol
Perfuming
Ascorbyl Palmitate
Antioxidant
Citric Acid
Buffering
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Ascorbic Acid
Antioxidant
Sodium Lactate
BufferingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Emulsion StabilisingSpiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract
Skin ConditioningTaurine
BufferingCorallina Officinalis Extract
Skin Conditioning
Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract
Antimicrobial
Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Skin Conditioning
Centella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
BHT
Antioxidant
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Humectant
Darutoside
Skin ConditioningPalmitoyl Pentapeptide-4
Skin Conditioning
Arginine
Masking
Leucine
Skin ConditioningLysine
Skin ConditioningSodium Benzoate
Masking
Valine
MaskingPalmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Skin Conditioning
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Water, Glycerin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Limonene, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, PPG-12/Smdi Copolymer, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetyl Alcohol, Dimethicone, Di-PPG-2 Myreth-10 Adipate, Stearic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate, Panthenol, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil, Xanthan Gum, Caprylyl Glycol, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Glycine Soja Sterols, Linoleic Acid, Phospholipids, Simmondsia Chinensis Seed Oil, Squalene, Propylene Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glucosamine Hcl, Hexylene Glycol, Linoleamidopropyl Pg-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate, PEG-8, Pisum Sativum Extract, Citrus Nobilis Peel Oil, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Stearyl Glycyrrhetinate, Bambusa Vulgaris Leaf/Stem Extract, Tocopherol, Magnesium Aluminum Silicate, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Disodium EDTA, Eugenia Caryophyllus Leaf Oil, Yeast Polysaccharides, Sodium Hyaluronate, Glyceryl Polymethacrylate, Carbomer, Eugenol, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Citric Acid, Benzoic Acid, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Ascorbic Acid, Sodium Lactate, Polysorbate 20, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Spiraea Ulmaria Flower Extract, Taurine, Corallina Officinalis Extract, Vitis Vinifera Seed Extract, Centella Asiatica Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Potassium Sorbate, BHT, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Darutoside, Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4, Arginine, Leucine, Lysine, Sodium Benzoate, Valine, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1
Water
Skin ConditioningGlycerin
Humectant
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Emollient
Propanediol
Solvent
Diisooctyl Succinate
EmollientSqualane
Emollient
Sucrose Polystearate
EmollientPunica Granatum Seed Oil
Emollient
Cetearyl Alcohol
Emollient
Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate
Antioxidant
Rosa Canina Fruit Oil
Emollient
Benzyl Alcohol
Perfuming
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Skin ConditioningXanthan Gum
EmulsifyingGlycogen
HumectantSodium Dehydroacetate
Preservative
Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein
Skin ConditioningSodium Hyaluronate
Humectant
Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate
CleansingHippophae Rhamnoides Oil
Emollient
Citric Acid
Buffering
Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables
Skin Conditioning
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Dehydroacetic Acid
Preservative
Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract
Antioxidant
Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract
AntimicrobialParfum
Masking
Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract
RefreshingLinalool
Perfuming
Limonene
Perfuming
Geraniol
Perfuming
Benzoic Acid
Masking
Sodium Hydroxide
BufferingWater, Glycerin, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Propanediol, Diisooctyl Succinate, Squalane, Sucrose Polystearate, Punica Granatum Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Rosa Canina Fruit Oil, Benzyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract, Xanthan Gum, Glycogen, Sodium Dehydroacetate, Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Citric Acid, Olea Europaea Oil Unsaponifiables, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dehydroacetic Acid, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis Leaf Extract, Parfum, Citrus Aurantium Amara Flower Extract, Linalool, Limonene, Geraniol, Benzoic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterGlycerin is already naturally found in your skin. It helps moisturize and protect your skin.
A study from 2016 found glycerin to be more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
As a humectant, it helps the skin stay hydrated by pulling moisture to your skin. The low molecular weight of glycerin allows it to pull moisture into the deeper layers of your skin.
Hydrated skin improves your skin barrier; Your skin barrier helps protect against irritants and bacteria.
Glycerin has also been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. Due to these properties, glycerin is often used in wound and burn treatments.
In cosmetics, glycerin is usually derived from plants such as soybean or palm. However, it can also be sourced from animals, such as tallow or animal fat.
This ingredient is organic, colorless, odorless, and non-toxic.
Glycerin is the name for this ingredient in American English. British English uses Glycerol/Glycerine.
Learn more about GlycerinLimonene is a fragrance that adds scent and taste to a formulation.
It's found in the peel oil of citrus fruits and other plants such as lavender and eucalyptus. The scent of limonene is generally described as "sweet citrus".
Limonene acts as an antioxidant, meaning it helps neutralize free radicals.
When exposed to air, oxidized limonene may sensitize the skin. Because of this, limonene is often avoided by people with sensitive skin.
The term 'fragrance' is not regulated in many countries. In many cases, it is up to the brand to define this term. For instance, many brands choose to label themselves as "fragrance-free" because they are not using synthetic fragrances. However, their products may still contain ingredients such as essential oils that are considered a fragrance.
Learn more about LimoneneMagnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (MAP) is a form of Vitamin C and is an antioxidant. It can help to reduce redness, improve skin texture, reduce the effects of aging, reduce the visibility of dark spots, and brighten skin.
MAP is created by combining ascorbic acid with magnesium salt. While MAP more gentle on the skin than ascorbic acid, it is thought to be less easily-absorbed into the skin.
Due to MAP's stability up to a pH level of 7, it is more stable to air and sunlight exposure than ascorbic acid. The best pH range for MAP is between 5 and 6.
Like other forms of Vitamin C, MAP has been shown to help reduce hyperpigmentation and simulate collagen production.
As an antioxidant, it helps protect your skin against the signs of aging.
Learn more about Magnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumSodium Hyaluronate is hyaluronic acid's salt form. It is commonly derived from the sodium salt of hyaluronic acid.
Like hyaluronic acid, it is great at holding water and acts as a humectant. This makes it a great skin hydrating ingredient.
Sodium Hyaluronate is naturally occurring in our bodies and is mostly found in eye fluid and joints.
These are some other common types of Hyaluronic Acid:
Learn more about Sodium HyaluronateCitric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidBenzoic Acid is used to preserve and adjust the pH of products.
The antimicrobial property of Benzoic Acid helps elongate a product's shelf life. Its main role is to reduce fungi growth and is not found to be effective at fighting bacteria. Therefore Benzoic Acid is always added along with other preservatives.
In its pure form, Benzoic Acid looks like a white crystalline solid. It has slight solubility in water.
The name of Benzoic Acid comes from gum benzoin, which used to be the sole source of deriving this ingredient. Benzoic Acid is the most simple aromatic carboxylic acid.
Benzoic Acid is naturally occuring in strawberries, mustard, cinnamon, and cloves. It has a slight scent but is not considered to be a fragrance.
Learn more about Benzoic AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
IMAGE skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum 79 ingredients
REN Clean Skincare Glow and Protect Serum 34 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
IMAGE skincare Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum 79 ingredients
REN Clean Skincare Glow and Protect Serum 34 ingredients
Lightweight serum, absorbs quickly. Works well on my sensitive skin, gives me some brightening and a good glow
