Environmentally friendly skincare

I discovered REN Skincare products during my summer 2007 trip to London. I still remember the long chat I had with the beauty representative at Selfridges on Bond Street. When I came back home, I did a bit of research and quickly found out that REN Skincare products were also sold in Canada.

Unlike lines such, as Jurlique or Stella McCartney's C.A.R.E, REN is not organic, but rather it's what we call a "clean line" of skincare products.

When skincare products are organic, they have to adhere to certain regulations allowing them to state that the ingredients used in their products are in fact organic. REN Skincare doesn't use organic products in the formulation of their products, but there is a long list of ingredients that you will never find.

REN Skincare does NOT contain the following:

• Petrochemicals (petroleum base products)
• Sulphates
• Parabens
• Synthetic fragrance
• Synthetic colours
• T.E.A. (potential irritants)
• D.E.A. (potential irritants)
• Glycols
• Silicones
• PEGS (potential irritants)
• Animal ingredients

Some readers might not really attach too much importance to the fact that their skincare is "clean" or organic, but for other readers who are concerned and for those who have sensitive skin, REN Skincare could be a great alternative.

I've had the pleasure of trying a number of their products. I tried the Rosa Centifolia face wash, the Calendula Omega 3/7 moisturizer (one of their best-sellers), the Omega 3 Overnight Lipid Renewal Serum (another one of their best-sellers), the Multi-Mineral Detoxifying Facial mask and the Phyto-Dynamic Instant Lifting Gel.

I have to say, that I tried enough REN Skincare products to say that they are incredible and they smell amazing. I have quite a lot of allergies to smell and I'm unable to use a lot of synthetic-based products. All of REN Skincare products are made with 100 per cent natural fragrances, which made smelling these aromas a pleasure and not a torture.

I really liked the Multi-Mineral Detoxifying Facial mask (retails for $42) because although it's a clay-based formula, it does not dry too tightly and it leaves your skin feeling smooth. My all-time favourite would have to be the Omega 3 Overnight Lipid Renewal Serum (retails for $74). I must say that I was a bit hesitant in trying out the product in the first place because the packaging stated that it was for "dry, normal, sensitive and mature skin."  I do have sensitive skin, but I also have combination skin and I was quite worried that I would break out. I'm quite happy that I was wrong on that front. The night-time serum doesn't cause me to break out and I wake in the morning with glowing skin.

I know that some readers hesitate when I feature products that have a higher price point and REN Skincare is certainly one of them. The truth of the matter is if you are concerned about the ingredient listing of your skincare products, you'll have to pay far more than what you would find at your local drugstore.

You can visit REN Skincare's site for further information and you'll find these "clean" products at the following Canadian retailers:

• Kiss & Makeup - West Vancouver
• Kiss & Makeup - online at www.kissandmakeup.ca
• Holt Renfrew - Vancouver
• Delineation - Toronto
• Delineation - online at www.delineation.ca
• Mills Brothers - Halifax at www.millsbrothers.com
• Harvest Spa - Oakville