Shiseido vs REN Clean Skincare

Questions and answers

Research behind their key ingredients

• The effect of niacinamide on reducing cutaneous pigmentation and suppression of melanosome transfer

  Niacinamide · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2002

• Mechanistic Basis and Clinical Evidence for the Applications of Nicotinamide (Niacinamide) to Control Skin Aging and Pigmentation

  Niacinamide · Antioxidants, 2021

• Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence

  Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022

• Caffeine's mechanisms of action and its cosmetic use

  Caffeine · Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 2013

• Peroxidated squalene induces the production of inflammatory mediators in HaCaT keratinocytes: a possible role in acne vulgaris

  Squalane · The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2006

• Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial

  Tocopherol · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020

• Psychophysical study of the effects of topical application of menthol in healthy volunteers

  Menthol · Pain, 2006

• Evaluation of efficacy and tolerance of a nighttime topical antioxidant containing resveratrol, baicalin, and vitamin e for treatment of mild to moderately photodamaged skin

  Scutellaria baicalensis root extract · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2014

• Ethanol extracts of Sanguisorba officinalis L. suppress TNF-α/IFN-γ-induced pro-inflammatory chemokine production in HaCaT cells

  Sanguisorba officinalis root extract · Phytomedicine, 2015

• Skin barrier disruption by sodium lauryl sulfate-exposure alters the expressions of involucrin, transglutaminase 1, profilaggrin, and kallikreins during the repair phase in human skin in vivo

  Sodium lauryl sulfate · The Journal of Investigative Dermatology, 2008

• Panax ginseng induces human Type I collagen synthesis through activation of Smad signaling

  Panax ginseng root extract · Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2007

• Vitamin C-squalene bioconjugate promotes epidermal thickening and collagen production in human skin

  Squalane · Scientific Reports, 2020

• Green tea extract reduces induction of p53 and apoptosis in UVB-irradiated human skin independent of transcriptional controls

  Camellia sinensis leaf extract · Experimental Dermatology, 2009

• A review of topical high-concentration L-menthol as a translational model of cold allodynia and hyperalgesia

  Menthol · European Journal of Pain, 2014

• Design, preparation, and evaluation of liposomal gel formulations for treatment of acne: in vitro and in vivo studies

  Lauric acid · Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2019

• The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study

  Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017

• Randomized controlled study for the anti-aging effect of human adipocyte-derived mesenchymal stem cell media combined with niacinamide after laser therapy

  Niacinamide · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2021

• In vitro antioxidant, collagenase inhibition, and in vivo anti-wrinkle effects of combined formulation containing Punica granatum, Ginkgo biloba, Ficus carica, and Morus alba fruits extract

  Ginkgo biloba leaf extract · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2015

• Senomorphic activity of a combination of niacinamide and hyaluronic acid: correlation with clinical improvement of skin aging

  Niacinamide · Scientific Reports, 2024

• Another Reason for Using Caffeine in Dermocosmetics: Sunscreen Adjuvant

  Caffeine · Frontiers in Physiology, 2019

• High molecular compounds (polysaccharides and proanthocyanidins) from Hamamelis virginiana bark: influence on human skin keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation and influence on irritated skin

  Witch hazel leaf extract · Phytochemistry, 2001

• Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study of a lotion containing triethyl citrate and ethyl linoleate in the treatment of acne vulgaris

  Triethyl citrate · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2007

• Evaluation of dermal extracellular matrix and epidermal-dermal junction modifications using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometric imaging, in vivo reflectance confocal microscopy, echography, and histology: effect of age and peptide applications

  Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2015

• Changes in Skin Barrier Function after Repeated Exposition to Phospholipid-Based Surfactants and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate In Vivo and Corneocyte Surface Analysis by Atomic Force Microscopy

  Sodium lauryl sulfate · Pharmaceutics, 2021

• A novel model of inflammatory pain in human skin involving topical application of sodium lauryl sulfate

  Sodium lauryl sulfate · Inflammation Research, 2010

• Subclinical, non-erythematous irritation with an open assay model (washing): sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) versus sodium laureth sulfate (SLES)

  Sodium laureth sulfate · Food and Chemical Toxicology, 2001

• Antiacne and antiblotch activities of a formulated combination of Aloe barbadensis leaf powder, Garcinia mangostana peel extract, and Camellia sinensis leaf extract

  Camellia sinensis leaf extract · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2019

• In vivo and in vitro evaluation of octyl methoxycinnamate liposomes

  Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2013

• A retrospective assessment and comparison of the effectiveness of benzoyl peroxide; the combination of topical niacinamide, gallic acid, and lauric acid; and the combination of benzoyl peroxide and erythromycin in acne vulgaris

  Lauric acid · Dermatologic Therapy, 2020

• Effect of a botanical cleansing lotion on skin sebum and erythema of the face: A randomized controlled blinded half-side comparison

  Salix nigra bark extract willow bark extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019

• Anti-Inflammatory Effect of a Novel Topical Herbal Composition (VEL-091604) Consisting of Gentian Root, Licorice Root and Willow Bark Extract

  Salix nigra bark extract willow bark extract · Planta Medica, 2019

• An evaluation of the effect of a topical product containing salicin on the visible signs of human skin aging

  Salix nigra bark extract willow bark extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2010

• Squalane as a Promising Agent Protecting UV-Induced Inhibition of Collagen Biosynthesis and Wound Healing in Human Dermal Fibroblast

  Squalane · Molecules, 2025

• Synergetic Effects of Aloe Vera Extract with Trimethylglycine for Targeted Aquaporin 3 Regulation and Long-Term Skin Hydration

  Betaine · Molecules, 2024

• Microbicidal activity of tripotassium phosphate and fatty acids toward spoilage and pathogenic bacteria associated with poultry

  Myristic acid · Journal of Food Protection, 2005

• Clinical Development and Evaluation of a Multi-Component Dissolving Microneedle Patch for Skin Pigmentation Disorders

  2-o-ethyl ascorbic acid · Polymers, 2023

• Synergistic approach for acne vulgaris treatment using glycerosomes loaded with lincomycin and lauric acid: Formulation, in silico, in vitro, LC-MS/MS skin deposition assay and in vivo evaluation

  Lauric acid · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2023

• Effect of hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin in fluid and semi-solid submicron emulsions on physiological skin parameters during regular in vivo application

  Cyclodextrin · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2021

• Formulation of Ascorbic Acid and Betaine-based Therapeutic Deep Eutectic System for Enhanced Transdermal Delivery of Ascorbic Acid

  Betaine · Pharmaceutics, 2024

• Influence of vitamin E acetate on stratum corneum hydration

  Tocopheryl acetate · Arzneimittel-Forschung, 1998

• Anatomical site differences of sodium lauryl sulfate-induced irritation: randomized controlled trial

  Sodium lauryl sulfate · The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019

• A controlled, three-part trial to investigate the barrier function and skin hydration properties of six skin protectants

  Dimethicone · Ostomy/wound Management, 2005

• The use of different concentrations of betaine as a reducing irritation agent in soaps monitored visually and non-invasively

  Betaine · Skin Research and Technology, 2003

• Skin recovery by Lavandula angustifolia leaf callus extract: Redox control of Nrf2 signaling

  Lavandula angustifolia oil lavender oil · Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2025

• Moisturizing Effects of Diglycerol Combined with Glycerol on Human Stratum Corneum

  Diglycerin · Journal of Oleo Science, 2016

• Ginkgo biloba leaves extract's cosmeceutical evaluation: a preliminary assessments on human volunteers towards achieving improved skin condition and rejuvenation

  Ginkgo biloba leaf extract · Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy, 2023

• Combining Topical and Oral Botanicals for Skin Redness, Pigmentation, Sleep, and Mood: A Randomized Controlled Study

  Theanine · Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022

• Antioxidant and membrane-protective effects of the 3-O-ethyl ascorbic acid-cannabigerol system on UVB-irradiated human keratinocytes

  2-o-ethyl ascorbic acid · Free Radical Biology & Medicine, 2025

• Functional properties and skin care effects of sodium trehalose sulfate

  Trehalose · Skin Research and Technology, 2024

• Nanostructured Lipid Carrier Based Gel Containing α-Tocopherol and α-Tocopheryl Acetate for Synergistic Cutaneous Antiaging Efficacy

  Tocopheryl acetate · Scientific Reports, 2025

• Transdermal Delivery of Baicalin Based on Bio-Vesicles and Its Efficacy in Antiaging of the Skin

  Scutellaria baicalensis root extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

• Effect of an Emollient Emulsion Containing 15.0% of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride on the Urocanic Acid of the Stratum Corneum

  Caprylic capric triglyceride · Life, 2023

• Effect of isosecotanapartholide isolated from Artemisia princeps Pampanini on IL‑33 production and STAT‑1 activation in HaCaT keratinocytes

  Artemisia princeps leaf extract · Molecular Medicine Reports, 2017

• Liposomal formulation of a vitamin C derivative: a promising strategy to increase skin permeability

  2-o-ethyl ascorbic acid · Journal of Liposome Research, 2025

• Thermostable hyaluronic acid-based dissolving microneedles with high-loading capacity: design, optimization, and transdermal delivery of anti-aging ingredients

  2-o-ethyl ascorbic acid · International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 2026

• Safety assessment on comedogenicity of dermatological products containing d-alpha tocopheryl acetate in Asian subjects: A double-blind randomized controlled trial

  Tocopheryl acetate · Contemporary Clinical Trials Communications, 2021

• Potassium 4-Methoxysalicylate (4MSK) Exerts a Skin Lightening Effect by Acting on Melanocytes and Keratinocytes

  Potassium methoxysalicylate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2025

• New Chalcone-Derived Molecule for the Topical Regulation of Hyperpigmentation and Skin Aging

  Angelica keiskei leaf extract · Pharmaceutics, 2024

• Mitigation of ultraviolet-induced erythema and inflammation by para-hydroxycinnamic acid in human skin

  Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2025

• Facial disbiosis and UV filters

  Ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Octocrylene · Archives of Dermatological Research, 2024

• Targeting Circadian Rhythm for the Regulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism

  Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026

• Mechanistic understanding and peptide ingredient screening for type III collagen via biological knowledge graph and molecular docking

  Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Palmitoyl tripeptide-1 · International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2026

• Efficacy of anti-sebum moisturizing cream containing 2% l-carnitine and 5% epigallocatechin gallate in seborrhea: A randomized clinical trial

  Uji green tea extract · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2023

• Efficacy of a Topical Formulation on Skin Hydration and Barrier Function in Individuals With Xerosis: A 28-Day Randomized, Split-Leg, Untreated-Controlled Trial

  Dipotassium glycyrrhizate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2026

• Impact of dermal emulsions containing diacyl phospholipids, mono acyl phospholipids, sodium lauryl ether sulfate and polysorbate 80 in combination with UVA irradiation on human skin physiology in vivo: A pilot study

  Sodium laureth sulfate · International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 2026

• Retrospective Review of Dermal Safety Studies of Organic Sunscreens

  Homosalate · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2025

Behind this comparison

Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules our dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update.