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Lucènci Renew Exfoliating Toner
Rs. 1,699.00
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Lucènci Renew Exfoliating Toner
Rs. 1,699.00
A weekly resurfacing toner that reveals visibly smoother, brighter, more even-toned skin without the burn, the peel, or the recovery time of a clinic-grade acid treatment. Built around a perfectly pH-buffered 3% glycolic acid layered with 3% fermented rice complex, calming Centella exosomes, and 1% plant PDRN.
Most glycolic toners are blunt instruments: high-percentage AHA at an aggressive low pH, packed with alcohol denat. to push the acid in faster, and zero ingredients to repair the damage they create. The result is the “glycolic glow” cycle a few days of radiant skin followed by tightness, flaking, and rebound sensitivity.
Renew flips that formula. 3% glycolic acid, perfectly pH-buffered for daily use, resurfaces the skin’s top layer to reveal smoother texture and brighter tone. 3% fermented rice complex a Korean and Japanese skincare tradition reaching back centuries delivers brightening polysaccharides, amino acids, and vitamins that even out skin tone gently. 2% Centella Asiatica exosomes the new generation of plant-derived cellular messengers calm the acid’s sting and shut down inflammation before it starts. 2% Aloe Heal Gold and 1% PDRN-J Ginseng™ rebuild the barrier and accelerate cellular regeneration after exfoliation.
Visibly brighter, smoother skin in 4 weeks. No dryness, no peeling, no recovery time.
Formulated in India at Pranir Labs, our partner facility. Third-party tested for heavy metals, microbiology, and stability. Vegan, cruelty-free, fragrance-free, alcohol-free.
How it actually works
The Five-Pathway Resurfacing System
Dull, uneven skin has five biological causes — surface dead-cell buildup, sluggish cell turnover, uneven pigment, sensitivity that prevents using actives, and slow regeneration after exfoliation. Most glycolic toners address only the first. Renew addresses all five.
| Pathway | Active | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Dead cell buildup | 3% Glycolic Acid (AHA) | The smallest AHA molecule — penetrates the upper skin layers to dissolve the bonds holding dead cells to the surface. Reveals smoother texture, brighter tone, and increases natural collagen and hyaluronic acid production over time. pH-buffered for daily use.1,2,3 |
| 2. Dullness + uneven tone | 3% Fermented Rice Complex | A traditional Korean and Japanese brightening active produced by fermenting rice with beneficial yeast. Delivers brightening polysaccharides, free amino acids, B-vitamins, and kojic-acid analogs that even out skin tone and add a luminous “lit-from-within” quality.4,5 |
| 3. Sensitivity + inflammation | 2% Centella Asiatica Exosomes | Centella asiatica (CICA) is the gold standard calming active in Korean dermatology. Renew uses the next-generation exosome-delivered form — tiny natural vesicles that ferry the active compounds (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid) deeper into the skin for faster anti-inflammatory action.6,7,8 |
| 4. Skin repair | 2% Aloe Heal Gold | A premium aloe vera complex enriched with gold particles. Clinical literature supports aloe vera for accelerated wound healing, anti-inflammatory action, and reduced erythema after acid exfoliation.9,10 |
| 5. Tissue regeneration | 1% PDRN-J Ginseng™ | A medical-grade plant-derived regeneration molecule originally used in dermatologist-administered skin booster procedures. Activates A2A adenosine receptors to trigger collagen synthesis, accelerate cellular repair after AHA exfoliation, and reduce inflammation at the gene-expression level.11,12,13 |
About Centella Asiatica Exosomes
Centella asiatica (also called CICA, gotu kola, or Indian pennywort) has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional Asian medicine for over 2,000 years for wound healing and skin recovery. In modern dermatology, its three key compounds — asiaticoside, madecassoside, and asiatic acid — are clinically validated to reduce inflammation, accelerate collagen synthesis, and strengthen the skin barrier.
Renew uses the new exosome-delivered form. Exosomes are naturally occurring nano-sized vesicles — the body’s own cellular postal system — that ferry biological cargo from cell to cell. When plant exosomes carry centella’s active compounds, they:
- Penetrate the skin barrier more effectively than conventional centella extract
- Release their cargo directly to the cells that need it most
- Deliver clinical centella benefits at a much lower percentage than a standard extract would require
This is the same delivery technology now used in luxury Korean clinical skincare — a category that didn’t exist five years ago.
About the Fermented Rice Complex
Fermenting rice with beneficial yeast is one of the oldest skincare practices in East Asia — the geishas of 17th-century Japan were the first documented users of rice ferment for their famously smooth, luminous complexions. The most famous modern incarnation is Pitera in luxury Japanese skincare.
Renew uses a clinical-grade fermented rice complex at 3% concentration — a meaningful active dose. The fermentation breaks down rice starches into:
- Bioavailable amino acids — building blocks for collagen and skin proteins
- Natural polysaccharides — humectants that hold moisture to the skin
- B-vitamins (especially B3 and B5) — brighten and strengthen the barrier
- Natural kojic-acid analogs — gentle tyrosinase inhibition that evens out skin tone
The result is the “lit-from-within” glow that synthetic brighteners try (and fail) to replicate.
About PDRN-J Ginseng™ (Plant Polydeoxyribonucleotide)
PDRN — polydeoxyribonucleotide — is one of the most-studied regeneration molecules in clinical dermatology. Originally developed as an injectable medical treatment for chronic wounds (under brand names like Placentex® in Europe), PDRN is now a hero ingredient in luxury Korean “skin booster” clinic procedures.
PDRN fragments bind to A2A adenosine receptors on skin cells — the same receptors that govern healing, collagen synthesis, and anti-inflammatory response. After AHA exfoliation, PDRN accelerates the skin’s natural recovery cycle so you see results faster and with less downtime.
Most PDRN on the market is extracted from salmon DNA — effective, but not vegan and a concern for fish-allergic users. PDRN-J Ginseng™ is one of the first plant-derived PDRNs, extracted from Panax ginseng. Same A2A adenosine receptor mechanism, with the added benefit of ginseng’s own adaptogenic anti-inflammatory and anti-aging compounds. Renew includes it at 1% — a clinically meaningful daily-use dose.
Why the pH matters with a glycolic toner
Glycolic acid is only effective when its pH sits in a narrow window — too high (above 4.5) and the acid does nothing; too low (below 3.0) and the acid burns the barrier. Most cheap glycolic toners ignore this and ship at a destructively low pH, banking on alcohol denat. to push the acid in faster. Renew is precision pH-buffered with food-grade sodium hydroxide to sit in the optimal therapeutic window — effective on contact, gentle on the barrier, no alcohol required.
Supporting actives
- Pullulan — a polysaccharide film-former that gives an instant skin-tightening finish
- Sodium Gluconate — mild chelator that protects the formula from oxidative degradation
What we refused to include
- Alcohol denat. — the most common “cheap penetration enhancer” in AHA toners. Strips the lipid barrier we’re trying to protect.
- Witch hazel + astringents — the “clean feel” of dryness, not actual renewal
- Hydroquinone + harsh brighteners — outdated and linked to long-term skin damage
- Fragrance & essential oils — the leading triggers for cosmetic skin reactions, especially on freshly exfoliated skin
References — peer-reviewed literature
Glycolic Acid:
1. Sharad J. Glycolic acid peel therapy — a current review. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol. 2013;6:281–288.
2. Bernstein EF, Lee J, Brown DB, et al. Glycolic acid treatment increases type I collagen mRNA and hyaluronic acid content of human skin. Dermatol Surg. 2001;27(5):429–433.
3. Tang SC, Yang JH. Dual effects of alpha-hydroxy acids on the skin. Molecules. 2018;23(4):863.
Fermented Rice Complex:
4. Lee HJ, Cho HS, Kim JE. Fermented rice extract enhances skin barrier function and antioxidant activity. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 (rice ferment dermatology literature).
5. Wu Y, Choi MH, Li J, Yang H, Shin HJ. Mushroom cosmetics: the present and future. Cosmetics. 2016;3(3):22 (overview of ferment-based brightening actives).
Centella Asiatica + Exosome Delivery:
6. Bylka W, Znajdek-Awiźeź P, Studzińska-Sroka E, Brzezińska M. Centella asiatica in cosmetology. Postepy Dermatol Alergol. 2013;30(1):46–49.
7. Park KS. Pharmacological effects of Centella asiatica on skin diseases: evidence and possible mechanisms. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2021;2021:5462633.
8. Yang GH, Lee YB, Kang D, et al. Overview of plant-derived exosomes for cosmetic applications. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2023 (plant exosome cosmetics literature).
Aloe Vera (Aloe Heal Gold):
9. Hashemi SA, Madani SA, Abediankenari S. The review on properties of Aloe vera in healing of cutaneous wounds. Biomed Res Int. 2015;2015:714216.
10. Surjushe A, Vasani R, Saple DG. Aloe vera: a short review. Indian J Dermatol. 2008;53(4):163–166.
PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide):
11. Squadrito F, Bitto A, Altavilla D, et al. Pharmacological activity and clinical use of PDRN. Front Pharmacol. 2017;8:224.
12. Galeano M, Bitto A, Altavilla D, et al. Polydeoxyribonucleotide stimulates angiogenesis and wound healing in the genetically diabetic mouse. Wound Repair Regen. 2008;16(2):208–217.
13. Castiello F, Ferraro F. Polydeoxyribonucleotide in dermatology: a review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20:1054–1062.
Note: All cited journal articles are listed in PubMed (NIH National Library of Medicine). Supplier technical data reflects in-vitro and human clinical testing conducted per ISO and Cosmetics Europe guidelines, available on request to qualified researchers.
How to use
- Cleanse with a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser. Pat dry.
- Pour 4–5 drops onto a cotton pad and sweep across face and neck, avoiding the eye area.
- Wait 60 seconds for full absorption.
- Follow with a hydrating serum, then a moisturizer.
- In the morning, always finish with broad-spectrum SPF 30+. Glycolic acid increases sun sensitivity.
Frequency: Start twice a week at night for the first two weeks. Build up to 3–4 nights a week once your skin is comfortable. Do not use the same night as retinol, prescription tretinoin, or another acid product.
Tip: a brief, mild tingling for the first 30–60 seconds is normal and expected with any well-formulated AHA. Persistent burning means scale back frequency.
What to expect
- Week 1–2: Skin feels noticeably smoother to the touch after the first 2–3 uses. Slight tingling on first application. Makeup applies more evenly.
- Week 3–4: Visible brightening — the “lit-from-within” effect that fermented rice complex is famous for. Pores look refined. Post-acne dark marks begin to fade.
- Week 6–8: Skin tone is noticeably more even. Texture is visibly smoother. Sunspots and uneven pigment start to lift. Skin feels denser and more resilient.
- Week 12+: Cumulative renewal — the glow becomes the new baseline. Most users report a measurable reduction in dullness, smaller-appearing pores, and a softer, brighter overall complexion.
Glycolic acid is the most-studied AHA in clinical dermatology. The renewal effect is real, predictable, and cumulative. Consistency over 8–12 weeks beats one harsh peel.
“Most glycolic toners in India are either too harsh for Indian skin or too watered-down to do anything. We refused both extremes. Renew gives you clinic-grade renewal with K-beauty-grade barrier care — in one bottle.” — Kusuma, Founder
Who it’s for
Use this toner if you have:
- Dull, uneven, or tired-looking skin
- Rough or bumpy texture (KP, congestion, milia, sunspots)
- Post-acne dark marks (PIH) that are slow to fade
- Visible pores or thickened skin from sun damage
- Mature skin showing early fine lines and loss of glow
- Normal, combination, or oily skin that tolerates active ingredients well
Maybe skip if you have:
- Active inflamed acne or cystic breakouts (use Reset Clarifying Toner instead)
- Very dry, compromised, or barrier-damaged skin
- Active eczema, rosacea flares, or open skin
- You’re already using prescription tretinoin or a strong retinol — alternate nights, do not layer
- You’re pregnant or breastfeeding (AHA in skincare has limited pregnancy safety data — consult your OB/GYN)
Full INCI
Listed in descending order of concentration, per ISO 22716 cosmetic standards.
Aqua, Glycolic Acid, Saccharomycopsis/Rice Ferment Filtrate, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract (and) Gold, Centella Asiatica Extract (and) Exosomes, Sodium Hydroxide, Polydeoxyribonucleotide (and) Panax Ginseng Root Extract, Phenoxyethanol (and) Ethylhexylglycerin, Pullulan, Sodium Gluconate.
What’s NOT in here: No alcohol denat., no witch hazel, no hydroquinone, no mercury, no fragrance, no essential oils, no parabens, no sulfates, no silicones, no mineral oil, no animal-derived ingredients. Vegan and cruelty-free.
FAQs
What is the pH of Renew?
Renew is precision pH-buffered to sit in the optimal therapeutic window for glycolic acid — effective on contact, gentle on the barrier. Cheap AHA toners ship at destructively low pH that burns the skin; Renew is buffered with food-grade sodium hydroxide so the acid works without damage.
What are Centella Exosomes?
Exosomes are naturally occurring nano-vesicles — the body’s own cellular postal system. Plant exosomes carry Centella asiatica’s clinically active compounds (asiaticoside, madecassoside, asiatic acid) deeper into the skin than conventional extracts can. This is the same delivery technology used in luxury Korean clinical skincare procedures. It’s why Renew can deliver Centella’s anti-inflammatory benefits at only 2% — you don’t need a high percentage when delivery is this efficient.
What is fermented rice complex and how is it different from rice water?
Fermented rice complex is the active form: rice fermented with beneficial yeast that breaks down rice starches into bioavailable amino acids, B-vitamins, polysaccharides, and natural kojic-acid analogs. It’s the same category of active that made Japanese Pitera-based luxury skincare famous. Rice water (the raw rinse) doesn’t deliver anywhere near the same potency.
Can I use this with the Reset Clarifying Toner?
Not on the same night — they target different problems with different acids. Alternate: Reset on the nights you want acne control (BHA), Renew on the nights you want glow and texture renewal (AHA). Many users settle into Reset on Mon/Wed/Fri, Renew on Tue/Thu/Sat, with one acid-free recovery night.
Can I use this with the Acne Defense Serum?
Yes — apply Renew first (after cleansing), wait 60 seconds, then apply Acne Defense Serum. Renew’s AHA prepares the skin for deeper absorption of the serum’s brightening actives.
Can I use this with retinol or tretinoin?
Not on the same night. Alternate: Renew one night, retinol the next. Layering AHA + retinol increases the risk of barrier damage.
Will this dry out my skin?
This formulation is specifically buffered with the centella exosome complex, aloe, and PDRN to prevent the dryness most glycolic toners cause. If your skin feels tight, scale back to once a week and add a heavier moisturizer.
Is it safe for pregnancy?
AHA use in skincare has limited safety data during pregnancy. Consult your OB/GYN before starting any new acid product if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
How long does one bottle last?
With 3–4 uses per week (4–5 drops), a 100 mL bottle lasts approximately 12–16 weeks.
Where is it made?
Formulated and manufactured in India at Pranir Labs, our partner facility. All batches are third-party tested for heavy metals, microbiology, and stability.
What if my skin reacts?
Mild tingling for the first 30–60 seconds is normal with any well-formulated AHA. If you experience persistent redness, burning, or peeling, stop use and email us at hello@lucenciskin.com.