Cellrenew - Collagen Stem Cell Serum
Cellrenew - Collagen Stem Cell Serum
Product Description
Product overview
By Clearstem Skincare — CELLRENEW is a lightweight, plant-based collagen stem cell serum formulated to target hormonal acne, post-blemish marks, and early signs of aging in a single non-toxic formula. Powered by Hyaluronic Acid, Reishi mushroom, Saw Palmetto, Green Tea, and a proprietary Collagen Stem Cell complex, it hydrates, calms inflammation, and supports cellular renewal — all without pore-cloggers or hormone disruptors.
Plant Stem Cell Complex
Bio-available collagen stem cells help plump skin, soften fine lines, and accelerate cellular renewal.
Texture & feel
SENSORYPlant Stem Cell Complex
Bio-available collagen stem cells help plump skin, soften fine lines, and accelerate cellular renewal.
Reishi Mushroom + Green Tea
Antioxidant-rich botanicals calm inflammation, brighten dullness, and protect against environmental stress.
Hormonal Acne Support
Saw Palmetto and Clover Flower help regulate sebum and reduce androgen-driven breakouts on the jawline and chin.
Deep Hydration
Hyaluronic Acid binds moisture to skin while Aloe Vera and Panthenol soothe and reinforce the moisture barrier.
Post-Procedure Hero
Ideal after chemical peels, lasers, microneedling, or hair removal — calms inflammation and speeds recovery.
Zero Pore-Cloggers
Every ingredient is screened against a comprehensive pore-clogger list — formulated specifically for acne-prone skin.
Safety & compatibility
SAFENo fatty acids, esters, polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast.
Screened against the full pore-clogger list. Safe for acne-prone and congestion-prone skin.
Contains Saw Palmetto (anti-androgen) and essential oils (Pink Grapefruit, Frankincense) — consult your OB-GYN before use.
Layer underneath retinol or bakuchiol to buffer irritation and boost hydration.
Apply after acid serums to soothe and replenish moisture lost during exfoliation.
Pink Grapefruit Peel Oil may cause sensitivity in highly reactive skin — patch test first.
Apply Vitamin C first (AM), then Cellrenew to lock in antioxidant protection.
Safe for face, lips, and neck — avoid direct eyelid contact per brand guidance.
Ingredient breakdown
INGREDIENTSHyaluronic Acid ~1-2%Proven
Listed first on the INCI — a remarkably high position for a humectant. Holds up to 1,000× its weight in water, plumping skin and softening the look of fine lines from the inside out.
- Source: Bioderm Online (2014) — topical HA increased skin hydration by 96% after 8 weeks of use.
- Source: Studies show HA reduces wrinkle depth by up to 40% with consistent application.
Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi) Extract ActivePromising
Adaptogenic mushroom packed with beta-glucans and triterpenes. Calms redness, brightens dullness, and supports skin's natural defense against environmental stressors.
- Source: Journal of Ethnopharmacology — Reishi shows anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects on skin.
- Source: Beta-glucans increase Type I collagen synthesis in fibroblast studies.
Serenoa Serrulata (Saw Palmetto) ActivePromising
Natural 5-alpha reductase inhibitor that helps block DHT — the androgen most strongly linked to hormonal jawline acne and oil overproduction.
- Source: Journal of Cutaneous Medicine — Saw Palmetto suppresses sebum production in sebocyte studies.
- Source: Used clinically for androgenic conditions (hair loss, hormonal acne).
Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) ActiveProven
EGCG-rich antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals, reduces sebum oxidation (a key driver of blackheads), and calms post-acne redness.
- Source: Journal of Investigative Dermatology — topical EGCG reduces sebum production in acne-prone skin.
- Source: Antioxidant capacity 25–100× stronger than vitamins C and E in some assays.
Aloe Barbadensis Extract OrganicProven
Soothing hydrator loaded with polysaccharides and amino acids. Reduces sting, supports barrier repair, and is the gentle workhorse behind the formula's "cooling" sensation.
- Source: Indian Journal of Dermatology — aloe accelerates wound healing and reduces post-procedure inflammation.
Trifolium Pratense (Red Clover) ActivePromising
Phytoestrogen-rich extract (isoflavones like biochanin A) that supports estrogen-receptor balance in skin, helping firmness and tone in mature complexions.
- Source: Phytomedicine — isoflavones improve skin elasticity and dermal density.
Boswellia Serrata (Frankincense) ActivePromising
Boswellic acids deliver targeted anti-inflammatory action — useful for calming active breakouts and reducing chronic facial redness.
- Source: International Journal of Cosmetic Science — Boswellia reduces signs of photoaging in clinical trials.
Australian Native Botanicals TrioPromising
Tasmannia Lanceolata (Mountain Pepper), Kunzea Pomifera (Emu Apple), and Syzygium Luehmannii (Riberry) — a trio of antioxidant-rich Australian fruits delivering polyphenols, vitamin C, and ellagic acid.
- Source: Australian Native Plants Society — these fruits contain 3–5× the antioxidant load of blueberries.
Curcuma (Turmeric) Extract ActiveProven
Curcumin halts the inflammatory cascade behind acne, evens tone, and brightens post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) without staining the skin yellow.
- Source: Phytotherapy Research — curcumin reduces acne lesions and PIH in clinical trials.
Panthenol (Vitamin B5) ActiveProven
Pro-vitamin B5 converts to pantothenic acid in skin, reinforcing the moisture barrier, accelerating wound healing, and reducing trans-epidermal water loss.
- Source: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology — panthenol improves barrier function and reduces TEWL.
- Source: Promotes fibroblast proliferation, supporting collagen production.
17 ingredients
Hyaluronic Acid, Water/Aqua, Isopentyldiol, Epilobium Angustifolium (Willowherb) Extract, Proprietary Collagen Stem Cell Formula, Proprietary Enzymes, Ganoderma Lucidum (Reishi Mushroom) Extract, Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Extract*, Serenoa Serrulata (Saw Palmetto/Palm Fruit) Extract, Trifolium Pratense (Clover Flower) Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea Leaf) Extract*, Citrus Grandis (Pink Grapefruit Peel) Oil, Boswellia Serrata (Frankincense) Extract, Tasmannia Lanceolata (Mountain Pepper) Fruit Powder, Kunzea Pomifera (Emu Apple) Fruit Extract, Syzygium Luehmannii (Riberry) Fruit Extract, Curcuma Wenyujin/Curcuma Kwangsiensis Rhizome Extract, Panthenol (Vitamin B5). *Certified Organic.
Where it fits in your routine
ROUTINEUse morning and night after cleansing and any acid treatment. Always SHAKE before use — Cellrenew has no synthetic binders, so natural separation is normal.
How to use
HOW TO USEShake the bottle well
Cellrenew contains no synthetic stabilizers, so botanical ingredients naturally separate. Shake firmly for 5 seconds before each use.
Cleanse + treat first
Apply to clean skin after your AHA/BHA or acid serum (e.g., Clearity). Skin can be slightly damp but not dripping wet.
Apply 2–3 pumps
Dispense 2–3 pumps into clean palms, then press into face, lips, and neck. Avoid the eyelids per brand guidance.
Massage for 30 seconds
Use upward circular motions to boost circulation and absorption. A cool, refreshing tingle is normal — it's the formula working.
Lock in with moisturizer
Follow with your moisturizer (e.g., Hydraglow). In the morning, finish with SPF 30+ for daytime protection.
Use morning & night
Twice-daily use delivers the best results. Also excellent post-procedure: peels, lasers, microneedling, hair removal.
Who is it for?
WHOPerfect for you if:
- You struggle with hormonal jawline or chin breakouts
- You have post-blemish marks or hyperpigmentation to fade
- You want anti-acne and anti-aging in one product
- You need a non-comedogenic, non-toxic formula
- You've reacted to "clogging" actives in the past
- You're healing from a peel, laser, or microneedling session
- You prefer botanical, plant-forward formulations
Consider alternatives if:
- You're pregnant or breastfeeding (Saw Palmetto + essential oils)
- You're highly reactive to citrus essential oils
- You need a fragrance-free formula
- You prefer minimal-ingredient, single-active serums
- You have severe cystic acne needing prescription treatment
- You dislike products that require shaking before use
Skin type compatibility
SKIN TYPESSaw Palmetto and Green Tea regulate sebum without stripping. Lightweight liquid texture absorbs cleanly.
Hyaluronic Acid and Aloe deliver hydration, but layer a richer moisturizer on top for occlusion.
Balances oily T-zone while hydrating drier cheeks — one of the best fits for combo skin.
Soothing botanicals are gentle, but Pink Grapefruit Peel Oil may trigger reactivity — patch test first.
Designed specifically for acne-prone skin: zero pore-cloggers, hormone-balancing, and anti-inflammatory.
Plant stem cells and red clover support firmness, but pair with a peptide or retinol for stronger anti-aging results.
Results timeline
3+ MONTHSCool, calming sensation
Skin feels soothed and hydrated within seconds. The signature cooling tingle signals active ingredient absorption.
95% noticedPlumper, glowier skin
Hyaluronic Acid hydration becomes visible; skin looks dewier with reduced surface dullness.
82% noticedActive breakouts calm down
Saw Palmetto, Green Tea, and Turmeric reduce inflammation. Existing pimples shrink faster; fewer new ones appear.
71% noticedPost-blemish marks fade
Hyperpigmentation and red post-acne marks lighten. Skin tone looks more even and luminous.
68% noticedSmoother texture, fewer breakouts
Hormonal jawline acne dramatically reduced; fine lines softened from sustained collagen support.
63% noticedComplete skin transformation
Long-term users report clearer skin, balanced oil production, and a healthier overall complexion.
58% noticedRatings by platform
3K+ REVIEWSPros & cons
BALANCEDPraised
- Genuinely clears hormonal jawline acne
- Fades post-blemish marks within 4–8 weeks
- Zero pore-cloggers and zero hormone disruptors
- Calms post-procedure inflammation rapidly
- Lightweight, fast-absorbing texture
- Cooling sensation feels luxurious
- Vegan, cruelty-free, gluten-free
- Anti-acne + anti-aging combined in one bottle
Criticized
- Premium price ($68 for 1 oz)
- Must shake before every use
- Pink Grapefruit scent isn't for everyone
- Not pregnancy-safe due to Saw Palmetto
- Proprietary "stem cell" blend lacks full transparency
- Small 30ml size lasts ~6–8 weeks at twice daily
- Citrus peel oil may trigger sensitivity
Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)
DUPESSame hormone-balancing Saw Palmetto active at a fraction of the cost. Lacks the stem cell, antioxidant, and hyaluronic acid layers — best as a targeted spot treatment, not a full serum replacement.
Delivers the hydration backbone (HA + Panthenol) of Cellrenew at 1/8 the price. No stem cells, no Saw Palmetto, no anti-acne actives — purely a hydrator.
Targets both anti-aging and breakouts with bakuchiol-style botanicals plus niacinamide. More potent on wrinkles, less specific on hormonal acne — uses synthetic actives instead of plant stem cells.
Similar clean-beauty positioning and dual anti-aging/clarifying focus. Uses AHAs instead of botanicals — more aggressive resurfacing, less calming. Higher irritation risk.
Comparison with competitors
SIDE-BY-SIDEClearstem Cellrenew (Featured)
Tula Acne All-Star Treatment
Storage & shelf life
12 MONTHS12 months after opening. Best results within 6 months for full antioxidant potency.
Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Refrigeration optional but extends shelf life.
Pump bottle with frosted glass — protects light-sensitive botanicals and minimizes air exposure.
Yes — 30ml is well under the TSA 100ml liquid limit for carry-on luggage.
Frequently asked questions
FAQWe recommend caution. Cellrenew contains Saw Palmetto (Serenoa Serrulata), a natural anti-androgen that blocks DHT — the same mechanism is studied for pregnancy concerns. The formula also includes Pink Grapefruit Peel Oil and Frankincense essential oils, which most OB-GYNs advise limiting during pregnancy. While there is no published evidence of harm from topical use, we strongly recommend consulting your healthcare provider before adding it to your routine while pregnant or breastfeeding.
Yes. Cellrenew contains no fatty acids, esters (like isopropyl myristate), polysorbates, or fermented ingredients that feed malassezia yeast — the organism behind fungal acne. The botanical extracts and humectants used here are widely considered safe for those managing pityrosporum folliculitis. As always with fungal acne, individual responses vary, so introduce slowly and monitor your skin.
Yes — Cellrenew layers beautifully with all of them. Apply your acid serum (AHA/BHA) first, then Cellrenew to soothe and hydrate. With Vitamin C (AM), apply Vitamin C first, wait 60 seconds, then layer Cellrenew. With retinol or bakuchiol (PM), Cellrenew can be used either before (to buffer irritation) or after (to lock in moisture). Its calming, anti-inflammatory profile makes it an ideal companion to active-heavy routines.
Cellrenew works best on combination, oily, and acne-prone skin — particularly those dealing with hormonal jawline breakouts or post-blemish marks. It's also a strong fit for normal and mature skin seeking gentle anti-aging support. Dry skin will benefit from the hydration but should layer a richer moisturizer on top. Highly sensitive or rosacea-prone skin should patch test first due to the citrus essential oil content.
Most users notice immediate hydration and a calming effect within minutes of first use. Visible reduction in active breakouts and inflammation typically appears within 2–4 weeks. Post-blemish marks and overall tone improvements become noticeable around 4–8 weeks of consistent twice-daily use. For full hormonal acne benefits and anti-aging firmness changes, allow 8–12 weeks. Skin renewal cycles take time — patience pays off.
Cellrenew is applied after cleansing, toner, and any treatment serums (like Clearstem's Clearity mandelic acid serum or other AHA/BHA products), but before your moisturizer. The full order is: Cleanser → Toner → Acid Serum → Cellrenew → Moisturizer → SPF (AM only). Use morning and night for best results, and remember to shake the bottle well before each application.
No. Cellrenew earns a 0/5 comedogenic rating. The brand was founded by acne specialists who screen every ingredient against a comprehensive pore-clogger list. There are no fatty alcohols, coconut derivatives, isopropyl esters, or other known comedogens in the formula. This makes it one of the safest serums for acne-prone, congestion-prone, and combination skin.
Cellrenew has a 12-month Period After Opening (PAO). For maximum potency of the antioxidant botanicals and stem cell complex, use within 6 months of opening. Store upright in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The frosted glass pump packaging helps protect light-sensitive ingredients. At twice-daily use (2–3 pumps per application), one 30ml bottle typically lasts 6–8 weeks.
Verdict: Clearstem Cellrenew is a standout serum for anyone struggling with hormonal acne, post-blemish marks, or the desire for an anti-acne and anti-aging product in one. Its hormone-disruptor-free, pore-clogger-free formulation backed by Saw Palmetto, Reishi, Green Tea, and a Hyaluronic Acid base genuinely delivers — most users report visible breakout reduction within a month. The premium $68 price tag, the requirement to shake before use, and the citrus essential oil scent are real downsides, and pregnant users should look elsewhere. But for the right skin profile — combo, oily, or hormonally acne-prone adults — it's one of the most thoughtfully formulated stem cell serums on the market.
Product Overview
Quick product notes are a great way to check if a product is free from commonly avoided ingredients by skincare enthusiasts. These preferences come about for different reasons depending on the ingredient such as personal experiences, sensitivities, health preferences & etc.
Just because a product is not free from a common preference does not mean it's a bad product! You can make a personal decision whether or not you want to use a product that contains these ingredients or not - click the labels of the preference to read more about them.
Quick Product Notes
Ever used a product that promised a certain effect but provided no results? It might not have contained any notable ingredients that could have been responsible for that promised effect. It doesn't matter what the marketing or packaging «promises» it can do, if it doesn't contain anything that can help - then the likelihood of it helping is low.
We help you identify key notable ingredients that have been shown to help with effects such as acne-fighting, brightening, UV-protection, wound healing & anti-aging to help you achieve your skincare goals smarter. Please note that different notable ingredients have varying levels of research behind them, some are extremely well proven yet some have mixed research in their efficacy.
Just because a product doesn't contain any notable ingredients doesn't mean it's bad. And a product with notable ingredients (or even many) doesn't necessarily guarantee the efficacy of the product performing these effects either. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine this.
Be smart and use this as just a starting point for you to make more informed and smarter choices and compare it with reviews to see if the product is right for you
Notable Effects & Ingredients
Why are some products great for some people and horrible for others? Well everyone has different skin types and different reactions to the same ingredients.
We've identified a range of ingredients that are commonly regarded as potentially good or bad for those with Dry, Oily/Acne-Prone or Sensitive skin.
A product that contains good or bad ingredients for your skin type doesn't always flat out make the entire product good or bad for your skin. There are other factors such as ingredient quality, concentration and formulation that will ultimately determine your skins reaction.
One of the best ways to use this section is to troubleshoot products you've had bad experiences with in the past. Check if it contains any of the marked ingredients to point out suspect ingredients to avoid in the future!
Ingredients Related to Skin Types
Ingredient Safety Breakdown refers to the percentage % of ingredients in different risk categories as classified by EWG (Environment Working Group) if they are available. There are almost endless cosmetic ingredients and they are one of the few organisations globally that have assigned ratings to a lot of the more commonly used ingredients which is why we reference them.
EWG is seen by many to be more on the alarmist side in their assignment of health ratings resulting in rating ingredients as riskier than they actually are. We recommend using this a reference point rather than a strict guide of ingredient safety and to always do further research if into ingredients that you may find suspect.
Ingredient Safety Breakdown
Product ingredient list
| EWG | CIR | Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 |
Isopentyldiol
Humectant, Solvent
|
Hydrating
|
|
| 0 |
Epilobium Angustifolium Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Placental Enzymes
Skin Conditioning
|
|
|
| 0 |
Ganoderma Lucidum Extract
Skin Protecting
|
|
|
| 0 |
Aloe Barbadensis Extract
Skin Conditioning
|
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
|






