Skip to content

Renew Resurfacing Night Serum

Renew Resurfacing Night Serum

Product Description

Product overview

Made in Various INTERNATIONAL

Naked & Thriving Renew Resurfacing Night Serum is a lightweight, naturally-derived overnight treatment that blends five gentle plant-based alpha hydroxy acids with ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid. It works while you sleep to softly exfoliate dull surface cells, support skin renewal and boost hydration, revealing visibly smoother, brighter and more even-looking skin by morning, without harsh peels or synthetic fragrance.

Vegan Cruelty-Free (Leaping Bunny) Fungal Acne Safe Reef Safe Fragrance-Free Oil-Free Naturally-Derived
Pregnancy
Caution
Fungal Acne
Yes
Comedogenic
1/5
Type
Night Serum
Size
30ml / 1 oz
When
PM Only
Origin
USA
Price
$69 (Full)
Why it's different

Five Gentle AHAs

A blend of plant-derived alpha hydroxy and glycolic acids gently dissolves dead surface cells to support natural turnover, without the sting of stronger peels.

01

Texture & feel

SENSORY
Consistency
Lightweight watery serum
Scent
Light botanical (fragrance-free)
Absorption
Fast (~30 seconds)
Finish
Dewy / natural

Five Gentle AHAs

A blend of plant-derived alpha hydroxy and glycolic acids gently dissolves dead surface cells to support natural turnover, without the sting of stronger peels.

Ferulic Acid Antioxidant

Plant-based ferulic acid neutralizes free radicals and boosts the efficacy of the other acids, while helping stabilize the formula and even tone.

Hyaluronic Acid Hydration

Sodium hyaluronate draws moisture into the skin so exfoliation never feels stripping, leaving skin plump and comfortable by morning.

Clean & Sustainable

Vegan, cruelty-free and packaged in a recyclable glass bottle. Naked & Thriving plants one tree for every bottle sold.

02

Safety & compatibility

SAFE
Vegan & Cruelty-Free

Leaping Bunny certified with no animal-derived ingredients or animal testing.

Fungal Acne (Malassezia) Safe

Independently verified as malassezia-safe — no problematic esters, fatty acids or polysorbates.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

No retinoids, salicylic acid or hydroquinone. Low-level AHAs are generally considered fine, but the citrus extracts mean you should check with your OB/GYN first.

Sun Sensitivity

Contains AHAs that can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Use at night and always apply broad-spectrum SPF the next morning.

Fragrance-Free

No added synthetic fragrance. A light natural scent comes only from the botanical extracts.

Patch Test First

Acids plus citrus extracts can irritate reactive skin. Patch test on the inner arm for 24 hours before facial use.

03

Ingredient breakdown

INGREDIENTS

Sodium Hyaluronate HydratorProven

The salt form of hyaluronic acid and the star hydrator of this serum. It holds many times its weight in water, acting as a humectant that keeps skin plump and offsets any dryness from the exfoliating acids.

  • Source: Naturally occurring in skin; binds water to support a healthy moisture barrier.
  • Benefit: Lower molecular weight allows deeper hydration than standard hyaluronic acid.

Ferulic Acid AntioxidantProven

A plant-based antioxidant that fights free radicals linked to fine lines and uneven tone. It also stabilizes vitamins and boosts the performance of the other acids in the formula.

  • Source: Found naturally in oats, rice and citrus; works synergistically with vitamins C and E.
  • Note: Approved in Japan as a sunscreen-boosting ingredient at concentrations up to 10%.
Helps brighten and even out tone over time by neutralizing oxidative damage.

Saccharum Officinarum (Sugarcane) Extract AHA SourcePromising

Sugarcane extract is a gentle, moisturizing humectant and a natural source related to glycolic acid. It attracts moisture while contributing to the serum's soft surface exfoliation.

  • Research: A 2021 study found sugarcane compounds show antioxidant, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
  • Benefit: May help inhibit skin-aging enzymes and support collagen synthesis.

Terminalia Ferdinandiana (Kakadu Plum) ~0.85–1.25%Promising

Kakadu plum holds the record for the highest natural vitamin C content of any fruit. As an antioxidant it helps brighten skin and target the look of dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

  • Source: Native to northern Australia; traditionally used as a natural antiseptic.
  • Benefit: Vitamin C helps interrupt the skin-darkening process behind uneven tone.

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Base / SootherProven

Used here near the top of the list in place of much of the water. Aloe soothes, hydrates and calms, helping counter any irritation from the acid blend.

  • Source: Aloe leaf; rich in antioxidant vitamins A, C and E plus moisture-binding sugars.
  • Benefit: Anti-inflammatory and skin-conditioning, ideal for a leave-on overnight treatment.

Glycerin HumectantProven

A naturally-derived humectant already found in skin. It pulls water into the deeper layers, reinforcing the barrier so the exfoliating actives feel comfortable rather than drying.

  • Research: A 2016 study found glycerin more effective as a humectant than AHAs and hyaluronic acid.
  • Benefit: Also offers mild antimicrobial properties and supports a resilient skin barrier.

Citrus AHA Complex (Orange + Lemon) ExfoliantPromising

Citrus aurantium (bitter orange) and citrus limon (lemon) extracts add antioxidants and mild AHA exfoliation that refines texture and supports brightness, rounding out the serum's five-acid blend.

  • Source: Citrus fruits rich in flavonoids, citric acid and vitamin C.
  • Benefit: Help smooth and brighten the surface for a more radiant finish.
Citrus extracts may increase photosensitivity and can irritate very reactive skin — patch test and use SPF daily.

15 ingredients

Water, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Sodium Hyaluronate, Propanediol, Vaccinium Myrtillus Fruit Extract, Saccharum Officinarum Extract, Terminalia Ferdinandiana Fruit Extract, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis Fruit Extract, Ferulic Acid, Citrus Limon Fruit Extract, Pentylene Glycol, Acer Saccharum Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Citric Acid.

FREE FROM: Harsh/drying alcohols, common allergens, synthetic fragrance, oils, parabens, silicones, sulfates, retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone and artificial dyes.
04

Where it fits in your routine

ROUTINE
1
Cleanser
2
Toner / Mist
3
Renew Night Serum
4
Face Oil
5
Moisturizer
6
SPF (Next AM)

Use at night on clean, slightly damp skin. Pairs beautifully with the Rejuvenate Restorative Face Oil on top. Because it contains AHAs, finish every morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

05

How to use

HOW TO USE
1

Cleanse

Wash your face in the evening and pat skin until just damp — slightly damp skin helps the serum absorb.

2

Apply

Dispense 3–4 drops and gently press over the face and neck. A little goes a long way; avoid the immediate eye area.

3

Layer

Follow with a few drops of face oil and/or your moisturizer to seal in hydration overnight.

4

Protect

Every morning after, apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ to protect freshly resurfaced skin. Start 2–3 nights a week, then build up.

06

Who is it for?

WHO

Perfect for you if:

  • You want gentle exfoliation without harsh peels or stinging
  • Your main concerns are dullness, rough texture, fine lines or uneven tone
  • You prefer vegan, fragrance-free, clean formulations
  • You have normal, combination or mature skin
  • You want a glow-boosting step you can build into a nightly routine

Consider alternatives if:

  • You are pregnant or breastfeeding (without doctor approval)
  • You have very sensitive skin or a compromised barrier
  • You are already using strong retinoids or daily acids (risk of over-exfoliation)
  • You want the cheapest possible per-ml option
  • You expect dramatic results in just a few days
07

Skin type compatibility

SKIN TYPES
Normal Skin
Excellent

Gentle resurfacing plus hydration keeps balanced skin smooth and glowing.

Combination
Excellent

Lightweight, oil-free texture refines without over-drying or adding grease.

Mature Skin
Excellent

Designed for visible signs of aging — users report softer lines and renewed radiance.

Dry Skin
Good

Hyaluronic acid and aloe hydrate well; layer a richer moisturizer or oil on top.

Oily / Acne-Prone
Good

Oil-free and fungal-acne safe; gentle acids help with congestion and texture.

Sensitive Skin
Moderate

AHAs plus citrus extracts can irritate reactive skin — patch test and ease in slowly.

08

Results timeline

8+ WEEKS
First Morning

Smoother, dewy feel

Skin wakes up feeling soft and looking refreshed thanks to overnight hydration and light exfoliation.

Many noticed immediately
2 Weeks

Visible glow & texture

Reviewers describe clearer-looking, visibly smoother skin and a healthy radiance as surface dullness lifts.

~60% reported improvement
4 Weeks

Brighter, more even tone

In a 4-week independent study of 33 Renew users, skin appeared more rejuvenated and youthful-looking.

~70% saw results
8+ Weeks

Softened fine lines

With consistent nightly use, long-term reviewers report diminished fine lines and a firmer, plumper appearance. The brand notes some users need up to 60 days.

Best with consistency
09

Ratings by platform

2K+ REVIEWS
Brand Website
4.6
Rating
2,421+
Reviews
Main complaint: Premium price and small 30ml bottle that runs out quickly.
Amazon
4.3
Rating (est.)
Night Set
Listing
Main complaint: Occasional leaking in transit and a few users saw breakouts.
Trustpilot
3.8
Rating
489
Reviews
Main complaint: Cost vs. results and frustration with the 30-day return window.
Google Reviews
2.8
Rating
Mixed
Feedback
Main complaint: Results vary; some users felt it didn't do enough for the price.
10

Pros & cons

BALANCED

Praised

  • Gentle, non-stripping exfoliation that suits beginners to acids
  • Visibly smoother, brighter and more radiant skin reported
  • Clean, vegan, fragrance-free, naturally-derived formula
  • Pleasant light botanical scent and fast absorption
  • Loved by mature-skin users for glow and softened lines

Criticized

  • Expensive at around $69 for a 30ml bottle
  • Small bottle — several users say it runs out fast
  • Increases sun sensitivity, so daily SPF is a must
  • Results can be slow; some need 60 days to notice change
  • Citrus extracts and acids may not suit very sensitive skin
11

Budget-friendly alternatives (dupes)

DUPES
70% Match
Lactic Acid 5% + HA
$8.50
Budget Pick

A gentle single AHA paired with hyaluronic acid — similar mild-exfoliation-plus-hydration concept at a fraction of the price. Lacks the antioxidant ferulic acid and botanical extracts.

62% Match
Salicylic Acid 2% Solution
$9.50
Budget Pick

A stronger, single-acid leave-on toner that resurfaces more aggressively. Cheaper and effective, but less hydrating, more potent and not as gentle for sensitive skin.

65% Match
Glycolic Acid Resurfacing Gel 10%
$18.00
Similar Use

Higher 12% glycolic concentration for faster smoothing at a budget price. More intense exfoliation; lacks the multi-acid blend and clean fragrance-free positioning.

12

Comparison with competitors

SIDE-BY-SIDE
Squalane + 10% Lactic Acid Resurfacing Night Serum
Key Actives 10% Lactic Acid + Squalane
Size 30ml
Vegan & Clean Yes
Fragrance Non-toxic fragrance
Strength Stronger single acid
T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum
Key Actives 12% AHA/BHA Blend
Size 50ml
Vegan & Clean Yes
Price Highest of the three
Strength Stronger, includes BHA
13

Storage & shelf life

12 MONTHS
Period After Opening (PAO)

12 months after opening

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight; keep the cap closed.

Packaging

Recyclable glass bottle with dropper

Travel Friendly

Yes — 30ml is well under the 100ml carry-on limit; a 10ml travel size is also available.

13

Frequently asked questions

FAQ

It contains no retinoids, salicylic acid, hydroquinone or chemical sunscreens, which are the ingredients most often avoided in pregnancy. It does contain low-level alpha hydroxy acids and citrus extracts. Topical AHAs at low concentrations are generally considered acceptable, but because everyone is different, we recommend checking with your OB/GYN before adding it to your routine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Yes. The formula has been independently verified as fungal-acne (malassezia) safe. It is oil-free and contains no problematic fatty acids, esters or polysorbates that typically feed malassezia, making it a suitable option if you are prone to fungal acne.

This serum already contains AHAs and the antioxidant ferulic acid, so layering it with additional strong acids or retinol on the same night can over-exfoliate and irritate skin. If you use a retinoid or vitamin C, alternate them on different nights. Avoid stacking it with another dedicated AHA/BHA product unless your skin is well accustomed.

It performs best on normal, combination and mature skin, and is well suited to anyone targeting dullness, rough texture, fine lines or uneven tone. Oily and acne-prone skin can also benefit thanks to its oil-free, fungal-acne-safe formula. Very sensitive skin should patch test first and introduce it slowly.

Many users notice smoother, dewier skin the very first morning. A visible glow and refined texture typically appear within about two weeks, and a 4-week independent study of 33 users showed more rejuvenated, youthful-looking skin. For fine lines and tone, give it 8 weeks of consistent nightly use — the brand notes some people need up to 60 days.

Use it at night only. Apply after cleansing (and toner, if you use one) to slightly damp skin, before heavier steps. Follow with a face oil and/or moisturizer to lock in hydration. Always apply broad-spectrum SPF the next morning, since AHAs increase sun sensitivity.

It has a very low comedogenic rating of around 1 out of 5. The formula is oil-free and water/aloe-based, built mostly from humectants and plant extracts, so it is unlikely to clog pores for most people.

The Period After Opening (PAO) is approximately 12 months. For best results, use it within a year of opening and store it in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight to keep the botanical actives fresh.

— Skincarisma verdict
4.2 / 5 ★★★★☆

Verdict: Naked & Thriving Renew Resurfacing Night Serum is a thoughtfully clean, vegan and fragrance-free way to bring gentle AHA exfoliation into a nightly routine. Its five-acid blend, ferulic acid and hyaluronic acid leave most users with visibly smoother, brighter, more radiant skin, and it's especially loved by mature and normal-to-combination skin. The trade-offs are a premium price for a small 30ml bottle, results that can take time, and the usual AHA need for daily SPF. If you value natural, barrier-friendly resurfacing over the strongest possible peel, it's an easy product to recommend.

Product Overview

question
lightbulb What are Quick Product Notes?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Quick Product Notes

Click on icons for more information
question
lightbulb What are Notable Effects & Ingredients?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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

Awesome, I Understand!

Notable Effects & Ingredients

anti-aging Anti-Aging from 2 ingredient(s):
Ferulic Acid Citric Acid
brightening Brightening from 2 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Citric Acid
wound Promotes Wound Healing from 3 ingredient(s):
Glycerin Sodium Hyaluronate Citric Acid
question
lightbulb What are Ingredients Related to Skin Type?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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!

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredients Related to Skin Types

Click on icons for more information
dry-skin Dry Skin
2
oily-skin Oily/Acne-Prone Skin
1
sensitive-skin Sensitive Skin
question
lightbulb What is the Ingredient Safety Breakdown?

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.

muscle Pro Tip Alert!

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.

Awesome, I Understand!

Ingredient Safety Breakdown

EWG Health Ratings
Low risk
Medium risk
High risk
Unknown risk
57% 42%

Product ingredient list

Showing first 5 of 14 ingredients
EWG CIR Ingredient Name & Cosmetic Functions Notes
1 Unknown
Water
Solvent, Skin Conditioning
0 Unknown
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Skin Conditioning
Hydrating
Redness
Irritation
2 A
Glycerin
Solvent, Perfuming, Fragrance, Humectant, Viscosity Decreasing Agent, Hair Conditioning, Skin Protecting, Denaturant, Skin Conditioning
brightening Brightening
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 A
Sodium Hyaluronate
Skin Conditioning, Humectant
Promotes Wound Healing
Hydrating
1 Unknown
Propanediol
Solvent, Viscosity Controlling, Viscosity Decreasing Agent
VIEW ALL INGREDIENTS