Thick Or Thin | Arencia Red Smoothie Serum Review (Which to Choose?)

Arencia is inspired by fresh ingredients and nourishing formulas that are genuinely good enough to eat. They select careful, vibrant extracts to flavor their skincare line. They specialize in soft, vegan formulas that are holistically hydrating and soothing, whilst helping refresh skin. From their gummy mochi cleansers to their nourishing serums, they’ve created viral and visually beautiful skincare products. This includes their rich, rosy Red Smoothie Serum line. Infused with vegan collagen, peptides, niacinamide and antioxidant-rich fruit extracts; it seems like a perfect serum for any routine! 

Firming, hydrating, rich in botanical extracts and coming in a light, rosy jelly? What more can we ask for. But is it really for all skin types? Well, it comes in two important forms – the Fresh Red Smoothie Serum 8 (a light serum) and the Red Smoothie Serum 30 (which is a thick barrier cream). What do I mean, barrier cream? It’s designed to seal your skin barrier to infuse nutrients and moisture overnight, to help you wake with radiance. This makes it perfect for dull or dehydrated skin to help seal in moisture overnight; but less useful for acne-prone or oily skin types. 

So, with all these exciting ingredients – is the Red Smoothie Serum worth the money? Let’s see the true ingredients list and see the effect of two weeks use. 

As mentioned above, all of Arencia’s formulas are vegan and this ‘collagen’ rich serum is no different. In place of true collagen and skin firming peptides (like animal-based serums), this one contains the ‘building blocks’ for collagen synthesis. It’s a deconstructed, nutrient-rich serum which can help elevate hydration and skin texture. 

Niacinamide: brightening vitamin B3 (a favourite in K-Beauty) that helps reduce dark spots and even skin tone, whilst infusing a lasting radiance. 

Arbutin: inhibits tyrosinase in dark spots to reduce appearance and help improve natural protection against UV damage for clearer, brighter skin appearance. 

Gardenia extract: rich in nutrients to improve fine lines and strengthen the skin barrier, by protecting against premature oxidation of cells. 

Ginseng extract: powerful restorative root that helps refresh skin cells, improve deep hydration of fine lines and triggers regrowth of skin cells for stronger structures. 

Avocado extract: moisturizing extract rich in soothing fatty acids and vitamins to improve skin texture and provide lasting hydration. 

Blackcurrant extract: rich in molecules that help stimulate elastin in skin to improve firmness, as well as hyaluronic acid to plump and moisturize skin appearance. 

Mushroom extract: rich in antioxidants that help reduce cell stress and improves longevity of skin to repair DNA and slow the aging process. 

Rice/Probiotics extract: gentle and moisturizing, this fermented extract helps cool redness and irritation whilst brightening natural complexion for a healthy glow. 

Beetroot extract: refreshing extract that improves skin circulation to restore nutrients to dull or irritated patches of skin, whilst infusing molecules to improve natural healing. 

Rose extract: restorative floral extract that helps reduce damaging particles in skin cells and inhibit the breakdown of collagen for firmer skin and a gentle glow.

Soluble collagen: building blocks and vitamins necessary to help boost collagen production within skin, extracted from plant-based origins. 

Hydrolyzed DNA: concentrated polynucleotides that help boost skin hydration and elasticity, whilst improving wound healing. 

Vitamin C: powerful antioxidant that helps refresh skin cells, improve radiance and protect against environmental damage. 

Vitamin E: helps insulate skin against UV damage, reduce oxidative stress of cells and improve texture and cool irritation. 

Panthenol: cooling vitamin B5 that helps nourish and hydrate damaged or irritated skin. Helps soften texture and vanish dry spots. 

This is a gentle and nourishing formula which is safe for most skin types, including sensitive skin. It shouldn’t cause any irritation or dryness to skin, but it’s less likely to be useful in oily and acne-prone skin (especially the thicker Red Smoothie Serum 30). The lighter serum can add some benefit to oily skin, but the best benefits are likely to be seen in mature or dull skin.

The product I was most excited for was the thick Red Smoothie Serum 30, to act as an overnight barrier cream to seal in moisture and (I was hoping) enact a deep morning glow. I have combination skin and thought the mixture of botanical extracts and light jelly texture would be a perfect balance of hydrating without being too occlusive. I applied the Serum 30 at the end of my skincare routine and it is incredibly sticky and thick on application. It doesn’t absorb quickly and does have a slightly unpleasant feeling. It has a really nice herbal scent however, and was soothing to patches of irritated skin. 

With the modern rise of active peptides and soluble collagen to deeply firm and boost skin, I was excited to see what a vegan formula would look like. Could it create the same effect as nourishing peptide serums? The short answer is, well no, it doesn’t have the same firming and lifting effect as serums with active peptides. Once the Serum 30 dries, it is no longer tacky and more pleasant to wear – but overnight it didn’t provide really visible changes to skin texture. It didn’t trigger acne breakouts, which was a nice plus, but I still wouldn’t pick it over some other hydrating barrier creams. 

All this to say, I didn't notice any great changes with daily use. I do have an intensive routine already which boosts shine and helps firm skin, so this gentle serum didn't produce any stunning visuals in two weeks.

I think the lighter Red Smoothie Serum 8 is a nice addition to a routine; but you’ll see best benefits in mature skin that requires an infusion of extra nutrients for a subtle glow. It makes a nice holistic addition to a routine, but does lack immediate or dramatic effect. In short, if you are after a gentle and supportive serum; this is a nice addition (especially for mature skin), but you are less likely to see benefits in other cases. 

I think this serum became a victim of over-hype; where influencers raving over it build it up to be something more than it really is. It's a super gently-formulated, vegan serum which helps bring life to mature and sensitive skin, For other skin types, you're not likely to see major changes or benefits (especially if you already have a solid routine in place). For oily and acne-prone skin, I'd recommend the lighter Serum 8 (if you're still looking for a little boost to hydration and nutrients), where as the thicker Serum 30 is perfect to tackle dull and dehydrated skin.

After nourishing and gentle vegan formulas for your routine? That's what Arencia specializes in! Check out the whole range (including new releases) on Arktastic.

Looking for more reads to explore the K-Beauty world? Check out our review of another barrier cream from Abib. Or check out our guide to good overnight moisturizers and why they're a great investment for softer skin.

Abib PDRN Collagen Overnight Mask Review 
Why You Need A Night-Time Moisturizer