Works for
Anti-agingNiacinamide, Dipeptide-2 + 3 moreWorks well
“Argania Active Complex TM protects and repairs the delicate skin around the eyes from sun damage, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: dipeptide-2, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneNiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · NiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
MoisturizingNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Panthenol + 18 moreWorks well
This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.
The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water.
When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from
within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job:
glycerin, hyaluronic acid.
This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: butyrospermum parkii butter, copernicia cerifera wax.
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: dipeptide-2, niacinamide, palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, panthenol
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy4 strong irritants: Geranium maculatum extract, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil + 2 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
Comedogenic1 ingredient rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale1 flagged
User reviews
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Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Niacinamide~5.7–6.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamidePhospholipids~4.2–5.1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Emollients that are naturaly present in skin. In addition, they help water and oil mix together in the product
More about PhospholipidsSphingolipids~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Sphingolipids are a group of lipids with a common chemical structure. Some of them are naturally present in skin and can be converted to ceramides
More about SphingolipidsSqualane~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An oil naturally present in skin. Works as an emollient to soften the skin and form a protective layer on its surface without a greasy feeling.
More about SqualaneIsononyl isononanoate~1.9–2.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Forms a protective film on the surface of the skin to prevent moisture loss. Gives a velvety feel to products while reducing tackiness
More about Isononyl isononanoateArgania spinosa extract~1.6–1.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Butyrospermum parkii butter~1.4–1.7%
- Irritation risk
- Low
- Comedogenicity
- 3/5
A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals
More about Butyrospermum parkii butterGlycerin~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinHydrogenated argania spinosa kernel oil~0.95–1.15%
- Irritation risk
- Low
C12-16 alcohols~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin and improve the product's texture
More about C12-16 alcoholsPalmitic acid~0.65–0.95%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that is naturally present in skin and helps soften it
More about Palmitic acidHyaluronic acid~0.5–0.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation
More about Hyaluronic acidPanthenol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function
More about PanthenolCetyl alcohol~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together
More about Cetyl alcoholGlycerin~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Low
One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant
More about GlycerinButylene glycol~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Butylene glycolHesperidin methyl chalcone~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Is claimed to be able to improve the appearance of undereye darkness but evidence is missing. Can be an allergen and cause irritation
More about Hesperidin methyl chalconeRibes nigrum seed oil~0.4–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
An emollient. Can be helpful for restoring skin barrier function.
More about Ribes nigrum seed oilSteareth-20~0.45–0.7%
Chenopodium quinoa seed extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about Chenopodium quinoa seed extractDipeptide-2~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Dipeptide-2Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A type of peptide. Peptides are excellent moisturizers and might be able support collagen production reducing fine lines and wrinkles
More about Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7Copernicia cerifera wax~0.45–0.65%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps to soften the upper layer of the skin and create a nice product consistency
More about Copernicia cerifera waxDecyl glucoside~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together. Can be irritating
More about Decyl glucosideArgania spinosa callus culture extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Xanthan gum~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used to create a thicker product consistency
More about Xanthan gumSaccharide isomerate~0.2–0.35%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Saccharide isomerateLevulinic acid~0.1–0.25%
P-anisic acid~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps preserve products. Can mask unpleasant smell. Could be irritating
More about P-anisic acidGeranium maculatum extract~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Contains an essential oil. Can be irritating
More about Geranium maculatum extractPelargonium graveolens flower oil~0.05–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil. Can be irritating. Can become an allergen with oxidation
More about Pelargonium graveolens flower oilRosa damascena extract~0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
Oil of a very fragrant pink rose used as fragrance in cosmetics. Extensive research has shown it has mixed benefits. In the pro column, inhaling this flower’s scent seems to have relaxing properties and the plant’s petals contain skin-soothing and antioxidant compounds that can benefit skin. On the flipside, the numerous chemicals that create this rose’s distinctive fragrance pose a risk of causing skin aggravation.
More about Rosa damascena extractRosa damascena flower oil~0.01–0.05%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating
More about Rosa damascena flower oilIngredient list view
Water, Niacinamide, Phospholipids, Sphingolipids, Squalane, Isononyl isononanoate, Argania spinosa extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Glycerin, Hydrogenated argania spinosa kernel oil, C12-16 alcohols, Palmitic acid, Hyaluronic acid, Panthenol, Cetyl alcohol, Glycerin, Butylene glycol, Hesperidin methyl chalcone, Ribes nigrum seed oil, Steareth-20, Chenopodium quinoa seed extract, Dipeptide-2, Palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7, Copernicia cerifera wax, Decyl glucoside, Argania spinosa callus culture extract, Xanthan gum, Saccharide isomerate, Levulinic acid, P-anisic acid, Geranium maculatum extract, Pelargonium graveolens flower oil, Rosa damascena extract, Rosa damascena flower oil
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Worth comparing, line by line.
Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.
| FRÉ SkincareBrighten meYOUR PRODUCT | MedicubeHyaluronic Multi Peptide Serum | Ghost DemocracyDewy Toning Mist | NATURE REPUBLICHyathenol Hydra Toner | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 88% | 82% | 82% |
| Price | $51.20 | $18.90−$32.30 | $54.00+$2.80 | $22.80−$28.40 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 7 of 13 | 5 of 13 | 5 of 13 |
| Key difference | — | Tripeptide-1 | Copper Tripeptide-1 | Adenosine |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Nooance cosmetiques Multi-Active SerumNUTRISHE Hydra Complex Soothing Serum
Product summary
"Fre - Brighten me" is effective for: Anti-aging, Anti-blemish, Evens skin tone and Moisturizing
Ingredient callouts
- A good concentration of Niacinamide (5.70% - 6.90%). Niacinamide is a well-studied multi-tasking active. It is stable, and can work well in almost any hydrating formulation. There is solid evidence that Niacinamide can help support skin barrier, regulate oil production and reduce acne and clogged pores. It also helps to fight photodamage and improve the skin tone, reducing pigmentation marks.
- Peptides (palmitoyl tetrapeptide-7 0.30% - 0.60% and dipeptide-2 0.30% - 0.55%). Peptides are a very big group of ingredients. They all consist of a different combination of aminoacids. Our skin produces Peptides naturally. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The scientists are still studying how effective the topical application of Peptides is, but it is very likely that theynare helpful. Peptides might be able to support skin barrier restoration and even have an anti-aging benefit. At the very least, they certainly help attract water to the skin and support the hydration in this way.
- Humectants (saccharide isomerate 0.20% - 0.35%, glycerin 0.50% - 0.75%, panthenol 0.50% - 0.75%, hyaluronic acid 0.50% - 0.80% and glycerin 1.20% - 1.40%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.
- 1
- 2
- 3The role of epidermal sphingolipids in dermatologic diseasesncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 4
- 5Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 6Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.