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FRÉ Skincare C Me Vitamin C Serum
FRÉ Skincare

FRÉ Skincare C Me Vitamin C Serum

Efficacy58/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Coco-caprylate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 11 more
Works
What the product description says
“Organic argan oil rich in vitamins A and E, antioxidants and fatty acids that deeply nourish the skin and provide moisture.”
Source: N/A

This product can help soften the skin and reduce its moisture loss with emollients and occlusives: caprylic/capric triglyceride, squalene.

Keep in mind that this product does not contain effective ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. This is why an additional product with humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid can be helpful (apply it before this product for the best results).

Coco-caprylateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture~4.5–6.8%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~3.1–4.7%
Argania spinosa kernel oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~2.2–3.3%
Brassica campestris seed oilKey activeEffect: MediumHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2.5%
Glycine soja oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.~1.1–1.6%
SqualeneKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast~0.35–0.85%
Undaria pinnatifida extractKey activeEffect: HighA seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect~0.35–0.75%
Beta-sitosterolKey active· EmollientEffect: HighA phytosterol that can support skin's barrier function and help the skin stay hydrated~0.35–0.85%
Althaea officinalis root extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation~0.3–0.7%
Isohexadecane· EmollientEffect: LowImproves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent~23–34%
Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~4–6%
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~4.7–7%
TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.35–0.85%
Evens skin tone
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Vitamin C type VC-IP at a high concentration of 10%, reduces dark spots and pigmentation and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.”
Source: N/A

This product contains ingredients (glycyrrhiza glabra root extract) that could help reduce hyperpigmentation (for example, post-acne marks or age spots) in theory, but there is not enough evidence that they actually work.

Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~1.2–1.8%
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateUnder-dosedA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~4.7–7%
Anti-aging
Tocopherol, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Vitamin C type VC-IP at a high concentration of 10%, reduces dark spots and pigmentation and reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.”
Source: N/A

This product does not contain ingredients that are able to reduce fine lines and wrinkles or help with skin elasticity, but it can improve the look of the skin temporarily through moisturization. Well-moisturized skin might also be able to repair the sun damage better.

This ingredient squalene might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin and help it fight off some of the sun damage.

TocopherolEffect: Low, below effective dosePure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.35–0.85%
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateUnder-dosedA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~4.7–7%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Squalene, Argania spinosa kernel oil + 6 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (squalene) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

SqualeneKey activeEffect: MediumAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast~0.35–0.85%
Argania spinosa kernel oilEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties~2.2–3.3%
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals~1.2–1.8%
Undaria pinnatifida extractEffect: LowA seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect~0.35–0.75%
Althaea officinalis root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation~0.3–0.7%
BisabololEffect: Low, below effective doseAn active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties~0.4–0.9%
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateUnder-dosedA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)~4.7–7%
TocopherolUnder-dosedPure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself~0.35–0.85%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
8 strong irritants: Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil, Geranium maculatum oil + 6 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Althaea officinalis root extractA plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammationHigh~0.3–0.7%est.
Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil—High~0.15–0.6%est.
Geranium maculatum oilAn essential oil. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.5%est.
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil—High~0.1–0.45%est.
CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.1–0.35%est.
GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.3%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.05–0.25%est.
LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.05–0.2%est.
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitateA vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)Medium~4.7–7%est.
Coco-caprylateAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product textureMedium~4.5–6.8%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~3.1–4.7%est.
Argania spinosa kernel oilAn emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~2.2–3.3%est.
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extractA plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicalsMedium~1.2–1.8%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.Medium~1.1–1.6%est.
Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonateUsed to stabilize the product formulationMedium~0.85–1.25%est.
Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.5–1.2%est.
Comedogenic
3 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
3 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearateHelps oil and water mix together3/5~0.5–1.2%est.
Glycine soja oilA good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.2/5~1.1–1.6%est.
SqualeneAn oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast2/5~0.35–0.85%est.
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Advanced Brightening Vitamin C Serum
Essano Advanced Brightening Vitamin C Serum
Higher efficacy · 75/10052% match
C The Light - Serum z Witaminą C Tetra 10%
SkinTra C The Light - Serum z Witaminą C Tetra 10%
Higher efficacy · 91/10050% match
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

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Isohexadecane~23–34%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Improves the texture of the product and helps soften the skin. Helps oil and water mix together and can be used as a cleansing agent

More about Isohexadecane
Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate~4.7–7%
Under-dosedIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingEvens skin toneMoisturizing

A vitamin C derivative. Studies show that is might be effective in reducing hyperpigmentation, but there are no studies confirming that it is effectively converted into the bioavailable form of Vitamin C in skin. It is not clear how this derivative compares in effectiveness to the topical application of bioavailable form of vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid)

More about Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate
Coco-caprylate~4.5–6.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

An emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture

More about Coco-caprylate
Dicaprylyl carbonate~4–6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~3.1–4.7%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Argania spinosa kernel oil~2.2–3.3%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the upper layer of the skin. Might have some weak anti-oxidant properties

More about Argania spinosa kernel oil
Brassica campestris seed oil~1.7–2.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Brassica campestris seed oil
Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces rednessEvens skin toneAnti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant extract that can help lighten the skin and calm down inflammation. Might be helpful in neutralizing free radicals

More about Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract
Glycine soja oil~1.1–1.6%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
Moisturizing

A good emollient that helps soften the skin and helps repair its barrier function. It can clog pores if used in high concentrations.

More about Glycine soja oil
Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate~0.85–1.25%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to stabilize the product formulation

More about Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate
Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate~0.5–1.2%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate
Bisabolol~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAnti-oxidation

An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties

More about Bisabolol
Tocopherol~0.35–0.85%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryMoisturizing

Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself

More about Tocopherol
Undaria pinnatifida extract~0.35–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A seaweed extract that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might have an anti-oxidant effect

More about Undaria pinnatifida extract
Beta-sitosterol~0.35–0.85%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

A phytosterol that can support skin's barrier function and help the skin stay hydrated

More about Beta-sitosterol
Althaea officinalis root extract~0.3–0.7%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation

More about Althaea officinalis root extract
Oryza sativa bran extract~0.3–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken the product consistency

More about Oryza sativa bran extract
Squalene~0.35–0.85%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An oil that is naturally part of skin sebum that helps to soften its upper layer, reduce water loss and neutralize free radicals. It might be comedogenic. Avoid applying large concentrations (or pure oil) before sun exposure as oxidized squalene can clog pores and lead to skin irritation. Today squalene is mostly derived from vegetable oils or synthetized by yeast

More about Squalene
Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil~0.15–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil
Pelargonium graveolens extract~0.15–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Pelargonium graveolens extract
Geranium maculatum oil~0.1–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Can be irritating

More about Geranium maculatum oil
Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil
Citral~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral
Citronellol~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol
Geraniol~0.05–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol
Limonene~0.05–0.25%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Linalool~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool
Ingredient list view

Isohexadecane, Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate, Coco-caprylate, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Brassica campestris seed oil, Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract, Glycine soja oil, Diethylhexyl syringylidenemalonate, Polyglyceryl-3 diisostearate, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Undaria pinnatifida extract, Beta-sitosterol, Althaea officinalis root extract, Oryza sativa bran extract, Squalene, Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil, Pelargonium graveolens extract, Geranium maculatum oil, Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil, Citral, Citronellol, Geraniol, Limonene, Linalool

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Amazon USPrice as of 11/7 09:24 GMT
$51.20
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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.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
FRÉ SkincareC Me Vitamin C SerumYOUR PRODUCTEssanoAdvanced Brightening Vitamin C SerumSkinTraC The Light - Serum z Witaminą C Tetra 10%Teoxane (Teosyal Cosmeceuticals)Teoxane RHA Vit C Serum
Match—52%50%50%
Price$51.20——$120.31+$69.11
Shared key ingredients—2 of 103 of 101 of 10
Key difference—BetaineSh-Polypeptide-9Glutathione
Irritancy High Medium Low Medium
Drying alcohol————
View product Shop Shop Shop
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More alternatives: Nacomi Next Lvl Vitamin C - Ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate 5%Synergie Skin Effica C

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Product summary

"Fré - C Me Vitamin C Serum" could be helpful for: Moisturizing, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 14 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Assessment of penetration of Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate into biological membranes by molecular dynamicssciencedirect.com
  2. 2
    Stability evaluation of tocopheryl acetate and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate in isolation and incorporated in cosmetic formulations using thermal analysisscielo.br
  3. 3
    A new lipophilic pro-vitamin C, tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid (VC-IP), prevents UV-induced skin pigmentation through its anti-oxidative propertiessciencedirect.com
  4. 4
    New lipophilic pro-vitamin C, tetra-isopalmitoyl ascorbic acid (VC-IP), suppresses senile lentigo through controlling of melanocytes-keratinocytes interactionmorressier.com
  5. 5
    Natural vegetable fats in the prevention of irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    α-(-)-Bisabolol Reduces Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Production and Ameliorates Skin Inflammationresearchgate.net
FRÉ Skincare C Me Vitamin C Serum
FRÉ SkincareC Me Vitamin C Serum
Buy on Amazon$51.20 · as of 11/7 09:24 GMT

Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.

Buy on Amazon$51.20 · as of 11/7 09:24 GMT

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.