FRÉ Skincare

FRÉ Skincare RENEW ME

Name: FRÉ Skincare - RENEW ME
Brand: FRÉ Skincare

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging

Niacinamide, Bakuchiol + 1 more

Works well

What the product description says

“RENEW ME Bakuchiol Anti-Wrinkle Serum is a bio retinol serum that uniquely combines bakuchiol with FRÉ’s exclusive patent: Argania Active Complex™, to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and increase elasticity.”

Source: FRÉ

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains bakuchiol, niacinamide.

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.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~1.9–2.3%

BakuchiolKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation~0.5–0.8%

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~0.1–0.2%

Anti-oxidation

Side benefit · Bakuchiol, Tocopheryl acetate + 2 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (bakuchiol) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.~0.45–0.65%

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~0.3–0.55%

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~0.1–0.2%

Evens skin tone

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Bakuchiol

Works well

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: bakuchiol, 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-blemish

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Bakuchiol + 1 more

Works 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.

In addition, this product contains bakuchiol. It can help in reducing blemishes, even though it is less effective.

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~1.9–2.3%

AllantoinEffect: Low, below effective doseHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.6%

Moisturizing

Side benefit · Niacinamide, Panthenol + 12 more

Works 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: biosaccharide gum-1, glycerin.

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: simmondsia chinensis seed oil, coco-caprylate.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide, panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.4–0.65%

Coco-caprylateKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture~4.2–5.1%

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~1.4–1.8%

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~1.2–1.5%

Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~0.3–0.55%

Biosaccharide gum-1Key active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin~0.25–0.45%

IsomaltKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.15–0.3%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~5.8–7.1%

Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~2.3–2.9%

Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.2–0.35%

LecithinEffect: Low, below effective doseUsed mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.1–0.2%

AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.35–0.6%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

11 strong irritants: Cymbopogon flexuosus oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil + 9 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Cymbopogon flexuosus oil—High~0.25–0.5%est.

Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

CitralA fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritantHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

LinaloolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.

Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

CitronellolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.

Pelargonium graveolens oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.4%est.

FarnesolAdded to create a nice product smell. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.35%est.

GeraniolA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.3%est.

Sodium anisateUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.15–0.25%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~5.8–7.1%est.

Coco-caprylateAn emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product textureMedium~4.2–5.1%est.

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~1.2–1.5%est.

BakuchiolA plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritationMedium~0.5–0.8%est.

C12-20 alkyl glucosideHelps water and oil mix togetherMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.Medium~0.45–0.65%est.

Sodium levulinateA preservativeMedium~0.25–0.4%est.

Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.05–0.15%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

StackedSkincare Advanced Retinol Serum

Cheaper90% match

$29.99

Standard Seoul Firming Bouncy Boost Serum

Cheaper90% match

$22.21

View all alternatives

User reviews

Would you recommend?

No community reviews yet.

Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.

Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Pentylene glycol~5.8–7.1%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Coco-caprylate~4.2–5.1%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient that softens skin and creates a nice product texture

More about Coco-caprylate

Propanediol~3–3.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Acts as a solvent for other ingredients. Speeds up the absorption of other ingredients into the skin

More about Propanediol

Dicaprylyl carbonate~2.3–2.9%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate

Niacinamide~1.9–2.3%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-blemishEvens skin toneAnti-agingMoisturizingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

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 Niacinamide

Silica~1.8–2.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to absorb oil and can temporarily mattify skin

More about Silica

Glycerin~1.4–1.8%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

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 Glycerin

Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~1.2–1.5%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil

C14-22 alcohols~0.8–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A non-drying alcohol that helps stabilize product formulations

More about C14-22 alcohols

Argania spinosa leaf extract~0.65–0.95%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Argania spinosa leaf extract

Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6~0.55–0.85%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6

Bakuchiol~0.5–0.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Evens skin toneAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-blemish

A plant extract that is, though different in chemical structure, acts similar to retinoids. First studies show that it can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation. There is no conclusive evidence that bakuchiol is as effective as retinol however. The study that directly compared retinol with bakuchiol used bakuchiol applied twice daily compared to once per day for the retinol. According to this study, bakuchiol is less irritating than retinol. Bakuchiol is extracted from seeds of Babchi plant. Other parts of the plant contain coumarins that could cause allergic and irritant reactions. These compounds should be removed in the extraction process when bakuchiol is produced, but it is a good idea to be cautious and stay away from products that include the Babchi plant extracts other than purified bakuchiol to avoid irritation

More about Bakuchiol

Maltodextrin~0.5–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Mattifying

Used to stabilize the product formulation and can help absorb oil

More about Maltodextrin

C12-20 alkyl glucoside~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about C12-20 alkyl glucoside

Tocopheryl acetate~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.

More about Tocopheryl acetate

Panthenol~0.4–0.65%

Hero · Moisturizing

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingReduces rednessReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol

Allantoin~0.35–0.6%

Under-dosed

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces rednessReduces irritationExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin

Bisabolol~0.3–0.55%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Reduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryAnti-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

Sodium hyaluronate~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate

Sodium phytate~0.3–0.5%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to stabilize product formulations

More about Sodium phytate

Cymbopogon flexuosus oil~0.25–0.5%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Cymbopogon flexuosus oil

Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil

Citral~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance with a lemon scent. A likely irritant

More about Citral

Biosaccharide gum-1~0.25–0.45%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and is claimed to provide a longer-lasting hydration because of its ability to create a water-binding film on the surface of the skin

More about Biosaccharide gum-1

Linalool~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Linalool

Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil

Citronellol~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citronellol

Sodium levulinate~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Sodium levulinate

Pelargonium graveolens oil~0.25–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Pelargonium graveolens oil

Farnesol~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Added to create a nice product smell. Can be irritating

More about Farnesol

Limonene~0.2–0.35%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

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

More about Limonene

Geraniol~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Geraniol

Isomalt~0.15–0.3%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Isomalt

Glyceryl caprylate~0.2–0.35%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate

Sodium anisate~0.15–0.25%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Used as a fragrance

More about Sodium anisate

Tocopherol~0.1–0.2%

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

Citric acid~0.05–0.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid

Argania spinosa callus culture extract~0.05–0.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Argania spinosa callus culture extract

Lecithin~0.1–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Lecithin

Ingredient list view

Water, Pentylene glycol, Coco-caprylate, Propanediol, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Niacinamide, Silica, Glycerin, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, C14-22 alcohols, Argania spinosa leaf extract, Polyacrylate crosspolymer-6, Bakuchiol, Maltodextrin, C12-20 alkyl glucoside, Tocopheryl acetate, Panthenol, Allantoin, Bisabolol, Sodium hyaluronate, Sodium phytate, Cymbopogon flexuosus oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Citral, Biosaccharide gum-1, Linalool, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Citronellol, Sodium levulinate, Pelargonium graveolens oil, Farnesol, Limonene, Geraniol, Isomalt, Glyceryl caprylate, Sodium anisate, Tocopherol, Citric acid, Argania spinosa callus culture extract, Lecithin

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

Amazon USPrice as of 11/13 15:11 GMT

$79.00

Buy

FRÉ

Price unavailable

Check

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

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 SkincareRENEW MEYOUR PRODUCT	StackedSkincareAdvanced Retinol Serum	M. AsamRetinol Intense Serum Pads	Dr.GR.E.D Blemish Bakuchiol Pore-Jet Serum
Match	—	90%	90%	90%
Price	$79.00	$29.99−$49.01	—	$26.47−$52.53
Shared key ingredients	—	5 of 10	4 of 10	6 of 10
Key difference	—	Hydroxypinacolone Retinoate	Retinyl Palmitate	Adenosine
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

More alternatives: Standard Seoul Firming Bouncy Boost Serum Ere Perez White Tea Phyto-Retinol Elixir

Cheaper alternatives? See how this stacks up against similar formulas.

We compare ingredient profiles across our catalog — pick the closest match for your budget.

Open dupe finder

Product summary

"FRÉ Skincare - RENEW ME" is effective for: Evens skin tone, Anti-aging, Anti-blemish and Moisturizing

Ingredient callouts

A good concentration of Niacinamide (1.60% - 2.40%). 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.
This product contains Bakuchiol (0.30% - 0.75%). It is a plant extract that is has a similar effect to that of Retinoids but with less irritation. Bakuchiol can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone, reduce clogged pores and blemishes, and reduce inflammation.
Peptides (palmitoyl tripeptide-1 0.10% - 0.30%). There are many different kind of Peptides and they are naturally present in our skin. They all are a combination of aminoacids. Some of them work as natural antibiotics, promote wound-healing and production of collagen. The science is still not settled on how effective Peptides are in skincare, but it is very likely that they have a benefit. They might help restore the skin barrier and fight the signs of aging. At the very least, Peptides work as humectants: they attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve its hydration.
Humectants (sodium hyaluronate 0.15% - 0.50%, glycerin 1.00% - 1.50% and biosaccharide gum-1 2.00% - 3.00%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.