# Dr. Barbara Sturm vs FRE Page: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre The Lovi Fit is the same in every country; only the stores and prices differ, and the ones here are for Saudi Arabia. Dr. Barbara Sturm and FRE are sophisticated skincare lines known for distinct approaches to complexion care. The German brand features gentle moisturizers, clarifying exfoliants, and nourishing [serums](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/serum) built on scientifically advanced formulas, while the second offers targeted products with nourishing compositions. Dr. Barbara Sturm suits sensitive, dry, and balanced skin best, whereas FRE suits acne-prone skin best. They differ primarily because the first focuses on deep hydration and barrier support, while both provide thoughtful formulations to gently balance and support the complexion. Dr. Barbara Sturm is a German skincare brand founded in 2014 and owned by Puig since 2024. [uploads.puig.com](https://uploads.puig.com/uploads/Press_release_Puig_acquires_majority_stake_in_Dr_Barbara_Sturm_ENG_1_140422a900.pdf) [beautymatter.com](https://beautymatter.com/articles/puig-acquires-majority-stake-in-dr-barbara-sturm) [pitchbook.com](https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/289811-80) This page compares some of the most popular Dr. Barbara Sturm and FRE products; for every product of both brands, with a fit score for your own skin, [use the Lovi app](https://app.pora.ai/vqqJ/j1xj2b6o?af_sub2=compare&af_sub3=selection_note&af_sub4=pg291701ceab). ### Popular Dr. Barbara Sturm vs FRE products #### Dr. Barbara Sturm - [Hyaluronic Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-barbara-sturm/hyaluronic-serum/for/oily-skin) — High fit — [SAR 1,081.78 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B08BJ73C5Q?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [Enzyme Cleanser](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-barbara-sturm/enzyme-cleanser/for/dark-spots) — Superior fit — [SAR 658.00 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B07JQQX4D8?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) - [The Good C Vitamin C Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/dr-barbara-sturm/the-good-c-vitamin-c-serum/for/mature-skin) — High fit — [SAR 749.10 at Amazon](https://www.amazon.sa/dp/B09WZWCKV3?tag=lovisa02-21&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) #### FRE - [Argan Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/p/fre/argan-oil/for/dry-sensitive-skin) — High fit ## Questions and answers ### Dr. Barbara Sturm or FRE: which is better? Dr. Barbara Sturm is better because the products on this page achieve High to Superior Lovi fit levels across multiple skin types, whereas FRE features lower fit levels. Every Dr. Barbara Sturm product on this page also lists no fragrance. ### What is the difference between Dr. Barbara Sturm and FRE? Dr. Barbara Sturm offers a broader variety of products on this page, including the Hyaluronic [Serum](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/serum) and Enzyme Cleanser, whereas FRE features only [Argan Oil](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/argan-oil). Every product listed for both brands contains no fragrance. Furthermore, topical argan oil helps improve skin hydration and elasticity. [Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) [International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25143733/) ### Which is more affordable, Dr. Barbara Sturm or FRE? I cannot answer that question because the provided page facts do not include pricing information for Dr. Barbara Sturm or FRE. ### Which causes fewer breakouts, Dr. Barbara Sturm or FRE? Dr. Barbara Sturm fits oily acne-prone skin at a High or Average level across the products on this page, whereas FRE Argan Oil fits it at an Average level and has lower fits for oily and combination skin. [Sodium hyaluronate](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/ingredients/hyaluronic-acid) helps hydrate skin, and argan oil helps improve skin hydration. [Dermatologic Therapy, 2022](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) [International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25143733/) ### Which brand has been around longer, Dr. Barbara Sturm or FRE? Dr. Barbara Sturm has been around longer, having been founded in Germany in 2014, whereas FRE was founded in 2016. ### Do any of the products from Dr. Barbara Sturm or FRE contain fragrance? Every product on this page from both Dr. Barbara Sturm and FRE lists no fragrance in its ingredients. ### Which brand is owned by Puig, Dr. Barbara Sturm or FRE? Dr. Barbara Sturm is owned by Puig, whereas FRE is independently owned. The products on this page from Dr. Barbara Sturm list no fragrance in their ingredients. ## Research behind their key ingredients - [Benefits of topical hyaluronic acid for skin quality and signs of skin aging: From literature review to clinical evidence](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36200921/) Sodium hyaluronate · Dermatologic Therapy, 2022 - [Anti-aging and brightening effects of a topical treatment containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and raspberry leaf cell culture extract: A split-face, randomized controlled trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31975502/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020 - [Bacterial cellulose membranes as drug delivery systems: an in vivo skin compatibility study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23973717/) Cellulose · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2014 - [Effects of ascorbic acid on gingival melanin pigmentation in vitro and in vivo](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19186973/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Periodontology, 2009 - [Bacterial cellulose skin masks-Properties and sensory tests](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28963772/) Cellulose · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2018 - [Treatment of acne with a combination of propolis, tea tree oil, and Aloe vera compared to erythromycin cream: two double-blind investigations](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30588129/) Aloe barbadensis leaf juice · Clinical Pharmacology, 2018 - [Effect of a topical antioxidant serum containing vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid after Q-switched 1064-nm Nd:YAG laser for treatment of environment-induced skin pigmentation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32052907/) Ascorbic acid · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2020 - [Design, characterization, and clinical evaluation of argan oil nanostructured lipid carriers to improve skin hydration](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25143733/) Argania spinosa kernel oil argan kernel oil · International Journal of Nanomedicine, 2014 - [The 24-hour skin hydration and barrier function effects of a hyaluronic 1%, glycerin 5%, and Centella asiatica stem cells extract moisturizing fluid: an intra-subject, randomized, assessor-blinded study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28860834/) Glycerin · Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, 2017 - [Sunscreens and Cosmetic Formulations Containing Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate and Rice Peptides for the Improvement of Skin Photoaging: A Double-blind, Randomized Placebo-controlled Clinical Study](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33529350/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Photochemistry and Photobiology, 2021 - [Clinical evidence of the efficacy and safety of a new 3-in-1 anti-aging topical night serum-in-oil containing melatonin, bakuchiol, and ascorbyl tetraisopalmitate: 103 females treated from 28 to 84 days](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30924254/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2019 - [Antioxidant-based topical formulations influence on the inflammatory response of Japanese skin: A clinical study using non-invasive techniques](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28385617/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, 2017 - [Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Nicotinamide Plus Antibacterial Adhesive Agents and Zinc-Pyrrolidone Carboxylic Acid Versus Placebo as an Adjuvant Treatment for Moderate Acne Vulgaris in Indonesia: A Multicenter, Double-blind, Randomized, Controlled Trial](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32983333/) Zinc pca · The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, 2020 - [Borage Oil Treated with Immobilized Lipase Inhibits Melanogenesis](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33128473/) Lipase · Lipids, 2020 - [Prospective randomized double-blind comparative study of topical acetyl zingerone with tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate versus tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate alone on facial photoaging](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38525606/) Tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate · Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2024 - [A Double-Blind, 12-Week Study to Evaluate the Antiaging Efficacy of a Cream Containing the NFκB Inhibitor 4-Hexyl-1, 3-Phenylenediol and Ascorbic Acid-2 Glucoside in Adult Females](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27272084/) Ascorbyl glucoside · Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2016 - [Portulaca oleracea extract relieves skin barrier damage induced by increased photosensitivity after GA peeling](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35920724/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2022 - [Treatment with Ascorbyl Glucoside-Arginine Complex Ameliorates Solar Lentigos](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39769217/) Ascorbyl glucoside · International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 2024 - [Low-temperature extracted Portulaca oleracea L. as a functional ingredient in facial masks for photorejuvenation of sensitive skin](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41182319/) Lactobacillus portulaca oleracea extract ferment · Cutaneous and Ocular Toxicology, 2025 ## The brands - German skincare: [Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/dr-barbara-sturm) - Skincare: [FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/brands/fre) ## More comparisons - [SKIN1004 vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/skin1004-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [SKIN1004 vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/skin1004-vs-fre) - [Anua vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/anua-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Anua vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/anua-vs-fre) - [Medicube vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/medicube-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Medicube vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/medicube-vs-fre) - [The Ordinary vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/the-ordinary-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [The Ordinary vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/the-ordinary-vs-fre) - [Beauty of Joseon vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Beauty of Joseon vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/beauty-of-joseon-vs-fre) - [COSRX vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cosrx-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [COSRX vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cosrx-vs-fre) - [CeraVe vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cerave-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [CeraVe vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/cerave-vs-fre) - [La Roche-Posay vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [La Roche-Posay vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/la-roche-posay-vs-fre) - [Dr. Althea vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/dr-althea-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Dr. Althea vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/dr-althea-vs-fre) - [Some By Mi vs Dr. Barbara Sturm](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/some-by-mi-vs-dr-barbara-sturm) - [Some By Mi vs FRE](https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/some-by-mi-vs-fre) ## About the Lovi Fit Lovi: Unbiased, science-based skincare AI trained on real user outcomes. Lovi compares products by their fit scores, calculated from the full ingredient list with brand-independent rules its dermatologists and cosmetic chemists build and review, and personalizes every pick with AI trained on the real results of millions of users. Lovi trains its fit score models on a proprietary dataset built from more than 10,000 expert-labeled products and more than 100,000 simulated examples, following an internally consistent methodology presented at Cosmoprof, AMWC, and Skin of Color Update. Levels from best to worst: Superior, High, Average, Low, Caution, Warning. Behind this comparison: Nadia Kapleva, MS (Co-founder, Medical Director); Alexey Shagraev, PhD (Co-founder, CEO and CTO); Dr. Sofía Perea Pérez, MD, MSc (Medical Board); Aishani Shah, MD (Medical Board); Asya Zubkova, MS (Medical Board); Hanna Kurets, MD (Medical Board, Medical Advisor); Elina Nazarenko, MD (Medical Board); Victoria Derkova, MS (Medical Board). Page built Nov 8, 2026. More from Lovi: https://lovi.care/skincare/llms.txt ## This page in other countries - United States: https://lovi.care/skincare/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre - United Kingdom: https://lovi.care/skincare/uk/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre - Ireland: https://lovi.care/skincare/ie/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre - Germany: https://lovi.care/skincare/de/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre - France: https://lovi.care/skincare/fr/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre - Italy: https://lovi.care/skincare/it/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre - Netherlands: https://lovi.care/skincare/nl/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre - Spain: https://lovi.care/skincare/es/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre - Canada: https://lovi.care/skincare/ca/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre - Australia: https://lovi.care/skincare/au/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre - Singapore: https://lovi.care/skincare/sg/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre - Saudi Arabia: https://lovi.care/skincare/sa/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre (this page) - United Arab Emirates: https://lovi.care/skincare/ae/compare/dr-barbara-sturm-vs-fre