Alluskin Lightbulb Serum Review

Alluskin Lightbulb Serum
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Alluskin Lightbulb Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Alluskin Lightbulb Serum has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Alluskin Lightbulb Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Alluskin Lightbulb Serum:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Alluskin Lightbulb Serum is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Propylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%) and Butylene Glycol (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Alluskin Lightbulb Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Arbutin (est. ≈1.5%), Glutathione (est. ≈1.3%), Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate (est. ≈1.0%), and others.

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Alluskin Lightbulb Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Alluskin Lightbulb Serum to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Alluskin Lightbulb Serum as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Alluskin Lightbulb Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, this ingredient does not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Alluskin Lightbulb Serum

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Alluskin Lightbulb Serum to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Dipropylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Glutathione
Function:
Origin:
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Function:
Origin:
Betula Alba Bark/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Tyrosine
Function:
Origin:
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Function:
Origin:
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Sulfite
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
13.5
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 13.5 10
10.0
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 13.5 10
10
All humectants
13.5
6
4
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 1 -
Total
0
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 5.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
5.6
Arbutin
1.5
Glutathione
1.3
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
1
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
0.3
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
0.3
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Sodium Sulfite
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.7 5 No
All soothing
2.7
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Propylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
Dipropylene Glycol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Dipropylene GlycolA clear, colorless liquid that has several uses. One of its main functions is as a solvent. Dipropylene glycol is also used to reduce the thickness of skincare products.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Arbutin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
ArbutinOne of the few potent anti-pigment compounds found naturally in bearberry or cranberry leaves. When applied to the skin, this ingredient converts into hydroquinone, with tyrosinase inhibiting effects.
Glutathione
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
GlutathioneA naturally occurring tripeptide that combats free radicals and acts as a reducing agent.
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Aminopropyl Ascorbyl PhosphateOne of the most recent vitamin C derivatives. Although the manufacturer claims it has all the powers of ascorbic acid (e.g., it is collagen-boosting and able to treat hyperpigmentation), this has not been proven in scientific studies.
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Achillea Millefolium Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Achillea Millefolium ExtractAn extract obtained from the common yarrow. It is full of astringent and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals that help with inflamed skin and wound healing, have soothing and refreshing effects on the skin, and give the product a fresh, green, and spicy scent.
Betula Alba Bark/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Betula Alba Bark/Leaf Extract
Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Equisetum Arvense Leaf Extract
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Flower/Leaf ExtractAn antiseptic and fragrant thyme extract that consists mainly of thyme essential oil, flavonoids, terpenes, and organic acids. Thymol gives it a spicy, herbal scent.
Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot) Leaf Extract
Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Urtica Dioica (Nettle) Extract
Acetyl Tyrosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl TyrosineAcetyl tyrosine is a derivative of the amino acid tyrosine. It is used as a tanning agent in skincare, helping pigment cells (melanosomes) to produce more dark skin pigment.
Saxifraga Sarmentosa Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saxifraga Sarmentosa ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the strawberry saxifrage plant. It contains antioxidant flavonoids.
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Paeonia Suffruticosa Root ExtractA soothing extract obtained from a hybrid species of tree peony that contains various active compounds such as astringent tannins, terpenes, and paeonols.
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Scutellaria Baicalensis Root ExtractA powerful antioxidant, soothing, and astringent extract derived from the roots of Baikal/Chinese skullcap. It contains various unique flavonoids that are believed to soothe irritated and inflamed skin and protect from UV-induced oxidative damage.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) ExtractAn extract obtained from the twigs and/or leaves of witch hazel. It is one of the oldest skincare remedies known to man. It is astringent and sebum regulating, meaning that it controls the amount of sebum that the skin produces.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
Sodium Sulfite
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium SulfiteAn inorganic salt that defends against oxidation.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.