ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream Review

ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream
9.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
8.3 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream has to offer:
 
  • Intense moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 9.2 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream:
 

Rich Moisturizer Perfect for Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream is intensely moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 9.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Propanediol (est. ≈4.0%) and Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%), and a very high occlusivity of 8.3 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈9.0%) and Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with dry skin who want intense hydration. It combines a high concentration of humectants and occlusive ingredients to provide effective dual-action moisturizing specifically for dry skin.

The occlusive profile of ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream suggests a rich, thick texture, making it perfectly suited for dry skin.

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil (est. ≈6.0%).

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: ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream to your skincare routine:
 

Best for Dry Skin - May Be Too Thick for Other Skin Types

With high occlusivity, this product is optimal for dry skin but may be too thick for combination and especially oily skin. Even on normal skin, it can feel too rich depending on the quantity applied, the environment, and individual preferences.

If you have oily, combination, or normal skin and are considering purchasing this product for the first time, it might be a good idea to try a sample before buying.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Caffeine and Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their 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, these ingredients do 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 ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of ILIA Bright Start Retinol Alternative Brightening Eye Cream to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Rich moisturizer perfect for dry skin: highly occlusive and humectant-rich
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage

Cons: 

  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
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
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Function:
Origin:
Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters
Function:
Origin:
Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Behenyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Function:
Origin:
Mica
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Squalene
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Phytosteryl Macadamiate
Function:
Origin:
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Crithmum Maritimum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phytosterols
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Citrate
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
10.1
4
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
16.6
9.0
6.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
9.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 10.1 10
10.0
4
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 16.6 20
8.3
9.0
6.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
9.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
All humectants 10.1 10
10
All humectants
10.1
4
3
2.5
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
6
1
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 16.6 20
8.3
All occlusives
16.6
9.0
6.0
1.0
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 7.8 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
7.8
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
6
Caffeine
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Squalene
0.3
Crithmum Maritimum Extract
0.3
Phytosterols
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric TriglycerideA natural occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient, it is a blend of glycerin and two fatty acids, caprylic and capric acid. It creates an oil-based protective layer on the skin, thereby preventing water loss.
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) OilA fatty oil expressed from the fleshy part of an avocado, used in skincare for its excellent emollient and occlusive moisturizing properties. Avocado oil contains fatty acids, notably oleic acid (up to 80%), squalene, vitamin E, and carotenoids.
Propanediol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Pentylene Glycol
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Cetearyl Alcohol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Cetearyl AlcoholA blend of cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol, the fatty alcohols that are derived from palm oil. It helps to create emulsions that give off a soft and silky emollient feel and also increase product thickness.
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Candelilla/Jojoba/Rice Bran Polyglyceryl-3 Esters
Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Jojoba Oil/Macadamia Seed Oil Esters
Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Brassica Campestris/Aleurites Fordi Oil Copolymer
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glyceryl StearateAn emollient and emulsifier typically derived from vegetable sources through a chemical reaction with glycerin. It provides stability, texture, and consistency to formulations. Its main function is to allow oil and water to mix.
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Behenyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Behenyl AlcoholA fatty alcohol with emollient properties. It is used as a co-emulsifier and thickener and tends to result in a product with a smooth and creamy application texture.
Caffeine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CaffeineAn antioxidant compound that is obtained from coffee and tea leaves. It increases the microcirculation of blood in the skin and is claimed to be able to reduce the appearance of orange peel skin (although the research is lacking).
Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters
Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Stearoyl LactylateA negatively charged surfactant that mixes oils with water and cleanses skin.
Mica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MicaA mineral powder made up of silicates with several functions (the main one being as a colorant). It has a shimmery appearance, making it highly desirable in certain cosmetic products. Mica also helps the product to apply more smoothly.
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.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Squalene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualeneOne of the main ingredients in the skin’s sebum. It helps to rebuild the natural oily film on the skin’s surface and to prevent transdermal water loss. Squalene is listed among common comedogenic ingredients by acne.org.
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylic/Capric/Succinic Triglyceride
Xanthan Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Xanthan GumA natural multi-functional ingredient that originates from fermented sugars. Xanthan gum acts as a viscosity-building agent to thicken skincare products. It is also an excellent stabilizer and works well to hold other ingredients together.
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.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Phytosteryl Macadamiate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phytosteryl MacadamiateA richly emollient and occlusive moisturizing product of binding fatty acids from macadamia oil (mostly oleic and palmitoleic acid) with soybean oil phytosterols. It is also used as a formula helper.
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Fruit Extract
Crithmum Maritimum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Crithmum Maritimum ExtractDerived from sea fennel, this extract contains antioxidant flavonoids and organic acids and has a spicy, herbaceous aroma.
Phytosterols
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhytosterolsA plant-based version of cholesterol that is used for its emollient properties in skincare. The richest sources of phytosterols are corn, rapeseed, and wheat germ oil.
Tocopherol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopherol

Simply another name for vitamin E. Tocopherol is a fantastic ingredient and especially beneficial for dry and inflamed skin. It has occlusive moisturizing, emollient, antioxidant, and photoprotective properties.

Acetyl Hexapeptide-8
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acetyl Hexapeptide-8

A small synthetic peptide that is thought to act similarly to Botox by calming contractions of the facial muscles and reducing expression wrinkles. The effect is only temporary and it does not improve the skin structure in any way.

Sodium Citrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium CitrateA salt of citric acid that has a salty and tart flavor and is used as a fragrance. It is mildly basic, meaning that its addition to a skincare product can adjust the pH upward.
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)One of two the most commonly used mineral sunscreens. It can absorb UV light, including UVB – which causes burning, tanning, and even skin cancer. Also used as a colorant, titanium dioxide gives a product a bright white color.
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)A red colorant also known as red iron oxide. This is an EU-approved colorant used in a wide variety of products.