ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation Review

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
7.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
4.8 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Ingredients

ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation Ingredients

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Full Ingredient List (INCI):

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Coconut Alkanes, Caprylyl Methicone, Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate, Cetearyl Isononanoate, Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate, Boron Nitride, Dimethicone, Disteardimonium Hectorite, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder, Rosa Centifolia Flower Water, Gluconolactone, Glycerin, Isopentyldiol, Sodium Chloride, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Squalane, Tocopherol, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Pentylene Glycol, Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum, Hydrogenated Lecithin, Calcium Gluconate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract, Phenethyl Alcohol, Bisabolol, Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891), Iron Oxides (CI 77499), Iron Oxides (CI 77491), Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Review

Does ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation Work?

 
According to CreamScan's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation has to offer:
 
✅ Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 7.4 out of 10.
✅ Soothing: ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
✅ Antioxidant protection

  

Key Benefits of ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation:
 

🔵🔵 Perfect Moisturizer for Normal to Dry Skin with a Balanced Texture, Neither Too Light nor Too Heavy

According to CreamScan analysis, ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 7.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈60.0%), and a moderate occlusivity of 4.8 out of 10, mainly due to the high content of Caprylyl Methicone (est. ≈6.0%).

This type of moisturizer is ideal for people with normal skin who want maximum hydration in a formula with a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy. It combines a very high concentration of humectants with a moderate amount of occlusive ingredients to deliver effective dual-action moisturizing for normal skin.

This product may also be a good choice for people with normal to dry skin for daily hydration.

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

🍀 Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈60.0%).

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.

🔴 Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈60.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

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

Things to Be Aware Of: ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

 
CreamScan identified a few things to consider before adding ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation to your skincare routine:
 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

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

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

While this does not categorically rule out the possibility that Gluconolactone may reduce wrinkles, its efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were available 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 ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

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

🟩 Pros:

✅ Perfect for moisturizing normal skin
Balanced texture, neither too light nor too heavy
✅ Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
✅ Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, specifically Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
 

⭕ Cons: 

⚠️ Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy
   

Summary: ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation

 
Based on the ingredient list analysis, CreamScan AI suggests that ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation
 is an ideal moisturizer for normal skin, combining a very high concentration of humectants with a significant amount of occlusive ingredients in a balanced texture - neither too light nor too heavy.
 
Rich in antioxidants, ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation helps protect against free radical damage and offers multiple benefits for all skin types, including preventing premature aging, defending against environmental damage, and calming inflammation. This product is also formulated with a high concentration of soothing ingredients, offering the potential to calm and comfort irritated skin. Whether you’re experiencing redness, irritation, or general sensitivity, its soothing properties may help restore balance and provide relief.
 
That said, there are some things about ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation worth noting.
 
If one of your main reasons for considering ILIA True Skin Serum Foundation is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, its anti-wrinkle efficacy is questionable. None of the ingredients in this product provide substantial evidence of their anti-wrinkle efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.
 
📌 Fact check. At CreamScan, we are committed to accuracy and fairness. If you spot any errors or something that doesn’t seem right, please click here to let us know. We regularly update the ingredient lists and monitor the latest research on ingredient efficacy to ensure that our information remains as complete and precise as possible. The information provided here is for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional advice. We do not guarantee the efficacy or safety of any product, as individual results may vary.

 

Ingredient Breakdown

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
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Coconut Alkanes
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Methicone
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Isononanoate
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Boron Nitride
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Centifolia Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Gluconolactone
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Isopentyldiol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Chloride
Function:
Origin:
Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Rosa Moschata Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Calcium Gluconate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phenethyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Bisabolol
Function:
Origin:
Titanium Dioxide (CI 77891)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77491)
Function:
Origin:
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
61.8
60
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
9.6
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
7.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 61.8 10
10.0
60
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 9.6 20
4.8
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
7.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
60
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 61.8 10
10
All humectants
61.8
60
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 9.6 20
4.8
All occlusives
9.6
6.0
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Gluconolactone
-
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
60
0.3
All antioxidants 60.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
60.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
60
Tocopherol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
60
0.3
0.3
All soothing 60.6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
60.6
60
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %60
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Coconut Alkanes
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Coconut AlkanesAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient mixture that is similar to paraffin. It is produced from coconut oil and can allegedly form a soft, non-greasy film on the skin’s surface. It can be used as an alternative to silicones.
Caprylyl Methicone
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Caprylyl MethiconeA liquid silicone with occlusive moisturizing properties. Being compatible with natural oils is a challenge for most silicones, but caprylyl methicone plays well with all types of oils.
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-6 Polyricinoleate
Cetearyl Isononanoate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Cetearyl IsononanoateA naturally-derived (coconut or palm oil based) oil with medium richness. It makes skin feel soft and smooth.
Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-2 Isostearate
Boron Nitride
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Boron NitrideA synthetically made compound that has several functions. As an opacifier, it can provide a range of appearances, ranging from translucent to completely opaque. It is also an excellent absorber and is capable of high oil absorption.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
DimethiconeThe most common silicone in skincare. It forms a silky, smooth film on the skin’s surface and can help to prevent water loss. It also aids in wound healing and can treat and soften scars. Dimethicone is considered to be very safe for use.
Disteardimonium Hectorite
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Disteardimonium HectoriteA clay ingredient that functions primarily as a viscosity controlling agent that thickens all types of formulas. Disteardimonium hectorite imparts a smooth, velvety feel, making it a luxurious addition to any formula.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Hull Powder
Rosa Centifolia Flower Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Centifolia Flower WaterRosa centifolia flower water is fragrant water that is leftover after the steam distillation of the rose petals from the Rosa centifolia – the Provence rose or cabbage rose (referring to its rich, multi-petal flower head). Read more on rose oil here: Rosa Damascena Flower oil.
Gluconolactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
GluconolactoneA PHA derived from glucose. It has exfoliating and humectant properties and acts as a penetration enhancer for other ingredients. It has also been shown to assist in the treatment of acne and the prevention of photoaging.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Isopentyldiol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isopentyldiol

An alcohol that improves moisturization by drawing in water.

Sodium Chloride
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Chloride

You’re definitely familiar with sodium chloride, even if you don’t think you are. It’s table salt! Salt works well with some cleansing ingredients (surfactants) to thicken them into gels. It also acts as a stabilizer for water-in-oil emulsions.

Coco-Caprylate/Caprate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coco-Caprylate/CaprateA naturally-derived emollient ester. It is a blend of caprylates and caprates and, relative to other emollients, is lightweight and dry on the skin. As a result, coco-caprylate/caprate serves as a natural alternative to volatile silicones.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %0.3
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.
Adansonia Digitata Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adansonia Digitata Seed OilAn excellent occlusive (moisturizing) and emollient oil derived from baobab tree seeds. It is known to be a non-irritating ingredient on the skin.
Rosa Moschata Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosa Moschata Seed OilAn occlusive and emollient fatty oil expressed from the seeds of the musk rose that is rich in antioxidant carotenoids such as pro-vitamin A.
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sclerocarya Birrea Seed OilA famous but not well enough researched emollient fatty oil from the seeds of Marula fruits. It contains fatty acids and a lot of antioxidant and emollient phytosterols.
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed OilA liquid plant wax, also known as Jojoba oil, pressed from the seeds of Simmondsia chinensis. These seeds can contain up to 50% of liquid wax. It is used as an occlusive moisturizer, emollient, and emulsifier.
Squalane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SqualaneAn occlusive moisturizing and emollient compound that forms part of the skin’s sebum. The main source of squalane had always been shark liver. Now, however, it is manufactured synthetically or derived from plant oils, such as olive and peanut 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.

Triethoxycaprylylsilane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethoxycaprylylsilaneA binding and coating ingredient that allows pigments like iron oxides and mica to disperse better in oily environments. This leads to more vibrant colors.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) Gum
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pistacia Lentiscus (Mastic) GumA thick, film-forming, adhesive, and fragrant natural gum called mastic gum. It consists of resin-scented essential oil.
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrogenated LecithinA version of plain lecithin that has been saturated with hydrogen atoms. This ingredient can be derived from plants, like soy or sunflower, from egg yolks, or made synthetically. Its major function is to emulsify water and oils.
Calcium Gluconate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Calcium GluconateA white crystalline powder that can act as a humectant when dissolved into water. It is also a chelating agent.
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.
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Jasminum Officinale (Jasmine) Flower/Leaf ExtractObtained from the leaves and fragrant flowers of jasmine, this soothing and occlusive moisturizing extract has a beautiful heavy, sweet, jasmine scent.
Phenethyl Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phenethyl AlcoholA multifunctional ingredient that primarily serves as a preservative. Derived from the Chinese cinnamon tree, it provides broad-spectrum protection for skincare products through its antimicrobial efficacy.
Bisabolol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bisabolol

An anti-inflammatory compound found naturally in German chamomile essential oil. It has a pleasant, sweet, and floral scent. Bisabolol also has soothing and anti-inflammatory properties but can cause an allergic reaction in more sensitive individuals.

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 77499)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77499)A black colorant also known as black iron oxide used in a wide range of skincare products.
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.
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iron Oxides (CI 77492)Also known as iron (III) oxide, this ingredient is a yellow-colored pigment that can either be derived from minerals or produced synthetically. It adds yellow tones to cosmetic products.