Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme Review

Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme
6.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
4.5 Humectancy icon Humectancy
7.7 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme has to offer:
 
  • Significant moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 6.1 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme:
 

Moisturizer with the Right Occlusivity for Normal to Dry Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme is highly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 6.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Rather occlusive. It has a moderate humectancy of 4.5 out of 10, primarily due to the substantial concentration of Glycerin (est. ≈3.0%), and a high occlusivity of 7.7 out of 10, mainly due to the significant content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈9.0%) and Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate (est. ≈2.5%).

This type of product, when used as a standalone moisturizer, may provide a significant level of occlusive hydration that is adequate for normal to dry skin.

The occlusive profile of Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme suggests a texture that is rich and creamy but not overly thick, offering the potential to absorb into the skin without leaving a greasy afterfeel in most cases.

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

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (est. ≈4.0%).

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, Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract (est. ≈6.0%).

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 AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It’s Better When Paired with Some Humectants

An ideal moisturizer for any skin type should balance the right level of occlusivity (depending on skin type) with a significant amount of humectants, while Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme contains a moderate level of humectants.

People with normal to dry skin would definitely benefit from adding more humectants to their moisturizing routine beyond what this product offers. If this is your only moisturizer, it may be worth including a humectant-rich product, such as a serum, in your skincare routine.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid, 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 Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Image Skincare Ilium Intense Brightening Creme to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • Provides the right level of occlusivity to moisturize normal to dry skin
  • Rich and creamy texture without being overly thick
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help reduce irritation and soothe the skin

Cons: 

  • Ideally needs to be paired with extra humectants for optimal moisturizing efficacy
  • 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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.15
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Function:
Origin:
Cetearyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Cetyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone
Function:
Origin:
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Bidens Pilosa Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ceteth-10 Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Dicetyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Aminomethyl Propanol
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Phenethyl Alcohol
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Undecylenoyl Dipeptide-16
Function:
Origin:
Disodium Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citral
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Ergothioneine
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
4.5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
15.3
9.0
2.5
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
6.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 4.5 10
4.5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 15.3 20
7.7
9.0
2.5
1.3
1.0
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
6.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 4.5 10
4.5
All humectants
4.5
3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
9
2.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 15.3 20
7.7
All occlusives
15.3
9.0
2.5
1.3
1.0
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
- 4 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
4
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
-
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
4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 6.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
6.7
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
4
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
0.3
Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Ergothioneine
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 6.9 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
6.9
6
0.3
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.
Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the flowers of the common daisy with additional astringent and wound healing benefits.
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Tetrahexyldecyl AscorbateA lipid-soluble form of vitamin C that is more stable and less irritating than ascorbic acid. According to a recent clinical study, THDA has all the capabilities of regular vitamin C, including anti-wrinkle and anti-pigment activity.
Glycerin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate

Description is coming soon

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.
Cetyl Alcohol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Cetyl AlcoholA waxy solid fatty alcohol derived from palm oil. It is most commonly used as a co-emulsifier and affects the final aesthetic of the product, leaving a soft and silky feeling on the skin. Cetyl alcohol is also used as a viscosity controlling agent.
Dimethicone
Est. %1.3
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.
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) OilA fatty oil expressed from the pulp of the oil palm fruits. It is mostly composed of occlusive and emollient saturated fatty acids. The unrefined oil has a large amount of antioxidant carotenoids.
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.
PEG-100 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-100 StearateThis surfactant is more specifically classified as an emulsifier that produces oil-in-water emulsions. PEG-100 stearate can also be used as a cleansing agent.
Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed OilDerived from the seeds of the cotton plant, this emollient and occlusive fatty oil is mainly comprised of linoleic and palmitic acids. It also contains large amounts of phospholipids - key components of all cell membranes.
Stearic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Stearic AcidA saturated fatty acid found in vegetable butter and animal fats. It is an occlusive moisturizing and emollient ingredient and also helps to maintain the barrier function of the skin.
Bidens Pilosa Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bidens Pilosa Extract
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Grandis Peel Oil

A fragrant essential oil obtained from pomelo peels - sometimes mislabeled as grapefruit. The high limonene content is responsible for its citrusy scent. It may induce sun allergies in people sensitive to citrus fruits.

Limonene
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Limonene

One of the most used fragrances in skincare products. It is produced from the peels of citrus fruits and has a fresh, pleasant, citrusy smell. People who are sensitive to citrus should try to avoid it, or at least do a patch test before using it.

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.
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed OilAn emollient and occlusive fatty oil pressed from flax seeds. It is the richest source of linolenic fatty acid (it contains up to 50% of it) among vegetable oils.
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root ExtractAn extract derived from the thick roots of curcuma (turmeric), a famous yellow spice and a major ingredient in curry powder. It is used in skincare for its proven antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
Ceteth-10 Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ceteth-10 Phosphate
Dicetyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dicetyl Phosphate
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate CopolymerAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener that helps to create a pleasant, satiny, and light formula texture. It works by forming a gel-like network within water or oil, which both stabilizes other ingredients and produces a thickening effect.
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.
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.
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.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
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.
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic AcidA derivative of vitamin C. Its stability in skincare formulations is better than ascorbic acid’s, although clinical studies are yet to indicate whether it has the same collagen-boosting benefits.
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Tocopheryl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tocopheryl Acetate

An antioxidant derivative of tocopherol (vitamin E). It helps to protect cells from free radicals and UV damage through the conversion to active vitamin E in the skin. It is more stable than tocopherol.

Aminomethyl Propanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aminomethyl PropanolA synthetic ingredient that helps to adjust the pH of a product to make it less acidic.
Polysorbate 60
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 60An ester based on sorbitan. It is good for emulsifying water and oils together – specifically making oil-in-water emulsions. Polysorbate 60 is also said to give a product a notable fragrance.
Alcohol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AlcoholAn effective antimicrobial ingredient that kills bacteria, fungi, and even some viruses. It is also an excellent solvent and astringent. Alcohol helps to create lighter and less viscous products. It can, however, be dehydrating and skin-sensitizing.
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.
Lecithin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
LecithinA humectant, emollient, and emulsifier best suited for water-in-oil emulsions. Lecithin can come from sunflowers, soy, and eggs. The downside to lecithin is that it causes an extra burden on the formula’s preservative because it is nutritious.
Sorbitan Isostearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sorbitan IsostearateA mild yet powerful emulsifier primarily utilized to produce water-in-oil emulsions. It helps to create a particularly rich and substantial emulsion.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root ExtractAn extract from the licorice root. It contains a well-researched anti-inflammatory compound called glycyrrhizin that can reduce inflammation. Licorice root extract is also used for its powerful antioxidant effects and ability to treat pigmentation.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil
Methyl Undecylenoyl Dipeptide-16
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl Undecylenoyl Dipeptide-16
Disodium Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium PhosphateAn inorganic ingredient primarily used in skincare products as a pH adjuster.
Melissa Officinalis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melissa Officinalis Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract derived from lemon balm leaves with antioxidant and antiviral flavonoids and terpenes. It has a lovely, fresh, lemon-like scent.
Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lepidium Sativum Sprout ExtractA pungently fragrant extract derived from cress. It that is rich in sulfur and contains antioxidant and anti-inflammatory flavonoids, carotenoids, and organic acids.
Citral
Est. %0.15
Function
Origin
Citral

A fragrant compound found in many essential oils (especially lemon myrtle and lemongrass essential oil). It has a sweet, lemon-like scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citral, or at least do a patch test before using.

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.

Ergothioneine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ErgothioneineA naturally-occurring amino acid that functions as a powerful and versatile antioxidant.