Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Creme

Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Creme
4.2
/ 10
Moisturizing
2.4 Humectancy icon Humectancy
6.1 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants

Review

Does Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Creme work?

Based on the ingredient list analysis by CreamScan AI, these are the key benefits you can expect from using Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Creme:

  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Moisturizer with the right occlusivity for normal to dry skin, ideally to be used with extra humectants

According to CreamScan analysis, Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Creme is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.2 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more occlusive. It has a low Humectancy of 2.4 out of 10 and a high Occlusivity of 6.1 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (est. ≈6.0%) and Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate (est. ≈3.0%).

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.

However, it contains a relatively low level of humectants, and people with normal 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.

The occlusive profile of Image Skincare Iluma 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.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Creme has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Pueraria Lobata Root Extract, and 3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 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.

Rich in skin-protecting antioxidants

We estimate that Image Skincare Iluma 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.

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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Function:
Origin:
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Undecylenoyl Dipeptide-16
Function:
Origin:
Glyceryl Stearate
Function:
Origin:
PEG-100 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ergothioneine
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bidens Pilosa Extract
Function:
Origin:
Squalane
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Tocopherol
Function:
Origin:
Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil
Function:
Origin:
Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil
Function:
Origin:
Stearic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hexylresorcinol
Function:
Origin:
Aminomethyl Propanol
Function:
Origin:
PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 60
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sorbitan Isostearate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
2.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
12.1
6.0
3.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 2.4 10
2.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 12.1 20
6.1
6.0
3.0
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Moisturizing rating
4.2
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 2.4 10
2.4
All humectants
2.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
6
3
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All occlusives 12.1 20
6.1
All occlusives
12.1
6.0
3.0
1.3
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
- 4 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
4
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
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
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 8.3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
8.3
Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate
4
Ergothioneine
1
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
0.3
Lepidium Sativum Sprout Extract
0.3
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
0.3
Arbutin
0.3
Curcuma Longa (Turmeric) Root Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
3-O-Ethyl Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Tocopherol
0.3
Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil
0.3
Hexylresorcinol
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.2 5 No
All soothing
1.2
0.3
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.
Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Extract
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Extract
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride
Est. %6
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.
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.
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol Dicaprylate/Dicaprate

Description is coming soon

Methyl Undecylenoyl Dipeptide-16
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Methyl Undecylenoyl Dipeptide-16
Glyceryl Stearate
Est. %2
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. %1.5
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.
Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil
Est. %1.3
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.
Ergothioneine
Est. %1
Function
Origin
ErgothioneineA naturally-occurring amino acid that functions as a powerful and versatile antioxidant.
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.
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Melia Azadirachta Leaf ExtractAn antimicrobial and antioxidant extract derived from Neem leaves – an Indian traditional medicine. Neem leaves have been found to possess antibacterial and antifungal activity. It is also a prospective anti-wrinkle ingredient.
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.
Pueraria Lobata Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pueraria Lobata Root ExtractAn extract from the roots of Kudzu, a trailing vine native to several Asian countries. It contains a combination of isoflavones and polysaccharides which have been shown to increase the production of collagen and HA in aging skin.
Arbutin
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
Bidens Pilosa Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bidens Pilosa Extract
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.
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.

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.
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.

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.
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.
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.
Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hippophae Rhamnoides OilAn emollient and occlusive moisturizing oil derived from sea-buckthorn seeds or pulp. Both the seeds and the pulp are a rich source of fatty acids, and the pulp also has a high content of antioxidants.
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.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.

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.
Hexylresorcinol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HexylresorcinolA synthetic compound. It is an anti-pigment ingredient that has been shown to be effective in inhibiting tyrosinase activity.
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.
PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-12 Glyceryl Dimyristate
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.
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.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
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.
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.
Propylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
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.
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.
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.