Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum Review

Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum
3.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
6.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 3.0 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizer Well-Suited for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 3.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a high humectancy of 6.0 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Algae Extract (est. ≈3.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is well-suited for oily skin, providing moderate 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 Enhancement for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant enhancement 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 Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract (est. ≈6.0%), Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract (est. ≈4.0%) and Algae Extract (est. ≈3.0%).

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 Iluma Intense Brightening Serum is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract (est. ≈4.0%).

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 Iluma Intense Brightening Serum

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening 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 Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening 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 Image Skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Centella Asiatica Extract, and Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate. 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 Iluma Intense Brightening Serum

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

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing well-suited for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • 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 Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract

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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Function:
Origin:
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Algae Extract
Function:
Origin:
Muscle Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Hexylresorcinol
Function:
Origin:
Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Azelaic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sucrose Palmitate
Function:
Origin:
Pueraria Tuberosa Leaf Cell Extract
Function:
Origin:
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Function:
Origin:
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Morus Alba Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rumex Occidentalis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Tocopheryl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Xanthan Gum
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 20
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
6.0
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
3.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 6.0 10
6.0
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
3.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 6.0 10
6
All humectants
6.0
3
1.5
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
- 4 -
n/a
- 1.5 -
n/a
- 1.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
4
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.5
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
-
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
4
3
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 19.1 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
19.1
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
6
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
4
Algae Extract
3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
1.5
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
1.3
Hexylresorcinol
0.3
Arbutin
0.3
Pueraria Tuberosa Leaf Cell Extract
0.3
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
0.3
Corallina Officinalis Extract
0.3
Morus Alba Leaf Extract
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
0.3
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
0.3
Tocopheryl Acetate
0.3
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 7.6 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
7.6
4
1.5
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.
Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Citrus Unshiu Peel ExtractThis extract derived from satsuma mandarins mainly contains a fragrant essential oil. It is rich in antioxidant flavonoids, organic acids, and limonoids – promising anti-pigment and anti-wrinkle compounds.
Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Est. %4
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.
Algae Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Algae ExtractThe name describes any extract made from any kind of algae. Algae extracts are moisturizing humectants – the gelatin-like polysaccharides bind and retain water, thereby hydrating the skin. Algae is a rich source of emollient and antioxidant compounds.
Muscle Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Muscle Extract
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Ascorbyl PhosphateThe most researched derivative of vitamin C. It boosts collagen synthesis, thereby improving skin structure and elasticity. SAP is effective in the treatment of inflamed acne lesions and has a weak but positive effect on pigmentation issues.
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer
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.
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.
Azelaic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Azelaic AcidA powerful dermatological ingredient that helps to treat acne and various pigmentation issues. It appears both in medicated creams and regular skincare. It reduces redness and inflammation but can be irritating in high concentrations.
Sucrose Palmitate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sucrose PalmitateSucrose palmitate is a sugar-based emulsifier, typically used in lotions or creams that are oil in water emulsions. One of the main benefits to these kinds of emulsifiers is their sustainability, but they are also milder on the skin.
Pueraria Tuberosa Leaf Cell Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pueraria Tuberosa Leaf Cell Extract
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chlorella Vulgaris ExtractA dried mass of tiny, single-cell green algae. It is widely used as a food source or dietary supplement since it is rich in proteins, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. This dark green extract is used as an antioxidant agent in skincare.
Corallina Officinalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Corallina Officinalis ExtractAn extract from red marine alga, Corallina officinalis is used in skincare for its antioxidant properties. It also contains an immense amount of calcium and special, sulfur-containing polysaccharides.
Morus Alba Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Morus Alba Leaf ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the white mulberry tree. It is rich in antioxidant and astringent compounds and shows potent antimicrobial and antifungal activities.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Echinacea Purpurea ExtractAn extract derived from purple echinacea flowers with antioxidant phenolic acids - cichoric and caftaric acid.
Rumex Occidentalis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rumex Occidentalis Extract
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit ExtractAn extract from the fruits of the Indian gooseberry, also called Amla, which is rich in acids, vitamin C, astringent tannins, and humectant moisturizing sugars.
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.
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Anthemis Nobilis Flower ExtractAn antioxidant and soothing flower extract derived from Roman chamomile. It contains an essential oil that gives it a sweet and floral aroma.
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Salix Nigra (Willow) Bark ExtractAn extract obtained from black willow bark. It contains astringent tannins and salicin (which is converted to salicylic acid). Salicin has similar anti-inflammatory activity to aspirin.
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.

Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Magnesium Ascorbyl PhosphateOne of the best-researched derivatives of vitamin C. It is more resistant to light and air and retains all the properties of ascorbic acid – antioxidant, collagen-boosting, and anti-pigmentation, but with less irritation.
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.
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 20
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 20A viscous, amber-colored liquid that functions as a solubilizer to disperse small amounts of oil into a large water phase. Polysorbate 20 is frequently used to solubilize fragrance oils into water-based emulsions.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
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.
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.
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 Polystyrene Sulfonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate