Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm Review

Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm
5.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.2 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
9.1Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.
  • Potent anti-wrinkle effect. With an anti-wrinkle rating of 9.1 out of 10, Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm is highly potent in reducing wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm:
 

Lightweight Humectant Moisturizer Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.1 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Significantly more humectant. It has a low occlusivity of 0.2 out of 10 and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈9.0%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%) and Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, offering significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula with a minimal amount of occlusive ingredients.

It’s also a great choice for people with normal skin who prefer lightweight moisturizers.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost 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.

Potent Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm has a very high anti-wrinkle rating of 9.1 out of 10.

It contains 3 active ingredients with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy:

  • Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%),
     one of the most effective and well-researched anti-wrinkle ingredients. A clinical study involving 30 participants (Kawada et al.) confirmed that a cream with 4% niacinamide reduced the average depth of wrinkles around the eyes by 9% after 8 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without niacinamide).
  • Asiaticoside (est. ≈0.3%),
     derived from the plant Centella asiatica, an ingredient with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 27 participants (Lee et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.1% asiaticoside reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 12 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without asiaticoside).
  • Ascorbic Acid (est. ≈0.3%),
     or Vitamin C, a popular ingredient, yet with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 20 participants (Humbert et al.). This study showed that a cream with a relatively high concentration of 5% ascorbic acid reduced the average wrinkle depth by 7% after 6 months of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without ascorbic acid).
Among others, Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm also contains contains Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract and Caffeine, 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. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to the anti-wrinkle rating.
 

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%), Hyaluronic Acid (est. ≈2.5%), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (est. ≈2.4%), and others.

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, Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Niacinamide (est. ≈4.0%), Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract (est. ≈2.4%) and Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

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.

Pros & Cons of Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Lumin Dark Cirlcle Defense Balm to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Delivers potent anti-wrinkle efficacy thanks to ingredients like Niacinamide and Asiaticoside, among others
  • 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 like Niacinamide and Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract

Cons: 

  • We couldn't find any

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
65
9
6
4
2.5
2.4
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
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Niacinamide
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coptis Japonica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Caffeine
Function:
Origin:
Kojic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Function:
Origin:
Ascorbic Acid
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Asiaticoside
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Arginine
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Chlorphenesin
Function:
Origin:
Hydrogenated Lecithin
Function:
Origin:
HEMA
Function:
Origin:
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Function:
Origin:
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Citronellol
Function:
Origin:
Limonene
Function:
Origin:
Geraniol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
27.9
9
6
4
2.5
2.4
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 27.9 10
10.0
9
6
4
2.5
2.4
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
0.3
Moisturizing rating
5.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
9
6
4
2.5
2.4
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 27.9 10
10
All humectants
27.9
9
6
4
2.5
2.4
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
0.3
All occlusives 0.3 20
0.2
All occlusives
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
6 /10 4 4 6
3 /10 0.1 0.3 3
2.5 /10 5 0.3 0.1
n/a
- 1 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
9.1
Niacinamide
6
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
6 /10
when present at, %
4
in this formula, est. %
4
Asiaticoside
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
3 /10
when present at, %
0.1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.1
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
2.5 /10
when present at, %
5
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1
Caffeine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
9.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
4
2.5
2.4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 14.6 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
14.6
Niacinamide
4
Hyaluronic Acid
2.5
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
2.4
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
2
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
1.5
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
1
Asiaticoside
0.3
Ascorbic Acid
0.3
Caffeine
0.3
Kojic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
4
2.4
2
1.5
1
All soothing 10.9 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
10.9
4
2.4
2
1.5
1
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %65
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.
Glycerin
Est. %9
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Butylene Glycol
Est. %6
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.

Niacinamide
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Niacinamide

Also known as vitamin B3, this ingredient is a true superstar with confirmed moisturizing, anti-acne, hyperpigmentation, and antioxidant benefits. Two studies confirm its significant anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.

Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract
Est. %2.4
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.
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root ExtractA fragrant and anti-inflammatory extract derived from ginger roots. It is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine. In can increase blood circulation, which helps with skin healing and skin metabolism.
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Schisandra Chinensis Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant, soothing, and humectant moisturizing extract obtained from Chinese magnolia-vine berries. Its main compounds are soothing and immunomodulatory lignans.
Coptis Japonica Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Coptis Japonica Extract
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %1
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.

Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Myrothamnus Flabellifolia Leaf/Stem Extract
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).
Kojic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Kojic AcidA bioactive compound isolated from various fungi or fermented products. It is one of the most common and potent anti-pigment and brightening ingredients, and has been successfully tested on humans.
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) ButterA semi-solid, buttery fat extracted from the seeds of the Shea tree that is a wonderful occlusive and emollient ingredient mainly comprised of fatty acids. Shea butter contains a large amount of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds.
Ascorbic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ascorbic Acid

Also known as vitamin C, this multi-benefit ingredient has proven anti-wrinkle, antioxidant, and anti-pigmentation efficacy. It degrades easily when exposed to air and light, so it requires proper packaging to maintain its stability.

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.
Asiaticoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiaticoside

A Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica derivative with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

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.
Arginine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ArginineA humectant amino acid used to attract water to the skin’s surface. It is a part of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Arginine can also be used as a pH adjuster.
Propanediol
Est. %0.3
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.
Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Chlorphenesin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
ChlorphenesinA preservative and broad-spectrum antimicrobial agent that protects products from a wide range of bacteria and fungi.
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.
HEMA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HEMA
Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polyglyceryl-10 StearateA naturally-derived or synthetically produced mild emulsifier.
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate CrosspolymerA synthetic ingredient that is used to thicken water and alcohol. It results in a more lightweight formula and is commonly found in gel products.
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor OilA white paste-like substance derived from castor oil that belongs to a group of ingredients called PEGs (polyethylene glycols). It acts as a perfume solubilizer that helps fragrance agents dissolve in water and as a cleansing agent.
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl Taurate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ammonium Polyacryloyldimethyl TaurateAn emulsion stabilizer and thickener with gelling properties. The products containing this ingredient frequently feature lightweight and refreshing aesthetics upon application to the skin.
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.
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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Citronellol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellol

A fragrant compound found naturally in many essential oils (mainly lemongrass). It can have a lemon or a rose scent. People with sensitive skin should try to avoid products with citronellol, or at least do a patch test before using it.

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.

Geraniol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Geraniol

A fragrant, volatile, plant-based, liquid chemical that can be naturally found in many essential oils (specifically rose, palmarosa, citronella). It has a rose-like scent. It is a potential irritant and may cause an allergic reaction in some people.