IMAGE skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum Versus Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum
Updated on August 23, 2023
Overview
What they are
These products are both cruelty-free and reef safe serums. They have a total of 9 ingredients in common
Cool Features
They both contain Vitamin C and Vitamin E
Suited For
They're both likely to be good for anti aging, brightening skin, sensitive skin, reducing pores, scar healing, dark spots and better texture
Free From
They both do not contain any harsh alcohols, common allergens, parabens or sulfates
What's Inside
They both contain fragrances
We independently verify ingredients, and our claims are backed by peer-reviewed research. Spot a product that needs an update? Let us know.
Ingredient Info
IMAGE skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum 35 ingredients
Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum 43 ingredients
About this product
About this product
At a glance
Click on any of the items below to learn more
IMAGE skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum 35 ingredients
Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum 43 ingredients
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Key Ingredients
Benefits
Concerns
Ingredients Side-by-side
Water
Skin ConditioningCitrus Unshiu Peel Extract
MaskingMelia Azadirachta Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningAlgae Extract
Emollient
Artemisia Vulgaris Extract
Skin Conditioning
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningDimethicone/Methicone Copolymer
Hexylresorcinol
AntimicrobialArbutin
Antioxidant
Azelaic Acid
Buffering
Sucrose Palmitate
EmollientPueraria Tuberosa Leaf Cell Extract
Antioxidant
Chlorella Vulgaris Extract
Skin ConditioningHydrolyzed Corallina Officinalis
Skin ConditioningMorus Alba Leaf Extract
Skin ConditioningCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Echinacea Purpurea Extract
MoisturisingRumex Occidentalis Extract
Skin ConditioningPhyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract
HumectantGlycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract
Bleaching
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract
Masking
Salix Nigra Bark Extract
Skin ProtectingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate
Antioxidant
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Humectant
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingPolysorbate 20
Emulsifying
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Disodium EDTA
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCitric Acid
Buffering
Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Emulsion StabilisingWater, Citrus Unshiu Peel Extract, Melia Azadirachta Leaf Extract, Algae Extract, Artemisia Vulgaris Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Arctostaphylos Uva-Ursi Leaf Extract, Dimethicone/Methicone Copolymer, Hexylresorcinol, Arbutin, Azelaic Acid, Sucrose Palmitate, Pueraria Tuberosa Leaf Cell Extract, Chlorella Vulgaris Extract, Hydrolyzed Corallina Officinalis, Morus Alba Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Echinacea Purpurea Extract, Rumex Occidentalis Extract, Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra Root Extract, Anthemis Nobilis Flower Extract, Salix Nigra Bark Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate, Xanthan Gum, Polysorbate 20, Potassium Sorbate, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citric Acid, Sodium Polystyrene Sulfonate
Water
Skin ConditioningCaprylic/Capric Triglyceride
MaskingGlycerin
Humectant
Sodium Acrylates Copolymer
Sodium Ascorbate
Antioxidant
Ectoin
Skin Conditioning
Carnosine
Skin ConditioningUbiquinone
Antioxidant
Lactoferrin
Skin ConditioningPhysalis Angulata Extract
Skin ProtectingCentella Asiatica Extract
Cleansing
Ergothioneine
Antioxidant
Dunaliella Salina Extract
Skin ConditioningZingiber Officinale Root Extract
MaskingOlea Europaea Leaf Extract
Perfuming
Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract
Antioxidant
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Antimicrobial
Punica Granatum Extract
AstringentBisabolol
Masking
Squalane
Emollient
Betaine
Humectant
Cetyl Palmitate
Emollient
Lecithin
EmollientPropanediol
SolventC12-15 Alkyl Benzoate
AntimicrobialMannitol
HumectantPhosphatidylcholine
EmulsifyingLauryl Glucoside
CleansingPolyglyceryl-10 Laurate
Skin Conditioning
Xanthan Gum
EmulsifyingCetyl Alcohol
Emollient
Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate
EmulsifyingTocopheryl Acetate
Antioxidant
Tocopherol
Antioxidant
Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil
Emollient
Phenoxyethanol
Preservative
Potassium Sorbate
Preservative
Ethylhexylglycerin
Skin ConditioningCaprylhydroxamic Acid
Sodium Benzoate
Masking
Caprylyl Glycol
EmollientLactic Acid
Buffering
Citric Acid
Buffering
Water, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Sodium Acrylates Copolymer, Sodium Ascorbate, Ectoin, Carnosine, Ubiquinone, Lactoferrin, Physalis Angulata Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ergothioneine, Dunaliella Salina Extract, Zingiber Officinale Root Extract, Olea Europaea Leaf Extract, Tremella Fuciformis Sporocarp Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Punica Granatum Extract, Bisabolol, Squalane, Betaine, Cetyl Palmitate, Lecithin, Propanediol, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Mannitol, Phosphatidylcholine, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Xanthan Gum, Cetyl Alcohol, Sodium Lauroyl Lactylate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Phenoxyethanol, Potassium Sorbate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Sodium Benzoate, Caprylyl Glycol, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid
Ingredients Explained
These ingredients are found in both products.
Ingredients higher up in an ingredient list are typically present in a larger amount.
Water. It's the most common cosmetic ingredient of all. You'll usually see it at the top of ingredient lists, meaning that it makes up the largest part of the product.
So why is it so popular? Water most often acts as a solvent - this means that it helps dissolve other ingredients into the formulation.
You'll also recognize water as that liquid we all need to stay alive. If you see this, drink a glass of water. Stay hydrated!
Learn more about WaterCamellia Sinensis Leaf Extract is derived from the leaves of the tea plant. Black tea, green tea, and oolong tea are all harvested from this plant.
This ingredient has many skin benefits:
This ingredient contains polyphenols, a strong antioxidant. Antioxidants help fight off molecules that damage skin cells.
On top of that, the antioxidants in green tea neutralize free-radicals from the sun. This gives the skin some extra UV protection, but should not replace sunscreen.
Many components of tea have anti-inflammatory properties.
Polyphenols and L-theanine help soothe the skin and reduce irritation. The caffeine in Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract helps calm inflamed blood vessels.
Other compounds found in tea include: Vitamin Bs, linoleic acid, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc.
Research has shown both drinking Camellia Sinensis Leaf Tea and applying it to the skin can help boost skin elasticity and hydration. Studies also show using tea extract may reduce sebum, or oil, production.
Learn more about Camellia Sinensis Leaf ExtractCentella Asiatica Extract (Centella) is derived from an herb native to Southeast Asia. It is famous for its anti-inflammatory and soothing properties.
Centella is rich in antioxidants and amino acids, such as Madecassic Acid and Asiaticoside.
Studies show the compounds in centella help with:
The combination of all these properties makes centella effective at soothing, hydrating, and protecting the skin.
Other great components of centella include Vitamin A, vitamin C, several B vitamins, and Asiatic Acid.
Fun fact: Centella has been used as a medicine and in food for many centuries. As a medicine, it is used to treat burns, scratches, and wounds.
Learn more about Centella Asiatica ExtractTocopheryl Acetate is AKA Vitamin E. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin from free radicals. Free radicals damage the skin by breaking down collagen.
One study found using Tocopheryl Acetate with Vitamin C decreased the number of sunburned cells.
Tocopheryl Acetate is commonly found in both skincare and dietary supplements.
Learn more about Tocopheryl AcetateXanthan gum is used as a stabilizer and thickener within cosmetic products. It helps give products a sticky, thick feeling - preventing them from being too runny.
On the technical side of things, xanthan gum is a polysaccharide - a combination consisting of multiple sugar molecules bonded together.
Xanthan gum is a pretty common and great ingredient. It is a natural, non-toxic, non-irritating ingredient that is also commonly used in food products.
Learn more about Xanthan GumPotassium Sorbate is a preservative used to prevent yeast and mold in products. It is commonly found in both cosmetic and food products.
This ingredient comes from potassium salt derived from sorbic acid. Sorbic acid is a natural antibiotic and effective against fungus.
Both potassium sorbate and sorbic acid can be found in baked goods, cheeses, dried meats, dried fruit, ice cream, pickles, wine, yogurt, and more.
You'll often find this ingredient used with other preservatives.
Learn more about Potassium SorbatePhenoxyethanol is a preservative that has germicide, antimicrobial, and aromatic properties. Studies show that phenoxyethanol can prevent microbial growth. By itself, it has a scent that is similar to that of a rose.
It's often used in formulations along with Caprylyl Glycol to preserve the shelf life of products.
Ethylhexylglycerin (we can't pronounce this either) is commonly used as a preservative and skin softener. It is derived from glyceryl.
You might see Ethylhexylglycerin often paired with other preservatives such as phenoxyethanol. Ethylhexylglycerin has been found to increase the effectiveness of these other preservatives.
Citric Acid is an AHA derived from citrus fruits (think oranges, lemons, and limes!).
As an AHA, Citric Acid removes the top layer of skin cells from the newer layer of skin underneath. This helps skin to remove dark spots and even out skin tone.
If you spot Citric Acid near the end of an ingredient list, it's likely there as a pH adjuster rather than an active ingredient.
Read more about some other popular AHA's here:
Learn more about Citric AcidIngredient Ratings
Here's what our community thinks of the ingredients in these products.
When to use
IMAGE skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum 35 ingredients
Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum 43 ingredients
Reviews
Here's what our community thinks
IMAGE skincare Iluma Intense Brightening Serum 35 ingredients
Alastin C-Radical Defense Antioxidant Serum 43 ingredients
I have tried so many vitamin c serums and they all unfortunately broke me out and often stung my overly sensitive skin. I tried everyone's HG, the SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic which was by far the worst. I don't like a lot of Alastin products but this is the only vitamin c I've ever tried that works for me.
