What's In My Jar
Bioelements LightPlex MegaWatt Skin Brightener
Bioelements

Bioelements LightPlex MegaWatt Skin Brightener

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Panthenol, Caprylic/capric triglyceride + 8 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Brightens skin for a luminous, hydrated complexion.”
Source: Skinstore

This product can help improve hydration of the skin with the two types of ingredients.

The first type is called “humectants”:
these ingredients help attract water. When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. The following ingredients in this product do the job: glycerin.

This product also contains ingredients called “occlusives”. They help reduce the speed with which our skin loses moisture to the outside environment. These ingredients also help soften the upper layer of the skin, so it feels less tight and nicer to the touch. The following ingredients in this product do the job: caprylic/capric triglyceride, cetyl alcohol.

The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: panthenol

PanthenolHero· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function~0.45–0.65%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~6.2–7.5%
GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~0.45–0.7%
Glycine soja seed extractKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Might be somewhat helpful in evening the skin tone.~0.35–0.65%
Althaea officinalis root extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation~0.25–0.45%
Cetyl alcoholKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumA non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together~0.25–0.4%
Glyceryl stearate seKey activeEffect: MediumUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient~0.2–0.4%
Stearic acid· EmollientEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient~1–1.3%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.45–0.65%
AllantoinUnder-dosedHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.2–0.35%
Evens skin tone
Dimethylmethoxy chromanyl palmitate, Alpha-arbutin + 2 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Targets hyperpigmentation and UV damage.”
Source: Skinstore

This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: alpha-arbutin

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually can help even out the skin tone: dimethylmethoxy chromanyl palmitate, glycine soja seed extract.

Keep in mind that you would need to apply any topical skincare targetted at hypigmentation consistently for a couple of months to get a result. No topical skincare product can help get rid of hyperpigmentation (including post-acne marks and age spots) instantly.

Dimethylmethoxy chromanyl palmitateKey activeEffect: MediumAn oil-soluble compound that has been shown in laboratory studies (in a petri dish, not on human volunteers) to inhibit melanin production in skin and help even out the skin tone. More research is needed to understand if it works in real life~0.55–0.85%
Alpha-arbutinKey activeEffect: HighMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin~0.5–0.75%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.45–0.65%
Glycine soja seed extractEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Might be somewhat helpful in evening the skin tone.~0.35–0.65%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Alchemilla vulgaris extract + 5 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.45–0.65%
Alchemilla vulgaris extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has astringent properties. In other words, it might be able to interact with keratin in the uppermost layer of the skin to reduce swelling and create a temporal tightening effect. It can be irritating~1.9–2.4%
Achillea millefolium extractEffect: LowPlant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating~1.1–1.4%
Glycine soja seed extractEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Might be somewhat helpful in evening the skin tone.~0.35–0.65%
Althaea officinalis root extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation~0.25–0.45%
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilEffect: Low, below effective doseA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin~0.2–0.4%
ErgothioneineUnder-dosedCan help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking~0.45–0.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
17 strong irritants: Mentha piperita leaf extract, Melissa officinalis leaf extract + 15 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 28 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Malva sylvestris extract—High~4.2–5.2%est.
Mentha piperita leaf extractUsed as a fragrance and can be irritatingHigh~3.2–3.9%est.
Primula veris extract—High~2.4–2.9%est.
Alchemilla vulgaris extractA plant extract that has astringent properties. In other words, it might be able to interact with keratin in the uppermost layer of the skin to reduce swelling and create a temporal tightening effect. It can be irritatingHigh~1.9–2.4%est.
Melissa officinalis leaf extractA plant extract that is added for its fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~1.4–1.7%est.
Achillea millefolium extractPlant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~1.1–1.4%est.
Sd alcohol 40-a—High~0.35–0.6%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis flower extract—High~0.25–0.5%est.
Althaea officinalis root extractA plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammationHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Coriandrum sativum fruit oilA plant oil that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.4%est.
Citrus aurantifolia oil—High~0.25–0.5%est.
Citrus aurantium amara flower oilUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oilA plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivityHigh~0.25–0.4%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oilAn essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.25–0.45%est.
Citrus grandis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Citrus nobilis peel oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skinHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Citrus reticulata leaf oil—High~0.2–0.4%est.
Lavandula angustifolia oilAn essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial propertiesHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
LimoneneA common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heatHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oilA plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Salvia sclarea oil—High~0.2–0.4%est.
Caprylic/capric triglycerideA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerinMedium~6.2–7.5%est.
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenicMedium~0.7–1.05%est.
Dimethylmethoxy chromanyl palmitateAn oil-soluble compound that has been shown in laboratory studies (in a petri dish, not on human volunteers) to inhibit melanin production in skin and help even out the skin tone. More research is needed to understand if it works in real lifeMedium~0.55–0.85%est.
Alpha-arbutinMight help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutinMedium~0.5–0.75%est.
Glycine soja seed extractAn emollient that helps soften the skin. Might be somewhat helpful in evening the skin tone.Medium~0.35–0.65%est.
Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.15%est.
Comedogenic
2 ingredients rated 2 or more on the 0–5 pore-clogging scale
2 flagged
These ingredients have a comedogenic rating of 2 or more on a 0–5 scale; the table shows each one's rating. In leave-on products they can clog pores in acne-prone skin.
IngredientFunctionRatingEst. amount
Myristic acidHelps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic3/5~0.7–1.05%est.
Glyceryl stearate seUsed to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient2/5~0.2–0.4%est.
Alternatives
The closest match we found
glowTone™ Corrective Serum
Face Reality Skincare glowTone™ Corrective Serum
Closest match55% match
$64.00
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~45–55%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~6.2–7.5%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

A good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin

More about Caprylic/capric triglyceride
Malva sylvestris extract~4.2–5.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Malva sylvestris extract
Mentha piperita leaf extract~3.2–3.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance and can be irritating

More about Mentha piperita leaf extract
Primula veris extract~2.4–2.9%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Primula veris extract
Alchemilla vulgaris extract~1.9–2.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that has astringent properties. In other words, it might be able to interact with keratin in the uppermost layer of the skin to reduce swelling and create a temporal tightening effect. It can be irritating

More about Alchemilla vulgaris extract
Veronica officinalis extract~1.6–2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Veronica officinalis extract
Melissa officinalis leaf extract~1.4–1.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant extract that is added for its fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Melissa officinalis leaf extract
Achillea millefolium extract~1.1–1.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Achillea millefolium extract
Stearic acid~1–1.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and works as an emollient

More about Stearic acid
Myristic acid~0.7–1.05%
Comedogenic 3/5Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Comedogenicity
3/5
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together. Could be comedogenic

More about Myristic acid
Dimethylmethoxy chromanyl palmitate~0.55–0.85%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin tone

An oil-soluble compound that has been shown in laboratory studies (in a petri dish, not on human volunteers) to inhibit melanin production in skin and help even out the skin tone. More research is needed to understand if it works in real life

More about Dimethylmethoxy chromanyl palmitate
Alpha-arbutin~0.5–0.75%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Evens skin tone

Might help reduce hyperpigmentation when used regularly over a long period of time. Is more effective than beta-arbutin

More about Alpha-arbutin
Ergothioneine~0.45–0.7%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Can help neutralize free radicals in skin. Preliminary studies show that it can be more effective than coenzyme Q10 but studies on effective concentration for topical applications are lacking

More about Ergothioneine
Glycerin~0.45–0.7%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
Panthenol~0.45–0.65%
Hero · Moisturizing
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Reduces rednessMoisturizingReduces irritation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and can help improve skin barrier function

More about Panthenol
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.45–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Sd alcohol 40-a~0.35–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Sd alcohol 40-a
Glycine soja seed extract~0.35–0.65%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-agingReduces rednessEvens skin toneAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin. Might be somewhat helpful in evening the skin tone.

More about Glycine soja seed extract
Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract~0.3–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract
Citrus aurantium dulcis flower extract~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus aurantium dulcis flower extract
Morus alba leaf extract~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Morus alba leaf extract
Althaea officinalis root extract~0.25–0.45%
Key activeIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A plant extract that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and might help to reduce inflammation

More about Althaea officinalis root extract
Coriandrum sativum fruit oil~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil that is used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Coriandrum sativum fruit oil
Citrus aurantifolia oil~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus aurantifolia oil
Citrus aurantium amara flower oil~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium amara flower oil
Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.25–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with a high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin and lead to allergic reactions. Can lead to photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essentil oil from orange peel. Potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil
Citrus grandis peel oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus grandis peel oil
Citrus medica peel oil~0.2–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Citrus medica peel oil
Citrus nobilis peel oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that, especially when exposed to air, can cause allergic reactions and irritate the skin

More about Citrus nobilis peel oil
Citrus reticulata leaf oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus reticulata leaf oil
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties

More about Lavandula angustifolia oil
Limonene~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat

More about Limonene
Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterial

A plant oil with high content of volatile compounds that can irritate the skin. Can be used as a fragrance. Has anti-bacterial properties and might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil
Salvia sclarea oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Salvia sclarea oil
Allantoin~0.2–0.35%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Peg-100 stearate~0.3–0.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix togehter and creates a nice product texture

More about Peg-100 stearate
Glyceryl stearate se~0.2–0.4%
Key activeComedogenic 2/5
Irritation risk
Low
Comedogenicity
2/5
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

Used to stabilize the product formulations and works as an emollient

More about Glyceryl stearate se
Cetyl alcohol~0.25–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
CleansingMoisturizing

A non-drying alcohol that works to soften the skin and stabilize product formulations helping oil and water mix together

More about Cetyl alcohol
Carbomer~0.15–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer
Potassium sorbate~0.15–0.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.1–0.15%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Tromethamine~0.1–0.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Helps adjust pH in products

More about Tromethamine
Ingredient list view

Water, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Malva sylvestris extract, Mentha piperita leaf extract, Primula veris extract, Alchemilla vulgaris extract, Veronica officinalis extract, Melissa officinalis leaf extract, Achillea millefolium extract, Stearic acid, Myristic acid, Dimethylmethoxy chromanyl palmitate, Alpha-arbutin, Ergothioneine, Glycerin, Panthenol, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Sd alcohol 40-a, Glycine soja seed extract, Arctostaphylos uva ursi leaf extract, Citrus aurantium dulcis flower extract, Morus alba leaf extract, Althaea officinalis root extract, Coriandrum sativum fruit oil, Citrus aurantifolia oil, Citrus aurantium amara flower oil, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel oil, Citrus grandis peel oil, Citrus medica peel oil, Citrus nobilis peel oil, Citrus reticulata leaf oil, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Limonene, Rosmarinus officinalis leaf oil, Salvia sclarea oil, Allantoin, Peg-100 stearate, Glyceryl stearate se, Cetyl alcohol, Carbomer, Potassium sorbate, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Tromethamine

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
BioelementsLightPlex MegaWatt Skin BrightenerYOUR PRODUCTFace Reality SkincareglowTone™ Corrective SerumnumbuzinNo.5 Vitamin Concentrated Serum (Non-TXA Version) 30mlNooance cosmetiquesMulti-Active Serum
Match—55%51%49%
Price—$64.00$15.41—
Shared key ingredients—6 of 94 of 94 of 9
Key difference—NiacinamideNiacinamideHeptapeptide-15 Palmitate
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol Contains drying alcohol ——
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 24 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Effect of herbal mixture composed of Alchemilla vulgaris and Mimosa on wound healing process.semanticscholar.org
  2. 2
    Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products – part 1: Achillea millefolium–Curcuma longaonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  3. 3
    The fatty acid profile of the skin surface lipid layer in papulopustular rosaceancbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Development of a new cosmetic active for safe skin brighteningonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Skin lightening through a new natural oily composition from botanical originresearchgate.net
  6. 6
    A comparison of the relative antioxidant potency of L‐ergothioneine and idebenoneonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Bioelements LightPlex MegaWatt Skin Brightener
BioelementsLightPlex MegaWatt Skin Brightener
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Find on Amazon

As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.