ELEMIS Advanced Skincare Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm
Works for
MoisturizingNiacinamide, Glycerin + 6 moreWorks well
“Instantly brighten and hydrate the complexion with this radiance-enhancing moisturiser.”
This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, propylene glycol.
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. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).
The following ingredients in this product are especially good for supporting the skin barrier and helping with the hydration level: niacinamide
Anti-agingNiacinamide, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid + 1 moreWorks well
“This balm helps to smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.
Keep in mind that it typically takes at least 6 weeks to notice any results because the changes that are needed to improve fine lines and elasticity happen in the deeper layers of the skin. No topical anti-aging product can “erase” wrinkles or fully reverse signs of aging.
Evens skin toneNot advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidWorks well
This product can help reduce hypepigmentation and even out the skin tone because it contains the following effective ingredients: niacinamide
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: 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid.
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.
Anti-blemishNot advertised by the brand · NiacinamideWorks well
This product can help reduce breakouts and clogged pores because it contains the following ingredient: niacinamide. This ingredient is used for treating acne and can have a noticeable effect.
Anti-oxidationNot advertised by the brand · 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Lonicera caprifolium flower extract + 5 moreMay help
This product contains antioxidants (3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid) 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.
Can it cause trouble?
Irritancy13 strong irritants: Limonene, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract + 11 more — patch-test recommendedHigh risk
ComedogenicClean of flagged comedogenic ingredientsNone flagged
User reviews
Be the first — your take helps the next person decide.
Ingredients
Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.
Water~45–55%
Octyldodecanol~4.1–5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An emollient that helps to soften the skin and create a pleasant product texture and stabilize the formulation
More about OctyldodecanolPropylene glycol~4–4.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating
More about Propylene glycolOryza sativa starch~3.1–3.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Glycerin~2.4–2.9%
- Irritation risk
- Low
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 GlycerinPolysorbate 60~1.9–2.3%
Sorbitan stearate~1.6–2%
Mica~1.5–1.8%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light
More about MicaNiacinamide~1.2–1.4%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Is proven to be effective in reducing blemishes, evening out skin tone and helping to improve lines and wrinkles. It helps the skin to repair sun damage, calm down inflammation and keep maintain good levels of moisture. The concentration of about 2% is effective for supporting the skin barrier and evening out the skin tone. Concentration of 4-6% is better for helping with acne and balancing the sebum production
More about NiacinamidePhenoxyethanol~0.5–1%
- Irritation risk
- Low
A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products
More about PhenoxyethanolCarbomer~0.7–1.05%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations
More about CarbomerBisabolol~0.55–0.85%
- Irritation risk
- Low
An active component of chamomile plant that historically has been used to calm down irritated skin. A recent study shows that bisabolol indeed can have some anti-inflammatory effect on skin, even though conclusive data is lacking. Bisabolol has a sweet floral scent and can be added to products for its aromatic properties
More about BisabololPullulan~0.6–0.9%
- Irritation risk
- High
Creates a thin drying film on the skin resulting in a short-term tightening effect
More about PullulanLimonene~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- High
A common frangrance that can easily irritate skin, especially if exposed to air, light or heat
More about LimoneneCaprylhydroxamic acid~0.5–0.75%
Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract~0.45–0.7%
Parfum~0.45–0.7%
- Irritation risk
- High
An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients
More about ParfumPolyacrylamide~0.5–0.75%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Used to improve product texture and help oil and water mix together
More about PolyacrylamideSodium hydroxide~0.45–0.65%
Tocopheryl acetate~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A more stable but less bio-available form of vitamin E compared to Tocopherol. Might help moisturize and protect the skin from free radicals, but mostly used in low concentrations to stabilize other ingredients.
More about Tocopheryl acetateMethylpropanediol~0.35–0.65%
C13-14 isoparaffin~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps soften the upper layer of the skin, dissolve other ingredients and create a thicker product consistency
More about C13-14 isoparaffinCitrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil~0.3–0.55%
- 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 oilLaureth-7~0.35–0.6%
3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A vitamin C derivative that is more stable but less potent than pure form of vitamin C. Can help neutralize free radicals and help reduce hyperpigmentation, but the required concentration is likely to be much higher than for the pure form of vitamin C, limiting the ingredient's effectiveness in products
More about 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acidLecithin~0.4–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Used mostly for creating emulsions - helping oil and water mix together. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin
More about LecithinLinalool~0.3–0.55%
Moringa pterygosperma seed extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin
More about Moringa pterygosperma seed extractCitrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Litsea cubeba fruit oil~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil with a lemon-like smell that is extracted from a fruit grown in Asia. Used as a fragrance
More about Litsea cubeba fruit oilBenzyl alcohol~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A preservative. Can be used to mask unpleasant smell. Can be irritating
More about Benzyl alcoholDisodium phosphate~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Helps adjust the product pH and stabilize the formulation
More about Disodium phosphateCitral~0.3–0.55%
Orchis mascula extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Caramel~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citric acid~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH
More about Citric acidBenzyl salicylate~0.3–0.55%
Lonicera caprifolium flower extract~0.3–0.5%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritating
More about Lonicera caprifolium flower extractLonicera japonica flower extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- High
A plant extract that might help neutralize free radicals in skin. Can contain volalite oils and be irritating
More about Lonicera japonica flower extractMorinda citrifolia fruit extract~0.3–0.55%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Citrus aurantifolia oil~0.3–0.6%
- Irritation risk
- High
Ferula galbaniflua resin oil~0.25–0.45%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Geraniol~0.25–0.45%
Benzoic acid~0.25–0.5%
Dehydroacetic acid~0.2–0.4%
Euterpe oleracea fruit extract~0.2–0.4%
- Irritation risk
- Medium
A plant extract that can have some anti-oxidant effect in skin
More about Euterpe oleracea fruit extractPotassium sorbate~0.15–0.3%
Bixa orellana seed extract~0.15–0.3%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Lavandula angustifolia oil~0.15–0.25%
- Irritation risk
- High
An essential oil. Potential allergen and can be irritating. It has some anti-bacterial properties
More about Lavandula angustifolia oilPotassium hydroxide~0.15–0.3%
Sorbic acid~0.15–0.3%
Tocopherol~0.1–0.2%
- Irritation risk
- Low
Pure form of vitamin E. Can help moisturise and protect the skin from free radicals. Often used to help stabilise other ingredients or the formula itself
More about TocopherolCitrus aurantium amara flower extract~0.1–0.15%
- Irritation risk
- High
Used as a fragrance for its citrus smell. Can be irritating
More about Citrus aurantium amara flower extractIngredient list view
Water, Octyldodecanol, Propylene glycol, Oryza sativa starch, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Sorbitan stearate, Mica, Niacinamide, Phenoxyethanol, Carbomer, Bisabolol, Pullulan, Limonene, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Citrus aurantium dulcis peel extract, Parfum, Polyacrylamide, Sodium hydroxide, Tocopheryl acetate, Methylpropanediol, C13-14 isoparaffin, Citrus aurantium bergamia fruit oil, Laureth-7, 3-o-ethyl ascorbic acid, Lecithin, Linalool, Moringa pterygosperma seed extract, Citrus aurantium amara leaf/twig oil, Litsea cubeba fruit oil, Benzyl alcohol, Disodium phosphate, Citral, Orchis mascula extract, Caramel, Citric acid, Benzyl salicylate, Lonicera caprifolium flower extract, Lonicera japonica flower extract, Morinda citrifolia fruit extract, Citrus aurantifolia oil, Ferula galbaniflua resin oil, Geraniol, Benzoic acid, Dehydroacetic acid, Euterpe oleracea fruit extract, Potassium sorbate, Bixa orellana seed extract, Lavandula angustifolia oil, Potassium hydroxide, Sorbic acid, Tocopherol, Citrus aurantium amara flower extract
Compare prices
Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.
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.
| ELEMISAdvanced Skincare Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash BalmYOUR PRODUCT | NaturiumMulti-Peptide Moisturizer | MedicubeDeep Vita C Capsule Cream | ApostleOmega Daily Moisturizer | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Match | — | 91% | 91% | 91% |
| Price | — | $11.00 | $2.46 | $6.00 |
| Shared key ingredients | — | 3 of 5 | 4 of 5 | 3 of 5 |
| Key difference | — | Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 | Adenosine | Ceramide Np |
| Irritancy | High | Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Drying alcohol | — | — | — | — |
| View product | Shop | Shop | Shop |
More alternatives: Ultraceuticals Even skin tone smoothing moisturiserOlay Vitamin C & Peptide 24 Advanced Moisturizer
Product summary
Judging from the ingredient list, "ELEMIS - Advanced Skincare Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm" works well for improving skin hydration To work well, any moisturizer needs to include a combination of water-binding and emollient ingredients. ELEMIS - Advanced Skincare Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm ticks this box. Humectants in this product (glycerin and propylene glycol) help to increase the water content in the upper layer of the skin. (These ingredients do so by "capturing" water molecules from the outside air or from within the deeper layers of the skin). C13-14 isoparaffin and octyldodecanol in this product help decrease the water evoporation from the skin, so that it stays hydrated for longer. These ingredients also soften the skin and take away the feeling of tightness and dryness.
This product contains ingredients that could be beneficial, but their concentrations are too low in this formulation: vitamin e and lecithinIrritation risk
There are quite a few common irritants in this product, including ingredients without particular skin benefits. We would not recommend it for sensitive skin. We assess the overall irritancy of this moisturizer to be high. For a detailed overview of all potential irritants: click here
You can see the detailed formula review with the breakdown of all actives in the product and the full ingredient list with estimated concentrations in the tables below.
Price
The product retails for 43.40£ in the United Kingdom.
For a detailed price comparison: click here.
Sources cited in this review
Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 21 studies and safety reviews.
- 1Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 2Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- 3Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
- 4
- 5
- 6
Affiliate links · As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.