iota

iota Brightening Body Lotion

Name: iota - Brightening Body Lotion
Brand: iota

Efficacy100/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Niacinamide, Glycerin + 14 more

Works well

What the product description says

“replenish moisture”

Source: Ulta

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: butyrospermum parkii butter, cocos nucifera oil.

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

NiacinamideHeroEffect: HighIs 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~1.9–2.4%

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~4.4–5.4%

Butyrospermum parkii butterKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~4.2–5.1%

Cocos nucifera oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic~3.1–3.8%

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.~1.3–1.6%

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: HighA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.5–0.8%

InulinKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking~0.3–0.55%

Saccharomyces fermentKey activeEffect: HighA product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%

Lactobacillus ferment lysateKey activeEffect: MediumA "broth" with parts of dead cells of lactobacteria. Might be helpful supporting diverse microbiome in skin, but evidence is lacking~0.2–0.35%

Tremella fuciformis extractEffect: LowA mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.6–0.85%

Glyceryl caprylate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products~0.5–0.75%

Dicaprylyl carbonate· EmollientEffect: LowHelps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin~0.5–0.7%

Mangifera indica fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skin~0.35–0.65%

Glyceryl stearate· EmollientEffect: LowAn emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together~0.3–0.6%

Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.25–0.45%

Ananas sativus fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin~0.1–0.2%

Evens skin tone

Niacinamide

Works well

What the product description says

“Brightening Body Lotion”

Source: Ulta

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

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.

NiacinamideKey activeEffect: HighIs 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~1.9–2.4%

Anti-aging

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Centella asiatica extract + 1 more

Works well

This product can help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness because it contains niacinamide.

These ingredients in the product can also be helpful, even though there is less evidence for their effectiveness: centella asiatica extract.

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.

Centella asiatica extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.5–0.8%

Butyrospermum parkii butterEffect: LowA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals~4.2–5.1%

Anti-blemish

Not advertised by the brand · Niacinamide, Centella asiatica extract + 1 more

Works 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.

Centella asiatica extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.~0.5–0.8%

InulinEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking~0.3–0.55%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Centella asiatica extract, Butyrospermum parkii butter + 3 more

May help

This product contains antioxidants (centella asiatica 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.

Panax ginseng extractEffect: LowA plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating~0.75–1.1%

Schisandra chinensis fruit extractEffect: LowA berry extract that might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin~0.5–0.8%

Tocopheryl acetateEffect: Low, below effective doseA 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.~0.2–0.4%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Parfum, Citrus junos peel oil + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 16 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~1.4–1.7%est.

Panax ginseng extractA plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritatingHigh~0.75–1.1%est.

Citrus junos peel oil—High~0.2–0.4%est.

Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil—High~0.15–0.3%est.

Simmondsia chinensis seed oilSoftens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.Medium~1.3–1.6%est.

Tremella fuciformis extractA mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~0.6–0.85%est.

Schisandra chinensis fruit extractA berry extract that might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skinMedium~0.5–0.8%est.

Centella asiatica extractA plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.Medium~0.5–0.8%est.

Caprylhydroxamic acidA preservativeMedium~0.45–0.65%est.

Mangifera indica fruit extractA fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skinMedium~0.35–0.65%est.

Sodium stearoyl glutamateHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.3–0.55%est.

Tocopheryl acetateA 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.Medium~0.2–0.4%est.

Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.45%est.

EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.3%est.

Ananas sativus fruit extractA fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skinMedium~0.1–0.2%est.

Potassium sorbateA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%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

Butyrospermum parkii butterA great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals3/5~4.2–5.1%est.

Cocos nucifera oilAn emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic3/5~3.1–3.8%est.

Alternatives

The closest match we found

Nécessaire The Body Lotion - With Niacinamide

Closest match90% match

$24.88

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

Glycerin~4.4–5.4%

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

Butyrospermum parkii butter~4.2–5.1%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

A great moisturising ingredient that softens the skin and reduces water loss from its upper layer. It also can be helpful in protecting skin from free radicals

More about Butyrospermum parkii butter

Cocos nucifera oil~3.1–3.8%

Key activeComedogenic 3/5

Irritation risk: Low
Comedogenicity: 3/5

Works for

Moisturizing

An emollient. Found to be as effective as a moisturizer for dry skin as mineral oil. Could be comedogenic

More about Cocos nucifera oil

Cetearyl olivate~2.3–2.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Cetearyl olivate

Niacinamide~1.9–2.4%

Hero · Moisturizing, Anti-blemish

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Evens skin toneMoisturizingAnti-blemishAnti-agingReduces irritationAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessAntibacterial

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 Niacinamide

Sorbitan olivate~1.6–2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sorbitan olivate

Parfum~1.4–1.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum

Simmondsia chinensis seed oil~1.3–1.6%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Softens the upper layer of skin and helps restore the healthy skin barrier. Has shown to help calm down inflammation in skin. It is a stable oil, meaning that it retains its properties even when exposed to air.

More about Simmondsia chinensis seed oil

Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate~1–1.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate

Panax ginseng extract~0.75–1.1%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A plant extract that might have anti-oxidant properties. Can be irritating

More about Panax ginseng extract

Tremella fuciformis extract~0.6–0.85%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A mushroom extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Tremella fuciformis extract

Schisandra chinensis fruit extract~0.5–0.8%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

A berry extract that might help neutralize free radicals on the surface of the skin

More about Schisandra chinensis fruit extract

Centella asiatica extract~0.5–0.8%

Key activeIrritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces rednessReduces irritationAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

A plant extract that has been shown to be able to reduce inflammation in skin, support restoration of skin barrier function, as well as support collagen production. Contains active compounds called centelloids: asiaticoside, madecasosside, asiatic acid and madecassic acid. Might be helpful in preventing stretch marks. It can be itself be irritating though.

More about Centella asiatica extract

Dicaprylyl carbonate~0.5–0.7%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps products spread more easily and works as an emollient to soften skin

More about Dicaprylyl carbonate

Caprylhydroxamic acid~0.45–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Caprylhydroxamic acid

Glyceryl caprylate~0.5–0.75%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that can also help water and oil mix together, as well as prevent bacteria growth in products

More about Glyceryl caprylate

Mangifera indica fruit extract~0.35–0.65%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help attract water to the upper layer of the skin. There is no evidence of other benefits in skin

More about Mangifera indica fruit extract

Inulin~0.3–0.55%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-blemish

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Is claimed to support the growth of "good" bacteria in skin (as a "prebiotic"), but the research is lacking

More about Inulin

Xanthan gum~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Xanthan gum

Saccharomyces ferment~0.25–0.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A product of yeast fermentation. Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Saccharomyces ferment

Glyceryl stearate~0.3–0.6%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

CleansingMoisturizing

An emollient that softens the skin and forms a protective layer on its surface. Helps water and oil mix together

More about Glyceryl stearate

Sodium stearoyl glutamate~0.3–0.55%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Sodium stearoyl glutamate

Citrus junos peel oil~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus junos peel oil

Tocopheryl acetate~0.2–0.4%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Anti-oxidation

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 acetate

Lactobacillus ferment lysate~0.2–0.35%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

A "broth" with parts of dead cells of lactobacteria. Might be helpful supporting diverse microbiome in skin, but evidence is lacking

More about Lactobacillus ferment lysate

Pentylene glycol~0.25–0.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

Used to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture

More about Pentylene glycol

Ethylhexylglycerin~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin

Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil~0.15–0.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil

Camellia sinensis leaf powder~0.15–0.25%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Camellia sinensis leaf powder

Ananas sativus fruit extract~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Moisturizing

A fruit extract that might help to attract water to the upper layer of the skin, but there is no evidence for any other benefits to the skin

More about Ananas sativus fruit extract

Potassium sorbate~0.1–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

A preservative

More about Potassium sorbate

Sodium benzoate~0.1–0.15%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Sodium benzoate

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Butyrospermum parkii butter, Cocos nucifera oil, Cetearyl olivate, Niacinamide, Sorbitan olivate, Parfum, Simmondsia chinensis seed oil, Ammonium polyacryloyldimethyl taurate, Panax ginseng extract, Tremella fuciformis extract, Schisandra chinensis fruit extract, Centella asiatica extract, Dicaprylyl carbonate, Caprylhydroxamic acid, Glyceryl caprylate, Mangifera indica fruit extract, Inulin, Xanthan gum, Saccharomyces ferment, Glyceryl stearate, Sodium stearoyl glutamate, Citrus junos peel oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Lactobacillus ferment lysate, Pentylene glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Citrus aurantium bergamia peel oil, Camellia sinensis leaf powder, Ananas sativus fruit extract, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate

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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
	iotaBrightening Body LotionYOUR PRODUCT	NécessaireThe Body Lotion - With Niacinamide	La Roche-PosayLipikar Triple Repair Lotion, Body and Face Moisturizer	NaturiumBio-Lipid Restoring Body Lotion
Match	—	90%	89%	88%
Price	—	$24.88	$19.99	$14.88
Shared key ingredients	—	4 of 8	3 of 8	3 of 8
Key difference	—	Linoleic Acid	Ceramide Np	Panthenol
Irritancy	High	Medium	Low	Medium
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	—
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 12 studies and safety reviews.

1
Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
2
Niacinamide - mechanisms of action and its topical use in dermatologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
3
Gehring, W. (2004). Nicotinic acid/niacinamide and the skin. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 3(2), 88–93. doi:10.1111/j.1473-2130.2004.00115.x ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
4
Safety Assessment of Acryloyldimethyltaurate Polymers as Used in Cosmeticscir-safety.org
5
Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Titrated Extract of Centella asiatica in Phthalic Anhydride-Induced Allergic Dermatitis Animal Modelmdpi.com
6
Centella asiatica in cosmetologyncbi.nlm.nih.gov
7
Triterpene Composition and Bioactivities of Centella asiatica mdpi.com
8
Asiaticoside induction for cell-cycle progression, proliferation and collagen synthesis in human dermal fibroblastsonlinelibrary.wiley.com
9
Assessment report on Centella asiatica (L.) Urban, herbaema.europa.eu
10
Contact dermatitis due to Madecassolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
11
The Effects of a Standardized Extract of Centella asiatica on Postlaser Resurfacing Wound Healing on the Face: A Split-Face, Double-Blind, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trialliebertpub.com
12
Probiotics and prebiotics potential for the care of skin, female urogenital tract, and respiratory tractlink.springer.com

iotaBrightening Body Lotion

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.