What's In My Jar
Lumin Anti-Wrinkle Defense
Lumin

Lumin Anti-Wrinkle Defense

Efficacy87/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Anti-aging
Ascorbic acid, Serine + 3 more
Works well
What the product description says
“Anti-Wrinkle Defense”
Source: Lumin

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

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

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.

Ascorbic acidHeroEffect: HighThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~4.9–7.3%
SerineKey activeEffect: MediumAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.25%
Hyaluronic acidEffect: LowOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~1–1.5%
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~0.15–0.6%
UbiquinoneEffect: LowCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~0.1–0.4%
Moisturizing
Hyaluronic acid, Ubiquinone + 10 more
Works
What the product description says
“Hyaluronic Acid - Intensely hydrates skin and smooths fine lines due to intensive water replenishing capabilities (1 gram of hyaluronic acid can hold up to 6 liters of water).”
Source: Lumin

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": glycerin, hyaluronic acid.

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).

Hyaluronic acidKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation~1–1.5%
UbiquinoneKey activeEffect: HighCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~0.1–0.4%
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~0.1–0.35%
ProlineKey activeEffect: Medium~0.1–0.35%
SerineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles~0.05–0.25%
CysteineKey activeEffect: HighMight help neutralize free radicals in skin and might be helpful against hyperpigmentation~0.05–0.25%
IsoleucineKey activeEffect: HighAn amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function~0.05–0.3%
Propylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating~2.5–3.7%
Butylene glycol· HumectantEffect: LowUsed to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin~1.7–2.6%
Oryza sativa extractEffect: LowA grain extract that helps to create a thicker product consistency. It might have some anti-oxidant properties and help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–1.15%
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~0.15–0.6%
Caprylic/capric triglycerideUnder-dosedA good mix of fatty acids that forms a protective layer on the skin. Improves the shelf life of products. Derived from coconut and glycerin~0.1–0.45%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Ascorbic acid, Punica granatum extract + 7 more
Works well

This product contains antioxidants (ascorbic acid, ubiquinone) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - camellia sinensis leaf extract, cysteine, punica granatum extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Ascorbic acidHeroEffect: HighThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~4.9–7.3%
Punica granatum extractKey activeEffect: MediumA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~0.9–1.4%
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~0.15–0.6%
UbiquinoneKey activeEffect: HighCoenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen~0.1–0.4%
CysteineKey activeEffect: MediumMight help neutralize free radicals in skin and might be helpful against hyperpigmentation~0.05–0.25%
Oryza sativa extractEffect: LowA grain extract that helps to create a thicker product consistency. It might have some anti-oxidant properties and help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.5–1.15%
Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extractEffect: LowPlant extract that might help calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant properties~0.3–0.75%
Brassica oleracea italica extractEffect: Low, below effective doseMight have some anti-inflammatory properties but research is lacking~0.15–0.55%
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.~0.05–0.3%
Evens skin tone
Side benefit · Ascorbic acid, Punica granatum extract + 2 more
Works well

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

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: cysteine, punica granatum 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.

Ascorbic acidHeroEffect: HighThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging~4.9–7.3%
Punica granatum extractEffect: LowA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective~0.9–1.4%
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~0.15–0.6%
CysteineEffect: LowMight help neutralize free radicals in skin and might be helpful against hyperpigmentation~0.05–0.25%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
4 strong irritants: Citrus aurantifolia fruit extract, Citrus sinensis fruit extract + 2 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 17 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Ascorbic acidThe most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of agingHigh~4.9–7.3%est.
Propylene glycolHelps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritatingHigh~2.5–3.7%est.
Citrus aurantifolia fruit extractUsed as a fragranceHigh~0.15–0.5%est.
Citrus sinensis fruit extract—High~0.1–0.45%est.
Citrus limon fruit extractUsed as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.1–0.4%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.01–0.05%est.
Potassium hydroxideUsed to adjust the pH level of productsMedium~3.5–5.3%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.15–0.65%est.
Punica granatum extractA plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effectiveMedium~0.9–1.4%est.
Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extractPlant extract that might help calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant propertiesMedium~0.3–0.75%est.
Daucus carota sativa extract—Medium~0.15–0.55%est.
Brassica oleracea italica extractMight have some anti-inflammatory properties but research is lackingMedium~0.15–0.55%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~0.1–0.45%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~0.05–0.3%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oilHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~0.05–0.2%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.01–0.05%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged
Alternatives
Cheaper, or higher on efficacy
Glow Drops Vitamin C Serum
Meisani Glow Drops Vitamin C Serum
Higher efficacy · 100/10088% match
$20.99
Lifter Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum S3
NuFace Lifter Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum S3
Higher efficacy · 93/10088% match
View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Plain old water

More about Water
Ascorbic acid~4.9–7.3%
Hero · Anti-aging, Anti-oxidation, Evens skin toneIrritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Evens skin toneAnti-agingAnti-oxidation

The most well-researched antioxidant that works in skin. Helps neutralize free radicals supporting collagen production, helping to even out the skin tone and preventing early signs of aging

More about Ascorbic acid
Potassium hydroxide~3.5–5.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to adjust the pH level of products

More about Potassium hydroxide
Propylene glycol~2.5–3.7%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps oil and water mix together and can enhance the penetration of other ingredients into the skin. It can be irritating

More about Propylene glycol
Butylene glycol~1.7–2.6%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Used to create a nice product texture and help delivery of other ingredients. Might be somewhat helpful in attracting water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Butylene glycol
1,2-hexanediol~0.15–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Hyaluronic acid~1–1.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryAnti-aging

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin. Naturally present in skin. Typically has large molecule size unless advertised otherwise on the product label. Helps support skin's barrier function and may help to reduce inflammation

More about Hyaluronic acid
Punica granatum extract~0.9–1.4%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationEvens skin tone

A plant extract that can help neutralize free radicals in skin and even out the skin tone, but is typically used in products in a concentration that is too low to be effective

More about Punica granatum extract
Apium graveolens extract~0.5–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Apium graveolens extract
Oryza sativa extract~0.5–1.15%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

A grain extract that helps to create a thicker product consistency. It might have some anti-oxidant properties and help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Oryza sativa extract
Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extract~0.3–0.75%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-inflammatory

Plant extract that might help calm down inflammation and have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extract
Brassica rapa root extract~0.2–0.75%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Brassica rapa root extract
Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract~0.2–0.7%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract
Daucus carota sativa extract~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
More about Daucus carota sativa extract
Brassica oleracea italica extract~0.15–0.55%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Might have some anti-inflammatory properties but research is lacking

More about Brassica oleracea italica extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.15–0.6%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
AntibacterialAnti-oxidationAnti-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
Chinese quince extract
Not recognized
Citrus aurantifolia fruit extract~0.15–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance

More about Citrus aurantifolia fruit extract
Citrus sinensis fruit extract~0.1–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus sinensis fruit extract
Kelp extract
Not recognized
Mushroom extract
Not recognized
Citrus limon fruit extract~0.1–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. Can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus limon fruit extract
Ubiquinone~0.1–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-aging

Coenzyme Q10. It helps neutralize free radicals in skin, improves skin hydration and might be helpful agains fine lines and wrinkles. It can be an allergen

More about Ubiquinone
Asparagine~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Asparagine
Proline~0.1–0.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing
More about Proline
Methionine~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Methionine
Serine~0.05–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-aging

An amino-acid that helps to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. In combination with other amino-acids, might help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles

More about Serine
Isoleucine~0.05–0.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An amino acid that can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and support skin's barrier function

More about Isoleucine
Glutamine~0.05–0.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Glutamine
Cysteine~0.05–0.25%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Might help neutralize free radicals in skin and might be helpful against hyperpigmentation

More about Cysteine
Tryptophan~0.05–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Tryptophan
Caprylic/capric triglyceride~0.1–0.45%
Under-dosedIrritant · 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
Glycerin~0.1–0.35%
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
Hydrogenated lecithin~0.1–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps to retain moisture by creating a protective barrier on the skin. Rich in fatty acids. Improves product texture and helps with the penetration of other ingredients.

More about Hydrogenated lecithin
Polysorbate 80~0.1–0.35%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80
Tocopheryl acetate~0.05–0.3%
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
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil~0.05–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil
Carbomer~0.01–0.1%
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
Disodium edta~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Parfum~0.01–0.05%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Ingredient list view

Water, Ascorbic acid, Potassium hydroxide, Propylene glycol, Butylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Hyaluronic acid, Punica granatum extract, Apium graveolens extract, Oryza sativa extract, Brassica oleracea capitata leaf extract, Brassica rapa root extract, Solanum lycopersicum fruit extract, Daucus carota sativa extract, Brassica oleracea italica extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Unknown, Citrus aurantifolia fruit extract, Citrus sinensis fruit extract, Unknown, Unknown, Citrus limon fruit extract, Ubiquinone, Asparagine, Proline, Methionine, Serine, Isoleucine, Glutamine, Cysteine, Tryptophan, Caprylic/capric triglyceride, Glycerin, Hydrogenated lecithin, Polysorbate 80, Tocopheryl acetate, Ethylhexylglycerin, Peg-60 hydrogenated castor oil, Carbomer, Disodium edta, Parfum

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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
LuminAnti-Wrinkle DefenseYOUR PRODUCTTIA'MMy Signature Red C Serum -unsealedMeisaniGlow Drops Vitamin C SerumNuFaceLifter Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid Serum S3
Match—89%88%88%
Price——$20.99—
Shared key ingredients—4 of 94 of 93 of 9
Key difference—PanthenolFerulic AcidGlycolic Acid
Irritancy High Medium Medium Low
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 18 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Surfactants and experimental irritant contact dermatitisncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Propylene Glycolpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Skin-sensitizing and irritant properties of propylene glycolonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  4. 4
    The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. 5
    Efficacy of a New Topical Nano-hyaluronic Acid in Humansncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Physiochemical properties and application of hyaluronic acid: a systematic reviewonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Lumin Anti-Wrinkle Defense
LuminAnti-Wrinkle Defense
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