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Tula Illuminating Serum
Tula

Tula Illuminating Serum

Efficacy37/100IrritancyHigh
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Dimethicone + 11 more
Works
What the product description says
“This hydrating serum gives skin a gorgeous, lit-from-within glow every day.”
Source: Tula

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, hydrolyzed rice protein.

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: dimethicone, carthamus tinctorius seed oil.

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~4.3–5.3%
DimethiconeKey active· Emollient, OcclusiveEffect: HighA silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish~2.4–2.9%
Hydrolyzed rice proteinKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~1.1–1.3%
Camelina sativa seed oilKey activeEffect: HighHelps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.5–0.75%
Carthamus tinctorius seed oilKey active· EmollientEffect: HighAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~0.45–0.65%
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~0.3–0.6%
Vegetable oilKey active· EmollientEffect: MediumAn oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin~0.25–0.5%
LactoseKey active· HumectantEffect: MediumHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin~0.2–0.4%
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~0.5–0.75%
Pentylene glycol· EmollientEffect: LowUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product texture~0.3–0.5%
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~0.25–0.45%
Caprylyl glycol· Humectant, EmollientEffect: LowHelps preserve products and creates a nice product texture~0.25–0.45%
Bifida ferment lysateUnder-dosedConsists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect~1.4–1.7%
Evens skin tone
Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Bifida ferment lysate
Not delivered
What the product description says
“Packed with light-reflecting pearlescence to instantly illuminate skin & Japanese mandarin to brighten lackluster, uneven skin tone over time.”
Source: Tula

Effective ingredients missing or their concentration is too low

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~0.5–0.75%
Bifida ferment lysateEffect: Low, below effective doseConsists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect~1.4–1.7%
Anti-oxidation
Not advertised by the brand · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Hydrolyzed rice protein + 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~0.5–0.75%
Hydrolyzed rice proteinEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties~1.1–1.3%
Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extractEffect: LowA plant extract tha can have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking~0.65–1%
Carthamus tinctorius seed oilEffect: LowAn emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation~0.45–0.65%
Ascorbyl palmitateEffect: Low, below effective doseBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.~0.35–0.65%
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.~0.25–0.45%
Bifida ferment lysateUnder-dosedConsists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect~1.4–1.7%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
5 strong irritants: Citrus unshiu peel extract, Citrus limon fruit oil + 3 more — patch-test recommended
High risk
We flagged 19 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Citrus unshiu peel extract—High~4.1–5%est.
Curcuma longa root extractA plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritantHigh~0.4–0.6%est.
Citrus limon fruit oil—High~0.25–0.45%est.
Citrus aurantium dulcis oilUsed as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivityHigh~0.25–0.5%est.
Cananga odorata flower oilAn essential oil. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.4%est.
Phenethyl alcoholA fragrance. Can be irritatingHigh~0.2–0.35%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.2%est.
Propylene glycol dipelargonateUsed to create a thicker product consistencyMedium~3.1–3.8%est.
Tribehenin peg-20 estersHelps oil and water mix togetherMedium~1.9–2.3%est.
Aluminum starch octenylsuccinateUsed to thicken the product's consistencyMedium~1.6–1.9%est.
Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extractA plant extract tha can have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lackingMedium~0.65–1%est.
Ascorbyl palmitateBeing a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.Medium~0.35–0.65%est.
Citric acidCan work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pHMedium~0.25–0.45%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~0.25–0.45%est.
Pentylene glycolUsed to preserve products, dissolve other ingredients and create a nice product textureMedium~0.3–0.5%est.
Caprylyl glycolHelps preserve products and creates a nice product textureMedium~0.25–0.45%est.
EthylhexylglycerinA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~0.2–0.4%est.
Sorbic acidA preservativeMedium~0.1–0.2%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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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~4.3–5.3%
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
Citrus unshiu peel extract~4.1–5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus unshiu peel extract
Propylene glycol dipelargonate~3.1–3.8%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to create a thicker product consistency

More about Propylene glycol dipelargonate
Dimethicone~2.4–2.9%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingMattifying

A silicone that helps to reduce water loss from the surface of the skin. Can temporarily "fill in" lines and wrinkles, absorb oil, and create a nice product finish

More about Dimethicone
Tribehenin peg-20 esters~1.9–2.3%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Cleansing

Helps oil and water mix together

More about Tribehenin peg-20 esters
Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate~1.6–1.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Used to thicken the product's consistency

More about Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate
Bifida ferment lysate~1.4–1.7%
Under-dosed
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

Consists of remains of dead yeast bacteria cells. Helps to hydrate the skin and reduce irritation. Might has some anti-oxidant effect

More about Bifida ferment lysate
Hydrolyzed rice protein~1.1–1.3%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might have some anti-oxidant properties

More about Hydrolyzed rice protein
Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract~0.65–1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A plant extract tha can have anti-oxidant properties, but evidence of effectiveness in skin is lacking

More about Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract
Cichorium intybus root extract~0.6–0.95%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Cichorium intybus root extract
Camelina sativa seed oil~0.5–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Camelina sativa seed oil
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.5–0.75%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingMoisturizingAnti-blemishEvens skin tone

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
Curcuma longa root extract~0.4–0.6%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can contain an active compound curcumin, that may have some anti-inflammatory properties when applied to the skin, but solid research is lacking and the typical concentration used in skincare products is too low. Can be an irritant

More about Curcuma longa root extract
Ascorbyl palmitate~0.35–0.65%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationAnti-aging

Being a lipid soluble form of vitamin C, it is more stable and can penetrate the skin better than L-Ascorbic acid. It is effective in protecting the skin from free radicals, as well as evening the skin tone, but is less effective in stimulating collagen production compared to L-Ascorbic acid.

More about Ascorbyl palmitate
Carthamus tinctorius seed oil~0.45–0.65%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-oxidation

An emollient that helps soften the skin and might help calm down inflammation

More about Carthamus tinctorius seed oil
Inulin~0.3–0.6%
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
Bulnesia sarmientoi wood oil~0.25–0.5%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Bulnesia sarmientoi wood oil
Citrus limon fruit oil~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
More about Citrus limon fruit oil
Citrus aurantium dulcis oil~0.25–0.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

Used as a fragrance. It can be irritating and cause photosensitivity

More about Citrus aurantium dulcis oil
Juniperus mexicana oil~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Juniperus mexicana oil
Cananga odorata flower oil~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An essential oil. Can be irritating

More about Cananga odorata flower oil
Citric acid~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Can work as an exfoliant but is typically used to adjust the product pH

More about Citric acid
Lactose~0.2–0.4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Lactose
Lactis proteinum~0.25–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Lactis proteinum
Yogurt powder~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Yogurt powder
Vegetable oil~0.25–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

An oil from a mixture of different vegetables. Helps soften the upper layer of the skin

More about Vegetable oil
Tocopheryl acetate~0.25–0.45%
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
Butylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
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
Pentylene glycol~0.3–0.5%
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
Caprylyl glycol~0.25–0.45%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Helps preserve products and creates a nice product texture

More about Caprylyl glycol
Ethylhexylglycerin~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Ethylhexylglycerin
Decylene glycol~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to creat a nice product texture and support penetration of other ingredients

More about Decylene glycol
1,2-hexanediol~0.2–0.4%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate
Sodium chloride~0.25–0.45%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to stabilize mixtures of oil and water, and create thicker, gel-like product textures

More about Sodium chloride
Sodium glycolate~0.2–0.4%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Sodium glycolate
Phenethyl alcohol~0.2–0.35%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

A fragrance. Can be irritating

More about Phenethyl alcohol
Sorbic acid~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about Sorbic acid
Phenoxyethanol~0.15–0.3%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol
Parfum~0.1–0.2%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Mica~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Creates an illusion of smoother and more radiant skin tone. Adds shimmer to the skin by reflecting light

More about Mica
Titanium dioxide~0.1–0.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Sun protection

Works as a UV filter when used in high concentrations. It is photostable and is effective mostly against the UVB light, with some protection in the UVA range. In small concentrations, used for its ability to improve the color of cosmetic products. Is usually well tolerated by the skin

More about Titanium dioxide
Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Citrus unshiu peel extract, Propylene glycol dipelargonate, Dimethicone, Tribehenin peg-20 esters, Aluminum starch octenylsuccinate, Bifida ferment lysate, Hydrolyzed rice protein, Vaccinium angustifolium fruit extract, Cichorium intybus root extract, Camelina sativa seed oil, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Curcuma longa root extract, Ascorbyl palmitate, Carthamus tinctorius seed oil, Inulin, Xanthan gum, Bulnesia sarmientoi wood oil, Citrus limon fruit oil, Citrus aurantium dulcis oil, Juniperus mexicana oil, Cananga odorata flower oil, Citric acid, Lactose, Lactis proteinum, Yogurt powder, Vegetable oil, Tocopheryl acetate, Butylene glycol, Pentylene glycol, Caprylyl glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Decylene glycol, 1,2-hexanediol, Trisodium dicarboxymethyl alaninate, Sodium chloride, Sodium glycolate, Phenethyl alcohol, Sorbic acid, Phenoxyethanol, Parfum, Mica, Titanium dioxide

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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
TulaIlluminating SerumYOUR PRODUCTDr. Emi ArpaSerious C Complex Antioxidant SerumKind ScienceFirming SerumMedik8LIQUID PEPTIDES ADVANCED MP
Match—39%39%39%
Price——$72.00$95.00
Shared key ingredients—4 of 74 of 73 of 7
Key difference—Lactic AcidBakuchiolCopper Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-14
Irritancy High Medium Medium Medium
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 16 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    Dimethicone as a protective ingredient in topical medicationsjaad.org
  3. 3
    Final Report on the Safety Assessment of Dimethicone Copolyoljournals.sagepub.com
  4. 4
    Bifidobacterium longumlysate, a new ingredient forreactive skinonlinelibrary.wiley.com
  5. 5
    Use of Probiotics for Dermal Applicationsresearchgate.net
  6. 6
    Protection Against Free Radicals (UVB Irradiation) of a Water-Soluble Enzymatic Extract from Rice Bran. Study Using Human Keratinocyte Monolayer and Reconstructed Human Epidermis link.springer.com
Tula Illuminating Serum
TulaIlluminating Serum
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