Compared with a plain cream
50 people · 5% cysteamine · 4 months
After two and four months, measured pigment improved more with cysteamine than with the plain cream.
Read the study
10% Cysteamine · 50 mL
Your skin, illuminated.
For the look of dark spots and uneven tone.
$15$129Free standard U.S. shipping
Plus applicable sales tax.
Plus applicable sales tax.
No subscription required.
30-day refund policySold by Kirsch Dermatology
4.9/5 on Google · 367 practice reviewsSeptember offer · Ends September 30
New and returning customers welcome. No code needed. Start checkout by September 30, 11:59 p.m. ET. Offers cannot be combined.
The formula.
10% cysteamine in a once-daily, rinse-off cream.
See Every Ingredient
Along with cysteamine, the formula includes glycolic acid, retinol, vitamins C and E, glycerin, shea butter, soybean oil, and sunflower oil.
Aqua, Cysteamine Hydrochloride, Paraffinum Liquidum, Glycolic Acid, Cetyl Alcohol, N-Isopropylnicotinamide, Glycerin, Glyceryl Stearate, Isopropyl Myristate, Lecithin, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Butyrospermum Parkii Butter, Ceteareth-20, Ascorbyl Palmitate, Phenoxyethanol, Glycine Soja Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Propylheptyl Octanoate, Ceteareth-12, Cetearyl Alcohol, Cetyl Palmitate, Octyldodecanol, Xanthan Gum, PEG-30 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Tocopherol, Retinol, Tetrasodium EDTA, Glycine Soja Oil Unsaponifiables, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil Unsaponifiables.
What is cysteamine?
Cysteamine is a molecule found naturally in the body. In skincare, it is applied to the skin to help improve the look of uneven pigment. Extra pigment can make patches and spots look darker.
Illuminate Rx contains 10% cysteamine. It is used once a day as a 30-minute rinse-off step, not as a leave-on cream.
How to use.
- 01
Start with dry skin. Do not wash immediately before applying.
- 02
Apply a thin layer once daily, in the morning or evening. Leave on for 30 minutes.
- 03
Wash off with a gentle cleanser and pat dry. A warming sensation or mild tingling may occur and can last up to 30 minutes.
- 04
Moisturize. During the day, use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
For adults 18+. Do not use if allergic to any listed ingredient, pregnant or breastfeeding. Individual skin responses vary.
Safety and precautions
Warning: Do not use if allergic to any listed ingredients. Do not use product if pregnant or breastfeeding. Possible side effects include redness, dryness, irritation of skin, burning sensation. If you suspect possible allergy to product, immediately discontinue and consult a doctor. If the product comes in contact with your eyes, irrigate with water. Keep out of reach of children. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control.
Using Illuminate Rx with other skincare
Use Illuminate Rx as its own 30-minute rinse-off step. After you wash it off, moisturize and continue your routine. If you use prescription products, retinoids, acids, hydroquinone, or other products that may irritate the skin, ask your dermatologist how to space them out.
Answers Before You Buy.
Looking at Cyspera or APC?
This is a labeled-product and price comparison, not a clinical one. For the appearance of dark spots and uneven tone.
| Product | Cyspera Intensive | APC (All Purpose Creams) | Illuminate Rx |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cysteamine | 7% | 5% | 10% |
| Price | $180 On cyspera.com | $58.85 On allpurposecreams.com | $15 Sale price, free standard U.S. shipping |
| Use | Rinse-off. Start at 5 minutes, increase to 15 minutes. | Rinse-off about 15 minutes. Start shorter if irritation occurs. | Rinse-off. Leave on 30 minutes, then wash off. |
| Size | 50 mL / 1.7 oz | 1.6 oz | 50 mL / 1.69 oz |
Illuminate Rx sale: new and returning customers, no code needed. Ends September 30, 11:59 p.m. ET. Plus any applicable sales tax.
Research and sources
The studies below tested other 5% cysteamine creams. They did not test Illuminate Rx.
Compared with 4% hydroquinone
40 women · 5% cysteamine · 120 days
After 120 days, the cysteamine group’s melasma severity score was 38% lower than at the start. The hydroquinone group’s score was 53% lower. No severe side effects were reported in either group.
Read the studyCompared with a triple action prescription cream
50 people · 5% cysteamine · 4 months
At two and four months, the percentage reduction in the modified Melasma Area and Severity Index (mMASI) was statistically greater with 5% cysteamine than with the prescription combination (P=.005 and P=.001). This study did not evaluate Illuminate Rx.
Read the studyMore published studies
Your skin, illuminated.
One 50 mL / 1.69 oz jar
$15Free standard U.S. shipping
Offer ends September 30, 11:59 p.m. ET. Plus applicable sales tax.
No subscription required.
30-day refund policy