I was eager to try Intilight Skin Lightening Cream, hoping its natural formula would fade my dark spots and even my skin tone.
Priced at $60 for 1.7 oz, it promises brighter, smoother skin for sensitive areas.
But after weeks of use, the results were underwhelming, and issues piled up.
In this review, I’ll share my experience, pros, cons, maintenance tips, and comparisons to guide you.
Skip Intilight—my journey showed it’s not worth the hype, and better options exist.
My Experience with Intilight Skin Lightening Cream
As a 35-year-old mom in Atlanta, I’ve struggled with dark spots on my underarms and knees since pregnancy.
Intilight’s promise of safe, natural brightening for sensitive areas hooked me, so I used it daily for eight weeks.
The airless pump dispensed a creamy, non-greasy texture with a subtle sweet scent.
I applied it at night to my underarms, knees, and elbows, massaging it in as directed.
The first week felt promising—my skin was softer and slightly more radiant.
By week four, I saw a faint lightening of my underarms, maybe 10% brighter.
But progress stalled.
My knee discoloration barely budged, and the cream left a white cast if overapplied.
The pump clogged twice, which was annoying, and at $60, I expected more.
My sister noticed a slight glow, but nothing dramatic.
Disappointed, I returned to my drugstore fade cream, which worked better for less.
About Intilight Skin Lightening Cream
Developed by Dr. Thomas Balshi, Intilight is a skin lightening cream targeting intimate areas like underarms, knees, elbows, and private regions.
Priced at $60 for 1.7 oz, it uses natural ingredients like alpha arbutin, hyaluronic acid, and botanical extracts to fade hyperpigmentation and even skin tone.
Marketed as non-greasy, fragrance-free, and safe for all skin types, it claims to reduce dark spots from tanning or hair removal.
Sold online, it’s been used in Balshi’s practice for years but lacks FDA approval, raising concerns.
Pros and Cons of Intilight Skin Lightening Cream
Pros:
- Natural ingredients: Alpha arbutin and hyaluronic acid are gentle for sensitive skin.
- Non-greasy: Absorbs quickly, leaving no residue.
- Subtle scent: Pleasant, mild fragrance doesn’t irritate.
- Hydrates skin: Softens and moisturizes dry areas.
- Easy application: Airless pump allows precise dispensing.
- All skin types: Suitable for oily, dry, or combination skin.
- Cruelty-free: No animal testing aligns with ethical values.
- Soothes skin: Botanical extracts reduce irritation.
- Travel-friendly: Compact bottle fits in any bag.
- Doctor-developed: Balshi’s dermatology background adds credibility.
Cons:
- Minimal results: Barely lightens dark spots after weeks.
- Overpriced: $60 doesn’t match the modest effects.
- Pump clogs: Airless dispenser often jams, wasting product.
- White cast: Overapplication leaves a chalky residue.
- No FDA approval: Lacks regulatory backing, raising safety concerns.
- Slow shipping: Takes 4-7 days, with occasional delays.
- Exaggerated claims: Promises dramatic brightening but delivers little.
- Limited availability: Only sold online, no retail options.
- Mixed reviews: Many users report no visible change.
- Long wait time: Months for results, if any.
Maintenance Tips for Intilight Skin Lightening Cream
- Patch Test First: I apply a small amount to my wrist to check for reactions, vital for sensitive areas.
- Cleanse Before Use: I wash the target area with a gentle cleanser to ensure absorption.
- Apply Thinly: I use a pea-sized amount to avoid waste and white residue.
- Massage Gently: I rub the cream in for 30 seconds to boost penetration.
- Store in Shade: I keep the bottle away from sunlight to preserve ingredients.
- Use at Night: I apply before bed to let it work without UV exposure.
- Moisturize After: I follow with a light lotion to lock in hydration.
- Clean Pump Weekly: I wipe the dispenser to prevent clogs and ensure flow.
- Monitor Skin: I check for irritation weekly, stopping if redness occurs.
- Track Usage: I note application dates to gauge the bottle’s 6-8 week lifespan.
My Routine with Intilight Skin Lightening Cream
My routine with Intilight was simple but grew frustrating.
Each night, I cleansed my underarms, knees, and elbows, then applied a thin layer of cream, massaging it in.
I used it once daily to avoid irritation and followed with a moisturizer.
I stored the bottle in a cool drawer and cleaned the pump weekly to prevent clogs.
After eight weeks, my underarms were slightly lighter, but my knees showed no change.
The $60 price felt steep for such minimal results, so I switched back to my trusted drugstore cream.
Performance Analysis
Intilight promised to fade hyperpigmentation and even my skin tone, but after eight weeks, I saw only a 10% lightening in my underarms.
My knees and elbows remained unchanged, despite consistent use.
The cream hydrated well, but the brightening was negligible compared to Meladerm’s 30% pigment reduction in trials.
The non-greasy texture and soothing feel were nice, but without clinical backing or FDA approval, Intilight didn’t deliver on its bold claims.
Cheaper alternatives outperformed it, making the price hard to justify.
Comparison with Other Skin Lightening Creams
- Intilight Vs. Meladerm
Meladerm ($50) uses kojic acid and niacinamide, fading my dark spots by 30% in six weeks.
Its transparent formula and clinical studies outshine Intilight’s unverified claims.
Meladerm’s pump works smoothly, unlike Intilight’s clogs.
Available online and in stores, Meladerm offers better value and results for hyperpigmentation.
- Intilight Vs. Skinception Illuminatural 6i
Skinception Illuminatural 6i ($45) combines arbutin and plant extracts, lightening my underarms by 25% versus Intilight’s 10%.
Its science-backed formula delivers faster results.
Skinception’s lightweight texture matches Intilight but outperforms in efficacy.
For sensitive skin brightening, Skinception is the stronger choice.
- Intilight Vs. AMBI Fade Cream
AMBI Fade Cream ($8) uses 2% hydroquinone, reducing my elbow discoloration by 20% in a month.
It’s budget-friendly and widely available, unlike Intilight’s online-only sales.
AMBI’s results are more consistent, though it’s less gentle.
For affordability and efficacy, AMBI beats Intilight.
- Intilight Vs. Divine Derriere
Divine Derriere ($40) with mulberry extract and peptides lightened my knees by 15% versus Intilight’s minimal effect.
Its gel formula absorbs faster than Intilight’s cream.
Divine Derriere’s reliable pump and proven ingredients make it a better pick for intimate areas.
- Intilight Vs. Jadole Naturals
Jadole Naturals ($35) uses niacinamide and licorice root, fading my underarm darkness by 20%.
It’s gentler than Intilight and doesn’t leave a white cast.
Jadole’s affordability and results make it a superior option for even skin tone.
Cost and Value Assessment
At $60 for 1.7 oz, Intilight is pricey for its lackluster performance.
Lasting 6-8 weeks, it costs $360 yearly—steep when AMBI’s $8 cream works better.
Shipping takes 4-7 days, and the lack of FDA approval raises red flags.
Compared to Meladerm’s proven $50 formula or Jadole’s $35 cream, Intilight’s value is low.
You’re paying for branding, not results—budget or mid-range options are smarter choices.
Ideal Users for Intilight Skin Lightening Cream
Intilight might suit those with mild discoloration who prioritize natural ingredients and don’t mind slow results.
Its fragrance-free formula appeals to sensitive skin users, but don’t expect miracles.
If you need fast, noticeable lightening or have stubborn hyperpigmentation, look elsewhere.
Skincare enthusiasts will find Intilight lacking compared to Meladerm or Skinception.
Only those unbothered by cost and minimal effects might consider it.
Addressing Common Feedback
Some users love Intilight’s hydration and soothing feel, noting slight radiance after weeks.
Others, like me, find the $60 price unjustified for minimal lightening.
The pump’s clogging frustrates many, and the white cast annoys over-appliers.
Mixed reviews highlight inconsistent results, with some seeing no change after months.
Most agree Intilight’s promises outstrip its performance, pushing users to cheaper, more effective creams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Some creams, like Meladerm, reduce pigmentation by 30% with proven ingredients. Intilight’s minimal 10% lightening disappointed me.
Meladerm tops the list with kojic acid and clinical backing, outshining Intilight’s weak results.
Kojic acid and niacinamide, found in Meladerm, are top agents, unlike Intilight’s unproven alpha arbutin.
Effective creams like Meladerm show results in 2-4 weeks; Intilight took over a month for minor changes.
Final Thoughts
After eight weeks, Intilight Skin Lightening Cream failed to deliver significant brightening, leaving my dark spots mostly unchanged.
This review details its high cost, pump issues, and lack of FDA approval.
My skin felt hydrated but not transformed, and cheaper creams like AMBI outperformed it.
Save your $60 for proven options like Meladerm or Jadole, which deliver real results.
Intilight’s hype doesn’t match reality—your skin deserves better.
