Benton Heartleaf Toner Review

Benton Heartleaf Toner
4.4
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Benton Heartleaf Toner Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Benton Heartleaf Toner has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Benton Heartleaf Toner contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Benton Heartleaf Toner

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Benton Heartleaf Toner:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Benton Heartleaf Toner is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.4 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? Purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a very high humectancy of 8.7 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Methylpropanediol (est. ≈4.0%) and Panthenol (est. ≈2.0%).

This humectant-rich product, when used alone as a moisturizer, is ideal for oily skin, providing significant hydration in a lightweight, fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients.

Tip: Certain studies suggest that humectants alone may not effectively moisturize the skin. If you use this product as your only moisturizer, we recommend following it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients.

A Humectant Boost for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - such a humectant boost will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer. This type of formulation is typically used in serums, where a light, fast-absorbing texture is key.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the moisturizing rating calculation.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Benton Heartleaf Toner is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Houttuynia Cordata Extract (est. ≈6.0%) and Centella Asiatica Extract (est. ≈3.0%).

A key benefit of antioxidants is their ability to reduce oxidative stress caused by free radicals and therefore prevent accelerated skin aging. Studies also show that antioxidants can protect against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution, and help reduce inflammation and skin redness.

Skin Soothing and Calming Potential

Based on the ingredient list analysis, Benton Heartleaf Toner is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Houttuynia Cordata Extract (est. ≈6.0%), Centella Asiatica Extract (est. ≈3.0%) and Panthenol (est. ≈2.0%).

When applied to the skin, compounds of soothing ingredients, such as triglycerides, phospholipids, fatty acids, phenolic compounds, and antioxidants, work together to soothe the skin through various mechanisms: reducing inflammation, promoting wound healing, repairing the skin barrier, and providing antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Please note that this is not a complete list of benefits. We are in the process of enhancing our AI model to incorporate anti-pigmentation, exfoliation and anti-acne ratings.

Things to Be Aware Of: Benton Heartleaf Toner

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Benton Heartleaf Toner to your skincare routine:
 

If It’s Your Only Moisturizer, It Needs to Be Paired with Some Occlusives

While humectants are highly effective at attracting water to the skin, studies (J. N. Kraft, C. W. Lynde) suggest they may not be efficient when used alone.

One major drawback of purely humectant moisturization is that the water attracted by humectants to the upper layers of the skin can evaporate completely into the environment through transepidermal water loss (TEWL). Adding occlusive ingredients helps seal this moisture into the skin and prevent further water loss.

If you’re using Benton Heartleaf Toner as your only moisturizer, consider pairing it with one that contains at least some occlusive ingredients, such as oils, butters, or silicones. These work alongside humectants to create a protective barrier, locking in hydration and ensuring longer-lasting moisturization. The amount of occlusive needed depends on your skin type - the drier the skin, the more occlusives it requires.

If this product is used not as a standalone moisturizer but as part of your skincare routine, such as a toner or serum, it should be applied before your main moisturizer (unless it's a sunscreen), which will provide the necessary occlusivity on top of it.

Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

If one of your main reasons for choosing Benton Heartleaf Toner is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains some ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Centella Asiatica Extract, Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract, and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. 

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that these ingredients may reduce wrinkles, their efficacy is not supported by convincing, vehicle-controlled, double-blind clinical studies - at least none that were accessible to the CreamScan team at the time of publication.

Therefore, these ingredients do not generate the anti-wrinkle rating.

Moisturizers, when used regularly, are proven to prevent wrinkle formation and even reduce existing wrinkles. Therefore, this product, like any other moisturizer, can deliver some anti-wrinkle effects through its moisturizing action.

Please refer to the Ratings section below for details of the anti-wrinkle rating calculation.

Pros & Cons of Benton Heartleaf Toner

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Benton Heartleaf Toner to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing boost, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients like Houttuynia Cordata Extract and Centella Asiatica Extract

Cons: 

  • Only if used as a standalone moisturizer - it needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
1.3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Methylpropanediol
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium PCA
Function:
Origin:
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Hyaluronate
Function:
Origin:
Cynanchum Atratum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Origanum Vulgare Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyacetophenone
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Phytate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.7
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.7 10
8.7
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
4.4
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.7 10
8.7
All humectants
8.7
4
2
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Occlusivity
None
All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Ingredient
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
when present at, %
in this formula est. %
Rating
n/a
- 3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
3
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
6
3
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 12.7 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
12.7
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
6
Centella Asiatica Extract
3
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
1
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract
0.3
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
0.3
Sodium Hyaluronate
0.3
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract
0.3
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract
0.3
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract
0.3
Hydroxyacetophenone
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
6
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 13.2 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
13.2
6
3
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %75
Function
Origin
WaterThe most used ingredient in skincare. Its concentration defines the product texture: rich creams may have about 50% of water while a light jelly about 90%. Water doesn’t moisturize the skin by itself and is used in skincare as a solvent for other ingredients.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Houttuynia Cordata ExtractAn extract from a herbaceous plant fish leaf. It contains various antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds. It shows interesting antimicrobial potential due to its unique phytochemical composition.
Methylpropanediol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
MethylpropanediolMethylpropanediol is a unique glycol that contains two primary hydroxyl groups. That makes methylpropanediol a powerful humectant and an excellent solvent.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Centella Asiatica ExtractAn extract from the leaves of the Gotu kola. It is used in skincare for its antioxidant, wound healing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. It increases the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin.
Panthenol
Est. %2
Function
Origin
PanthenolA popular soothing and moisturizing derivative of vitamin B5. Panthenol is particularly beneficial for dry, flaking, burned, or damaged skin. It is used to alleviate the symptoms of a rash, dermatitis, eczema, chapped lips, and sunburn.
Sodium PCA
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sodium PCAOne of the most important parts of the skin's Natural Moisturizing Factor, a mixture of various compounds that keeps the skin’s surface well hydrated. Sodium PCA is used in skincare for its fantastic humectant properties.
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Diospyros Kaki Leaf Extract
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Fruit ExtractAn extract obtained from the skin and pulp of grapes. Grape skin and pulp contain antioxidant and astringent flavonoids and tannins, famous resveratrol, and many different organic and phenolic acids.
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Coffea Arabica (Coffee) Seed ExtractAn antioxidant and emollient extract derived from coffee beans. It has been proven to improve collagen and elastin production in the skin. A small clinical study tested the anti-aging effects of coffee berry extract, and the results were very promising.
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower ExtractA bright orange extract obtained from the flowers of the safflower plant. It has been shown to reduce the signs of photoaging, have anti-pigment activity, and promote hair growth. The studies on humans, however, are so far lacking.
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polygonum Cuspidatum Root ExtractAn extract from the roots of the Japanese knotweed, a plant from East Asia that has spread around the world as an invasive plant. It contains various antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potentially anti-pigment (more tests are necessary) phytochemicals.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Castanea Crenata (Chestnut) Shell Extract
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit ExtractA pepper extract that is claimed to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Sodium Hyaluronate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Hyaluronate

A sodium salt of famous hyaluronic acid. A potent humectant that hydrates the skin, supports collagen function, and fills out small wrinkles. Sodium hyaluronate also offers soothing and antioxidant properties.

Cynanchum Atratum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cynanchum Atratum Extract
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) ExtractAn extract from lavender flowers that mostly contains lavender essential oil. It also offers many beneficial antioxidant and astringent phytochemicals such as flavonoids, terpenes, and phenolic acids.
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) ExtractAn extract derived from rosemary leaves. It contains a fragrant essential oil and is a strong antioxidant with astringent tannins.
Origanum Vulgare Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Origanum Vulgare Flower Extract
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Thymus Vulgaris (Thyme) ExtractDerived from thyme, this antioxidant, antiseptic and fragrant extract consists mainly of thyme essential oil (with its spicy herbal scent), flavonoids, terpenes, and organic acids.
Hydroxyacetophenone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
HydroxyacetophenoneAn antioxidant compound that can be found in many plants, although it is manufactured synthetically for skincare purposes. It can boost the preservative action of other conservants.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
1,2-HexanediolA multi-functional formula helper. It is a well-studied preservtive against bacteria and can help pigments and fragrances disperse evenly in a formula.
Allantoin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
AllantoinA fluffy, white powder that acts as a humectant due to its water-loving chemistry and as an exfoliant that helps to remove dead skin cells. It has also been shown to be very soothing to irritated and inflamed skin.
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
EthylhexylglycerinA preservative booster derived from glycerin. It is commonly paired with other preservatives to improve their efficacy. Ethylhexylglycerin is also a humectant due to its chemical base of glycerin.
Sodium Phytate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium PhytateSodium phytate is a chelating agent that serves to remove heavy metal ions from water. Removing metal ions helps other ingredients, such as antioxidants and preservatives, to perform better and keep products from separating.
Citric Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citric AcidA gently exfoliating AHA that helps to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. In comparison to other AHAs, citric acid has been shown to be one of the least effective. It is also very commonly used as a stabilizing and pH-controlling agent.