florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening Toner Review

florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening Toner
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening Toner Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening Toner has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Key Benefits of florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening Toner

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening Toner:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening Toner is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 5.0 out of 10.

Is it more humectant or occlusive? It is purely humectant. It has zero occlusivity (we didn't find any occlusive ingredients on the ingredient list) and a maximum humectancy of 10 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Pentylene Glycol (est. ≈6.0%), Propanediol (est. ≈3.0%) and Glycerin (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.

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: florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening Toner

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening 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 florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening 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 florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening Toner is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Beta-Glucan, an ingredient often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of Beta-Glucan provide insufficient evidence of its efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards.

While this does not categorically exclude the possibility that Beta-Glucan may reduce wrinkles, its 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, this ingredient does 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 florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening Toner

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of florence by mills Episode 1: Brighten Up Brightening 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

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
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Pentylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Water
Function:
Origin:
Propanediol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water
Function:
Origin:
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Carnosine
Function:
Origin:
Undecylenoyl Glycine
Function:
Origin:
Betaine
Function:
Origin:
Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hexylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Potassium Sorbate
Function:
Origin:
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Rubus Villosus (Blackberry) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
Function:
Origin:
Maltodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Phosphatidylglycerol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
12.5
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 12.5 10
10.0
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
5.0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
3
2
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 12.5 10
10
All humectants
12.5
6
3
2
0.3
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
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Beta-Glucan
-
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 1.2 3 No
All antioxidants
1.2
Carnosine
0.3
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
0.3
Beta-Glucan
0.3
Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
All soothing 0.3 5 No
All soothing
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.
Pentylene Glycol
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Pentylene Glycol

A naturally or synthetically derived preservative that exhibits effective antifungal and antibacterial traits. It also acts as a booster for more traditional preservatives. Pentylene glycol can also serve as a moisturizing humectant and solvent.

Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Water
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Fruit Water
Propanediol
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PropanediolAn excellent solvent capable of mixing water with normally water-insoluble ingredients. It also functions as a humectant due to its water-loving alcohol groups. Propanediol can control the viscosity of a product by reducing its thickness.
Glycerin
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Glycerin

The most popular moisturizing ingredient in the world. It is a powerful humectant – cheap yet very effective.

Anthemis Nobilis Flower Water
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Anthemis Nobilis Flower WaterA fragrant water infused with the essential oil of Roman chamomile flowers that has a crisp, sweet, and herbaceous scent.
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Water
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower Water
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Flower WaterA fragrant water infused with lavender essential oil. It has astringent and wound healing properties, as well as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial effects.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
PhenoxyethanolThe most frequently used preservative in skincare. It is a clear, oil-like liquid synthetic substance that protects products from harmful bacteria and yeast, whilst still leaving skin microflora unharmed. It is confirmed by research to be harmless.
Caprylyl Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caprylyl GlycolAn emollient that improves product spreadability and offers a silky feel on the skin. It also acts as a preservative booster that improves the efficacy of other preservatives. According to the manufacturer, it is also a humectant moisturizer.
Carnosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarnosineA skin-identical dipeptide that acts as a powerful antioxidant. It protects our skin from harmful glycation and can enhance the activity of other active ingredients in the skincare product.
Undecylenoyl Glycine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Undecylenoyl Glycine
Betaine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
BetaineAn ingredient derived from the sucrose in sugar beets. It has a negative chemical charge and a positive chemical charge on the same molecule. This allows betaine to be hygroscopic or humectant and thus provide moisturization by drawing water to the skin.
Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bis-Ethoxydiglycol Cyclohexane 1,4-Dicarboxylate
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.
Hexylene Glycol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexylene GlycolA multifunctional ingredient that is best known for its use as a solvent. It can dissolve both water-based ingredients and oils. For this reason, it can also function as an emulsifier, allowing oil and water ingredients to mix and remain stable.
Sodium Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium BenzoateA preservative that usually works in combination with other preservatives. It has to be at low pH (<5.5) to be effective.
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.
Potassium Sorbate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Potassium SorbateA preservative widely used in food and personal care products, available from natural sources or synthetically produced. Potassium sorbate works by inhibiting the growth of yeasts, molds, and some bacteria.
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Euterpe Oleracea Fruit ExtractAn antioxidant extract obtained from the fruits of the acai palm. It has a high content of anthocyanins, responsible for the dark purple color, as well as other antioxidant phenolic compounds.
Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ribes Nigrum (Black Currant) Fruit Extract
Rubus Villosus (Blackberry) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Rubus Villosus (Blackberry) Leaf Extract
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.
Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Agastache Mexicana Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Beta-Glucan
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Beta-GlucanA special polysaccharide obtained from cereals, mushrooms, yeast, bacteria, and some species of seaweed. It is a promising anti-wrinkle, wound healing, antioxidant, and moisturizing ingredient.
Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Gardenia Florida Extract
Maltodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
MaltodextrinA formula helper manufactured from starch. It has a sweet flavor and is often used in rinse-off products to support their foaming structure. Maltodextrin is also used to stabilize emulsions and to absorb and bind other ingredients in the formula.
Phosphatidylglycerol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Phosphatidylglycerol