Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 Review

Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30
2.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.7 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
30
SPF icon
SPF
Review

Does Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.
  • Moderate to high sun protection for daily outdoor activities

Key Benefits of Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizer Suitable for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 is lightly moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 2.8 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 moderate humectancy of 5.7 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Biosaccharide Gum-1 (est. ≈3.0%).

This product, when used alone as a moisturizer, can provide light humectant hydration in a fast-absorbing formula without any occlusive ingredients. This could work for people with oily skin who need a basic level of hydration.

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 Add-on for Any Skincare Routine

But it’s not limited to oily skin - since it contains a moderate amount of humectants, such a humectant add-on will also positively contribute to the moisturizing efficacy of any skincare routine when used as a step before applying the main moisturizer.

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

Moderate to High Sun Protection for Daily Outdoor Activities

With an SPF of 30, Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 provides moderate to high sun protection, making it suitable for daily use during moderate sun exposure, such as commuting or light outdoor activities.

This level of SPF offers excellent defense against UVB rays, blocking up to 97% of harmful radiation. When labeled as broad-spectrum, these products also protect against UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and hyperpigmentation.

For optimal protection, choose products labeled broad-spectrum to ensure defense against both UVA rays, which contribute to skin aging and pigmentation, and UVB rays that cause sunburn.

This level of SPF works well for skin types mildly prone to sunburn. It is particularly suitable for low-to-moderate UV index environments and non-tropical climates. However, it is not recommended for prolonged outdoor exposure or intense UV conditions. Reapplication every two hours is essential to maintain effectiveness.

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: Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 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 Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 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.

Pros & Cons of Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Mary Kay Botanical Effects Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 to help you decide if it’s the right choice for your skincare routine:
 

Pros:

  • When used alone: Provides moderate humectant moisturizing suitable for oily skin
  • As part of a routine: A humectant moisturizing enhancement, beneficial for any skin type
  • Lightweight texture
  • Provides moderate to high sun protection, suitable for light outdoor activities in non-tropical climates

Cons: 

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

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
60
9
6
4
3
2.5
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Homosalate
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Function:
Origin:
Oxybenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octisalate
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Avobenzone
Function:
Origin:
Octocrylene
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Cyclohexasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Acrylates Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Carbomer
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
Function:
Origin:
Methyldihydrojasmonate
Function:
Origin:
Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol
Function:
Origin:
Silica
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Ethylene Brassylate
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Cyclamen Aldehyde
Function:
Origin:
Gamma-Undecalactone
Function:
Origin:
Methylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal
Function:
Origin:
Citronellyl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Dimethylmethylenecyclohexane Carboxylate
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.7
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.7 10
5.7
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
3
1.5
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.7 10
5.7
All humectants
5.7
3
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
None
Total
0
None
Anti-wrinkle rating
0
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
0.3
All antioxidants 0.3 3 No
All antioxidants
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 3.6 5 No
All soothing
3.6
3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Water
Est. %60
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.
Homosalate
Est. %9
Function
Origin
HomosalateA synthetic chemical UV filter that protects against harmful UVB radiation.
Alcohol Denat.
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Alcohol Denat.

Denatured alcohol is ethanol that contains additives that make it unsafe to consume. It is mainly used as a solvent and an antimicrobial agent. A major drawback to alcohol denat. is that it dries out the skin.

Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %4
Function
Origin
CyclopentasiloxaneA lightweight, fast-spreading emollient that leaves a very soft and silky after-feel on the skin. Supplied as a clear and colorless liquid, cyclopentasiloxane is often used as a solvent to dissolve other silicones in.
Biosaccharide Gum-1
Est. %3
Function
Origin
Biosaccharide Gum-1A polysaccharide with humectant moisturizing and soothing properties.
Oxybenzone
Est. %2.5
Function
Origin
OxybenzoneA chemical sunscreen that protects against burning caused by UVB radiation.
Octisalate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
OctisalateA UVB sunscreen also known as ethylhexyl salicylate. It is normally paired with UVA sunscreens to provide broad-spectrum protection. Octisalate also protects other ingredients, like colorants and antioxidants, from deterioration due to exposure to UV light.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Butylene Glycol

A clear, colorless liquid humectant that draws moisture to the skin. The humectancy of butylene glycol, owed to its two hydroxyl groups, is quite considerable, although not as powerful as glycerin, which contains three hydroxyl groups.

Avobenzone
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
AvobenzoneA popular sunscreen that protects against UVA rays, which cause premature aging and skin cancer. Avobenzone degrades after about 30 minutes of sun exposure and becomes ineffective. It is therefore often paired with UV-filter stabilizers such as octocrylene.
Octocrylene
Est. %1
Function
Origin
OctocryleneA synthetic compound that protects skin against harmful ultraviolet light.
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf ExtractDerived from Aloe vera leaves, this moisturizing humectant, soothing, and antioxidant extract is commonly used in products targeting eczema, sunburn, or dermatitis. It soothes the skin and reduces the signs of inflammation and sensitivity.
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Dipotassium GlycyrrhizateA licorice root derivative with powerful anti-inflammatory and soothing activities. It is often used as a flavoring agent in lip products.
Glycerin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Cyclohexasiloxane
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CyclohexasiloxaneA clear silicone fluid with very low viscosity that is commonly used as a solvent and emollient. It has excellent spreadability, rubs in quickly, and leaves a silky smooth after-feel on the skin.
Acrylates Copolymer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acrylates CopolymerA highly functional synthetic ingredient that forms a protective layer on the skin and reduces static buildup. It gives an emollient feel to the product, including a silky after-feel.
Carbomer
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
CarbomerA synthetic ingredient with the ability to gel water. When used in emulsions, such as lotions and creams, carbomer can also act as an emulsion stabilizer.
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sodium Acrylates Crosspolymer-2
Methyldihydrojasmonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyldihydrojasmonate
Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol
Silica
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SilicaA widely used cosmetic ingredient with the same chemical composition as the sand found on beaches. A common function of silica is its ability to control viscosity. In certain chemical forms, it can effectively thicken cream-style products.
Disodium EDTA
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Disodium EDTAA synthetic chelator that helps to maintain the look and smell of a product by 'locking up' troublesome metal ions.
Ethylene Brassylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethylene BrassylateA synthetic fragrance ingredient known for its musky scent. Like most fragrance ingredients, it can be irritating.
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.
Hydroxypropyl Cyclodextrin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydroxypropyl CyclodextrinA white crystalline powder that can reduce odors coming from other ingredients in a product.
Ethyl Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Linalool
Triethanolamine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
TriethanolamineA clear, colorless, and highly viscous liquid, this ingredient is an excellent pH adjuster. When it is necessary to neutralize an acidic solution or to generally increase the pH of a product, triethanolamine is a common choice.
Cyclamen Aldehyde
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cyclamen Aldehyde
Gamma-Undecalactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gamma-Undecalactone
Methylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal
Citronellyl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellyl Acetate
Methyl Dimethylmethylenecyclohexane Carboxylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl Dimethylmethylenecyclohexane Carboxylate
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.
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.
Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Iodopropynyl ButylcarbamateA highly effective preservative against fungi, specifically mold and yeast. It is cost-effective, functions at very low levels, and also provides some protection against bacteria.
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.