Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refreshing Toner Review

Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refreshing Toner
4.7
/ 10
Moisturizing
9.4 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Review

Does Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refreshing Toner Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refreshing Toner has to offer:
 
  • Strong humectant moisturizing. This lightweight, humectant-rich product, ideal for oily skin, has a moisturizing rating of 4.7 out of 10.

Key Benefits of Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refreshing Toner

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refreshing Toner:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refreshing Toner is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.7 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 9.4 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of PEG-8 (est. ≈4.0%) and Butylene Glycol (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: Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refreshing Toner

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refreshing 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 Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refreshing 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.

Pros & Cons of Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refreshing Toner

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Mary Kay Botanical Effects Refreshing 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

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
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
PEG-8
Function:
Origin:
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Panthenol
Function:
Origin:
Methyldihydrojasmonate
Function:
Origin:
Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol
Function:
Origin:
Triethanolamine
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Ethyl Linalool
Function:
Origin:
Ethylene Brassylate
Function:
Origin:
Citronellyl Acetate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclamen Aldehyde
Function:
Origin:
Gamma-Undecalactone
Function:
Origin:
Methyl Dimethylmethylenecyclohexane Carboxylate
Function:
Origin:
Methylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Simethicone
Function:
Origin:
Citric Acid
Function:
Origin:
Sodium Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Cyclopentasiloxane
Function:
Origin:
Benzophenone-4
Function:
Origin:
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
9.4
4
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 9.4 10
9.4
4
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
4.7
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
2
1.5
1.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 9.4 10
9.4
All humectants
9.4
4
2
1.5
1.3
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
1.3
All antioxidants 1.3 3 No
All antioxidants
1.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
1.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 2.2 5 No
All soothing
2.2
1.3
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.
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.

PEG-8
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PEG-8A synthetic liquid that serves as a humectant. It also works as a solvent because of its ability to dissolve a wide range of ingredients.
PPG-5-Ceteth-20
Est. %3
Function
Origin
PPG-5-Ceteth-20A synthetic emulsifier that can also contribute to the smooth feel of a product.
Butylene Glycol
Est. %2
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.

Glycerin
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Est. %1.3
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. %1
Function
Origin
Hylocereus Undatus Fruit Extract
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Bark/Leaf Extract
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.
Panthenol
Est. %0.3
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.
Methyldihydrojasmonate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyldihydrojasmonate
Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Isobutyl Methyl Tetrahydropyranol
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.
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.
Ethyl Linalool
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Ethyl Linalool
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.
Citronellyl Acetate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citronellyl Acetate
Cyclamen Aldehyde
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cyclamen Aldehyde
Gamma-Undecalactone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Gamma-Undecalactone
Methyl Dimethylmethylenecyclohexane Carboxylate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methyl Dimethylmethylenecyclohexane Carboxylate
Methylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Methylenedioxyphenyl Methylpropanal
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.
Simethicone
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
SimethiconeA synthetic foam reducing agent that imparts a dry, cushiony aesthetic.
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.
Cyclopentasiloxane
Est. %0.3
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.
Benzophenone-4
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzophenone-4Also known as sulisobenzone, it is a chemical sunscreen that protects against UVB and most UVA radiation. It is weaker than typical sunscreens and is usually accompanied by other UV absorbers to be most effective.
Red 4 (CI 14700)
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Red 4 (CI 14700)A synthetic dye that is also known as FD&C Red No. 4. This colorant produces a warm red hue that has an orange or yellow undertone.