Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel Review

Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel
2.8
/ 10
Moisturizing
5.6 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel has to offer:
 
  • Light moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 2.8 out of 10.
  • Soothing: Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizer Suitable for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel 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 5.6 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Propylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%).

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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract (est. ≈80.0%) and Morus Alba Bark Extract (est. ≈2.0%).

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, Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract (est. ≈80.0%) and Morus Alba Bark Extract (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: Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel 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 Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel 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 Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel is its potential anti-aging effects, please note that, according to CreamScan analysis, it currently has a zero anti-wrinkle rating.

It contains Centella Asiatica Extract and Snail Secretion Filtrate, two ingredients often marketed as effective in reducing wrinkles. 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 Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Secret Key Fresh Nature Toner Witch Hazel 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
  • 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 Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract and Morus Alba Bark 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
80
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
Est. %
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Alcohol Denat.
Function:
Origin:
Propylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sciadopitys Verticillata Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Physalis Alkekengi Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Pulsatilla Koreana Extract
Function:
Origin:
Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Nonoxynol-9
Function:
Origin:
Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Viola Tricolor Extract
Function:
Origin:
Snail Secretion Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Polysorbate 80
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
5.6
4
1
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 5.6 10
5.6
4
1
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
2.8
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
4
1
0.3
0.3
All humectants 5.6 10
5.6
All humectants
5.6
4
1
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 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
0
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Snail Secretion Filtrate
-
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
80
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 84.2 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
84.2
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
80
Morus Alba Bark Extract
2
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
1
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
0.3
Viola Tricolor Extract
0.3
Snail Secretion Filtrate
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
80
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 84.2 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
84.2
80
2
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Extract
Est. %80
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) ExtractAn extract obtained from the twigs and/or leaves of witch hazel. It is one of the oldest skincare remedies known to man. It is astringent and sebum regulating, meaning that it controls the amount of sebum that the skin produces.
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.

Propylene Glycol
Est. %4
Function
Origin
Propylene GlycolA clear, thick, odorless liquid of synthetic origin. Its main function is to stabilize cosmetic products exposed to varying temperatures. It is also a moderately strong humectant with similar properties to glycerin.
1,2-Hexanediol
Est. %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.
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Morus Alba Bark ExtractAn extract derived from the bark of the white mulberry tree. It contains various astringent, antioxidant, and soothing phytochemicals (some of which can also show anti-pigment activity).
Sciadopitys Verticillata Root Extract
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Sciadopitys Verticillata Root Extract
Physalis Alkekengi Fruit Extract
Est. %1.3
Function
Origin
Physalis Alkekengi Fruit Extract
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Portulaca Oleracea ExtractDerived from green or common purslane, this moisturizing extract is particularly rich in alpha-linolenic acid, an omega-3 fatty acid, and contains antioxidant glutathione and vitamin E. As a herbal medicine, it is believed to treat headaches and inflammation.
Centella Asiatica Extract
Est. %0.3
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.
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit ExtractA pepper extract that is claimed to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Pulsatilla Koreana Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Pulsatilla Koreana ExtractAn extract derived from the Korean pasque flower. It contains various saponins with antimicrobial properties and has been successfully tested against bacteria involved with acne.
Usnea Barbata (Lichen) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Usnea Barbata (Lichen) ExtractA lichen-derivative with proven antibacterial activity.
Nonoxynol-9
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nonoxynol-9
Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) ExtractAn extract derived from an edible mushroom known as snow fungus. It is full of various proteins, fiber, and humectant moisturizing polysaccharides.
Viola Tricolor Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Viola Tricolor ExtractAn astringent, sebum regulating, and antioxidant extract from wild pansy which contains various antioxidant flavonoids, carotenoids, saponins, as well as special cyclical proteins called cyclotides.
Snail Secretion Filtrate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Snail Secretion FiltrateA purified and filtered slime from garden snails. It contains humectant and soothing mucin (which showed amazing results in clinical tests), decreased redness and stinging, and improved firmness, hydration, and coloration of the skin.
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.
Fragrance
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
FragranceUnder trade secret law, manufacturers have the right not to disclose what exactly went into the fragrance and use the unspecific word Fragrance or Parfum instead. Many fragrances are highly allergenic.
Polysorbate 80
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Polysorbate 80A non-ionic surfactant, which means that it contains no chemical charges. It can be used as a mild cleansing agent in skin cleansing products but is more commonly used for its emulsifying abilities.