Secret Key Milk Brightening Toner Review

Secret Key Milk Brightening Toner
4.1
/ 10
Moisturizing
8.2 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
Rich
in Antioxidants
Review

Does Secret Key Milk Brightening Toner Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Secret Key Milk Brightening Toner has to offer:
 
  • Moderate moisturizing. It has a moisturizing rating of 4.1 out of 10.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Secret Key Milk Brightening Toner

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Secret Key Milk Brightening Toner:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Secret Key Milk Brightening Toner is quite moisturizing, with a moisturizing rating of 4.1 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 8.2 out of 10, primarily due to the high content of Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%).

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 Secret Key Milk Brightening Toner is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Nelumbo Nucifera Extract (est. ≈0.3%), Leontopodium Alpinum Extract (est. ≈0.3%), Houttuynia Cordata Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

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.

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 Milk Brightening Toner

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Secret Key Milk 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 Secret Key Milk 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 Secret Key Milk 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 Secret Key Milk Brightening Toner

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

Pros:

  • Humectant-rich moisturizing ideal for oily skin
  • Lightweight texture
  • A humectant moisturizing boost for any skincare routine
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution

Cons: 

  • Needs occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer
  • Questionable anti-wrinkle efficacy

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
80
6
4
1
1
1
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
Est. %
Milk Protein Extract
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Styrene/VP Copolymer
Function:
Origin:
Ethylhexylglycerin
Function:
Origin:
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Fragrance
Function:
Origin:
Water
Function:
Origin:
Nelumbo Nucifera Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sophora Japonica Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Freesia Refracta Extract
Function:
Origin:
Lilium Tigrinum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Function:
Origin:
Leontopodium Alpinum Extract
Function:
Origin:
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Saussurea Involucrata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Extract
Function:
Origin:
Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Allantoin
Function:
Origin:
Benzyl Benzoate
Function:
Origin:
Hexyl Cinnamal
Function:
Origin:
Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Beta-Glucan
Function:
Origin:
Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract
Function:
Origin:
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
8.2
6
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
10
All occlusives
0.0
None
Benchmark
20
Moisturizing rating
4.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Raiting
Humectancy All humectants 8.2 10
8.2
6
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Occlusivity All occlusives 0.0 20
0.0
None
Moisturizing rating
4.1
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark Humectancy
6
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 8.2 10
8.2
All humectants
8.2
6
1
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
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All antioxidants 3 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
3
Nelumbo Nucifera Extract
0.3
Leontopodium Alpinum Extract
0.3
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
0.3
Beta-Glucan
0.3
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
0.3
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
0.3
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
0.3
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
0.3
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
0.3
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 1.8 5 No
All soothing
1.8
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
Benchmark
5

Ingredients explained

Milk Protein Extract
Est. %80
Function
Origin
Milk Protein Extract
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil
Est. %4
Function
Origin
PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor OilA white paste-like substance derived from castor oil that belongs to a group of ingredients called PEGs (polyethylene glycols). It acts as a perfume solubilizer that helps fragrance agents dissolve in water and as a cleansing agent.
Phenoxyethanol
Est. %1
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.
Styrene/VP Copolymer
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Styrene/VP Copolymer
Ethylhexylglycerin
Est. %1
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.
Hydroxyethylcellulose
Est. %1
Function
Origin
HydroxyethylcelluloseA naturally-derived thickener that can form clear gel textures without the slimy feeling, unlike some other natural gel-formers.
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.
Water
Est. %0.3
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.
Nelumbo Nucifera Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nelumbo Nucifera Extract
Sophora Japonica Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sophora Japonica Flower Extract
Freesia Refracta Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Freesia Refracta Extract
Lilium Tigrinum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Lilium Tigrinum Flower/Leaf/Stem Extract
Leontopodium Alpinum Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Leontopodium Alpinum ExtractAn extract from a beautiful alpine plant called Edelweiss. It contains a rare compound called leontopodic acid with antioxidant, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties.
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Est. %0.3
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.
Saussurea Involucrata Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saussurea Involucrata Extract
Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chrysanthemum Zawadskii Extract
Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Bellis Perennis (Daisy) Flower ExtractA soothing extract obtained from the flowers of the common daisy with additional astringent and wound healing benefits.
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.
Benzyl Benzoate
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Benzyl BenzoateA fragrance ingredient with a fruity and woody scent. It is considered an allergen according to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), which means that care must be taken when determining usage levels in skincare products.
Hexyl Cinnamal
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hexyl Cinnamal

A synthetic scent ingredient that produces a jasmine-like fragrance. According to the International Fragrance Association (IFRA), hexyl cinnamal is a skin sensitizer and allergen and so its use in skincare should be limited.

Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Quillaja Saponaria Bark Extract
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.
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.
Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Caulerpa Lentillifera Extract
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato) Fruit ExtractA bright red extract obtained from tomato fruit. Its main bioactive compound is lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. It also contains other antioxidants like various phenolic acids and flavonoids.
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrullus Lanatus (Watermelon) Fruit ExtractAn emollient extract from red watermelon fruit. Its pulp, seeds, and rinds are a source of beneficial compounds for the skin, and it has occlusive, emollient, and antioxidant properties.
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit ExtractA soothing extract obtained derived from the papaya fruit. It contains a skin softening and mildly exfoliating enzyme called papain, as well as various anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds that can assist in the wound healing process.
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Fruit Extract

A fragrant extract derived from grapefruit peels. It mainly contains essential oil and various antioxidant organic acids and flavonoids. Limonene is responsible for its citrusy scent.

Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Fruit Extract

An extract from the fruit of the sweet orange. It contains fragrant sweet orange essential oil, high amounts of antioxidant flavonoids (mainly hesperidin), and carotenoids – which give it the orange color.

Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Fruit ExtractDerived from apricot fruits, this extract contains various antioxidant organic acids, vitamin C, carotenoids, and flavonoids. It gives the formula a nice, apricot scent.