Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence Review

Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence
5.0
/ 10
Moisturizing
10.0 Humectancy icon Humectancy
0.0 Occlusivity icon Occlusivity
3Anti-wrinkle icon/ 10
Anti-wrinkle
Rich
in Antioxidants
Rich Skin Soothing icon
in Skin Soothers
Review

Does Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence Work?

 
According to CreamScan AI's analysis of the ingredient list, here’s what Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence 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.
  • Modest anti-wrinkle efficacy: Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence has an anti-wrinkle rating of 3.0 out of 10 so you may expect some, although limited, effect on wrinkles.
  • Soothing: Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients, which may help to reduce irritation and calm the skin.
  • Antioxidant protection.

Key Benefits of Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence

 
These are the key benefits you can expect from using Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence:
 

Lightweight Purely Humectant Moisturizing, Ideal for Oily Skin

According to CreamScan analysis, Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence 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 Glycerin (est. ≈6.0%), Butylene Glycol (est. ≈4.0%) and Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate (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.

Modest Anti-Wrinkle Efficacy

According to CreamScan analysis, Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence has a modest level of anti-wrinkle efficacy, rated 3.0 out of 10.

It contains one ingredient with proven anti-wrinkle efficacy: Asiaticoside (est. ≈0.3%), 
 derived from the plant Centella asiatica, an ingredient with moderate anti-wrinkle efficacy, as confirmed by a single clinical study involving 27 participants (Lee et al.). This study demonstrated that a cream containing 0.1% asiaticoside reduced the average wrinkle depth by 8% after 12 weeks of use, compared to a vehicle (the same formulation without asiaticoside).
 
Among others, Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence also contains some ingredients marketed often as effective in reducing wrinkles, specifically Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, and Adenosine. However, the studies supporting the anti-wrinkle claims of these ingredients provide insufficient evidence of efficacy according to CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards. Therefore, these ingredients do not contribute to 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.

Rich in Skin-Protecting Antioxidants

We estimate that Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence is rich (> 3%) in antioxidants, specifically Arbutin (est. ≈3.0%).

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 Starting Treatment Essence is rich (> 5%) in soothing ingredients, particularly Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (est. ≈1.5%), Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract (est. ≈1.0%), Portulaca Oleracea Extract (est. ≈0.3%), and others.

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 Starting Treatment Essence

 
CreamScan AI identified a few things to consider before adding Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence 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 Starting Treatment Essence 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 Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence

 
Here’s an overview of the pros and cons of Secret Key Starting Treatment Essence 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
  • Offers modest anti-wrinkle efficacy
  • Rich in antioxidants that combat oxidative stress associated with accelerated skin aging and defend against environmental damage such as UV radiation and pollution
  • Potentially soothing, as it contains a high concentration of soothing ingredients like Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice and Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

Cons: 

  • Needs to be paired with occlusives to seal in humectants if used as a standalone moisturizer

Ingredients

Est. % Ingredient Origin Functions
75
6
4
3
2
1.5
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
0.3
0.3
Est. %
Water
Function:
Origin:
Glycerin
Function:
Origin:
Butylene Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Arbutin
Function:
Origin:
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Function:
Origin:
Phenoxyethanol
Function:
Origin:
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Function:
Origin:
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Water
Function:
Origin:
1,2-Hexanediol
Function:
Origin:
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Centella Asiatica Extract
Function:
Origin:
Adenosine
Function:
Origin:
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract
Function:
Origin:
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
Function:
Origin:
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
Function:
Origin:
Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Function:
Origin:
Disodium EDTA
Function:
Origin:
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
Function:
Origin:
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Function:
Origin:
Artemisia Annua Extract
Function:
Origin:
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Function:
Origin:
Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Function:
Origin:
Saccharomyces Ferment
Function:
Origin:
Caprylyl Glycol
Function:
Origin:
Asiaticoside
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Collagen
Function:
Origin:
Hydrolyzed Chitin
Function:
Origin:
Hyaluronic Acid
Function:
Origin:

Ratings

All humectants
16.3
6
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
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 16.3 10
10.0
6
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
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
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All humectants 16.3 10
10
All humectants
16.3
6
4
2
1.5
1
0.3
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
3 /10 0.1 0.3 3
n/a
- 1 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
n/a
- 0.3 -
Total
3
Asiaticoside
3
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
3 /10
when present at, %
0.1
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
1
Centella Asiatica Extract
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Adenosine
-
Ingredient anti-wrinkle power
n/a
when present at, %
-
in this formula, est. %
0.3
Anti-wrinkle rating
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Antioxidants
3
1.5
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
All antioxidants 9.4 3 Rich in antioxidants
All antioxidants
9.4
Arbutin
3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
1.5
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
1
Asiaticoside
0.3
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
0.3
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract
0.3
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
0.3
Centella Asiatica Extract
0.3
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
0.3
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
0.3
Houttuynia Cordata Extract
0.3
Carica Papaya (Papaya) Fruit Extract
0.3
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
0.3
Morus Alba Bark Extract
0.3
Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
0.3
Hyaluronic Acid
0.3
Benchmark
3
Ingredient Est. % Benchmark
Rich in Soothing
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
All soothing 5.8 5 Rich in soothing
All soothing
5.8
1.5
1
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.3
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.
Glycerin
Est. %6
Function
Origin
Glycerin

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

Butylene Glycol
Est. %4
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.

Arbutin
Est. %3
Function
Origin
ArbutinOne of the few potent anti-pigment compounds found naturally in bearberry or cranberry leaves. When applied to the skin, this ingredient converts into hydroquinone, with tyrosinase inhibiting effects.
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Est. %2
Function
Origin
Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice
Est. %1.5
Function
Origin
Aloe Barbadensis Leaf JuiceA gelatinous juice from Aloe vera leaves that acts as a powerful humectant, emollient, and antioxidant. It contains enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that soothe irritated skin and have wound-healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
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.
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract
Est. %1
Function
Origin
Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract

An antioxidant green tea extract. In the deeper layers, it slows down the destruction of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid – thus delaying the signs of aging. It also acts as an anti-acne, soothing, moisturizing, and emollient ingredient.

Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Acanthopanax Senticosus (Eleuthero) Extract
Portulaca Oleracea Extract
Est. %0.3
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.
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Water
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower WaterAn essential water obtained from German chamomile. It contains fragrant chamazulene and anti-inflammatory bisabolol, and offers some astringent benefits.
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.
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.
Panax Ginseng Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Panax Ginseng Root ExtractDerived from the roots of the Korean Ginseng, this extract contains a mixture of antioxidant and soothing ginsenosides which are proven to reduce inflammation and treat eczema. The root is a major part of Chinese traditional medicine.
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.
Adenosine
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Adenosine

A key molecule responsible for energy transportation, signaling, and enzyme activity. Adenosine is a popular anti-wrinkle ingredient, however, the key study about its anti-wrinkle efficacy (1) does not meet CreamScan Research Evaluation Standards as it is not double-blind.

Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nelumbo Nucifera Leaf ExtractAn extract derived from the leaves of Indian lotus or water lily. It contains antioxidant, soothing, and antimicrobial organic acids, flavonoids, and alkaloids.
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Zanthoxylum Piperitum Fruit ExtractA pepper extract that is claimed to have antibacterial and antioxidant properties.
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Eucalyptus Globulus Leaf ExtractA fragrant extract obtained from the mature leaves of the Eucalyptus tree. It contains cineole, the main constituent of eucalyptus essential oil.
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hamamelis Virginiana (Witch Hazel) Leaf ExtractComing from witch hazel leaves, this potent astringent and anti-inflammatory extract contains a mixture of various tannins and flavonoids, as well as a small amount of essential oil with a mild, spicy aroma.
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.
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.
Sophora Angustifolia Root Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Sophora Angustifolia Root ExtractDerived from the root of the shrubby sophora, this soothing extract contains anti-inflammatory flavonoids. It also has the ability to reduce the appearance of dark spots.
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.
Cordyceps Sinensis Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Cordyceps Sinensis ExtractAn ingredient obtained by powdering caterpillars along with a parasitic fungus that grows on their heads. One study suggests that this ingredient has antioxidant and anti-aging activity.
Morus Alba Bark Extract
Est. %0.3
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).
Artemisia Annua Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Artemisia Annua Extract
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Oryza Sativa (Rice) ExtractAn abrasive rice extract rich in various emollient fatty acids, amino acids, and vitamin E.
Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Nelumbium Speciosum Flower Extract
Saccharomyces Ferment
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Saccharomyces Ferment
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.
Asiaticoside
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Asiaticoside

A Gotu Kola or Centella Asiatica derivative with confirmed anti-wrinkle efficacy.

Hydrolyzed Collagen
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Collagen

A humectant, film-forming, and emollient mixture of various proteins and peptides that were created by cutting the huge molecules of normal collagen into smaller pieces for better absorption. It also has some antioxidant properties.

Hydrolyzed Chitin
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hydrolyzed Chitin
Hyaluronic Acid
Est. %0.3
Function
Origin
Hyaluronic Acid

A potent, skin-identical humectant moisturizing ingredient that is able to bind water 1000 times its own weight. The anti-aging benefits of hyaluronic acid are due to its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen in the skin.