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Secret Key Aloe Soothing Moist Toner
Secret Key

Secret Key Aloe Soothing Moist Toner

Efficacy75/100IrritancyMedium
See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing
Glycerin, Sodium hyaluronate + 8 more
Works
What the product description says
“A soothing and moisturizing toner that contains Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Water to provide comfortable, soothing care to fatigued skin while replenishing moisture to dry skin for a long-lasting hydrated finish that locks in moisture.”
Source: iHerb

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": allantoin, glycerin.

When humectants are on the surface of the skin, they “pull in” the moisture from the outside environment, or from within deeper layers of the skin. If the air is dry, humectants can speed up the moisture loss from the skin. This is why it is a good idea to use another product on top of this one to help "seal in" the moisture (look for ingredients like dimethicone, squalane, oils and butters).

GlycerinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant~23–34%
Sodium hyaluronateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighOne of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin~3.4–5.1%
Beta-glucanKey activeEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~2.7–4%
Snail secretion filtrateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighTypically contains hyaluronic acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might contain allantoin that is helpful in calming down inflammation. There is no evidence that it can have any further benefits for the skin, especially when used in skincare products~1.9–2.8%
AllantoinKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated~0.9–1.35%
Aloe barbadensis leaf waterEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin97%
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice· HumectantEffect: LowTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~4.3–6.5%
Portulaca oleracea extract· HumectantEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1.4–2.1%
Camellia sinensis leaf extractEffect: LowCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.1–0.5%
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractEffect: Low, below effective doseTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin~0.35–0.85%
Anti-oxidation
Side benefit · Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Beta-glucan + 3 more
May help

This product contains antioxidants (camellia sinensis leaf extract) that might be able to help neutralize free radicals in skin to lessen the damage it gets from the UV light (sun). There is not enough evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin though.

Camellia sinensis leaf extractKey activeEffect: MediumCan contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation~0.1–0.5%
Beta-glucanEffect: LowHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles~2.7–4%
Portulaca oleracea extractEffect: LowA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin~1.4–2.1%
Psidium guajava fruit extractEffect: LowA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect~1.2–1.8%
Zanthoxylum piperitum fruit extractEffect: LowPlant extract that has some anti-oxidant properties. It can be irritating. Can be used to improve the product's smell~1–1.5%

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy
2 strong irritants: Zanthoxylum piperitum fruit extract, Parfum
Medium risk
We flagged 10 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.
IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount
Psidium guajava fruit extractA fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effectHigh~1.2–1.8%est.
Zanthoxylum piperitum fruit extractPlant extract that has some anti-oxidant properties. It can be irritating. Can be used to improve the product's smellHigh~1–1.5%est.
ParfumAn aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredientsHigh~0.1–0.3%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf waterTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium97%
1,2-hexanediolA preservativeMedium~7.2–10.9%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~4.3–6.5%est.
Snail secretion filtrateTypically contains hyaluronic acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might contain allantoin that is helpful in calming down inflammation. There is no evidence that it can have any further benefits for the skin, especially when used in skincare productsMedium~1.9–2.8%est.
Portulaca oleracea extractA plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skinMedium~1.4–2.1%est.
Aloe barbadensis leaf extractTraditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skinMedium~0.35–0.85%est.
Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.1–0.35%est.
Comedogenic
Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients
None flagged

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Aloe barbadensis leaf water97%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but data on its effectiveness is lacking. While the majority of the content is plain water, it can contain some goodies like vitamins, enzymes, minerals, and humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf water
Glycerin~23–34%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Naturally present in skin. It attracts water to the upper layer of the skin working as a humectant

More about Glycerin
1,2-hexanediol~7.2–10.9%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

A preservative

More about 1,2-hexanediol
Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~4.3–6.5%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAntibacterialAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationReduces rednessAnti-blemishAnti-aging

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
Sodium hyaluronate~3.4–5.1%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Moisturizing

One of the best moisturizing ingredients. Attracts water into the upper layer of the skin

More about Sodium hyaluronate
Beta-glucan~2.7–4%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryReduces irritationMoisturizingAnti-oxidationAnti-agingAnti-blemish

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, calm down inflammation and irritation, restore the barrier function and support wound healing. It can be helpful in reducing fine lines and wrinkles

More about Beta-glucan
Snail secretion filtrate~1.9–2.8%
Key activeIrritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
MoisturizingAnti-inflammatory

Typically contains hyaluronic acid that helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin. Might contain allantoin that is helpful in calming down inflammation. There is no evidence that it can have any further benefits for the skin, especially when used in skincare products

More about Snail secretion filtrate
Portulaca oleracea extract~1.4–2.1%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Anti-oxidationMoisturizing

A plant extract that has some anti-oxidant activity, but solid research is lacking. Can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin

More about Portulaca oleracea extract
Psidium guajava fruit extract~1.2–1.8%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

A fruit extract that might have some anti-oxidant effect

More about Psidium guajava fruit extract
Allantoin~0.9–1.35%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-inflammatoryMoisturizingAnti-blemishReduces irritationReduces rednessExfoliation

Helps calm down inflammation in skin and can help reduce itching. Helps to repair the skin barrier and keep skin hydrated

More about Allantoin
Zanthoxylum piperitum fruit extract~1–1.5%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High
Works for
Anti-oxidation

Plant extract that has some anti-oxidant properties. It can be irritating. Can be used to improve the product's smell

More about Zanthoxylum piperitum fruit extract
Pulsatilla koreana extract~0.8–1.2%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Pulsatilla koreana extract
Usnea barbata extract~0.55–1.25%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Usnea barbata extract
Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.45–1.05%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose
Polysorbate 80~0.4–0.9%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Cleansing

Helps water and oil mix together

More about Polysorbate 80
Althaea rosea flower extract~0.2–0.8%
Formula
Irritation risk
Low
More about Althaea rosea flower extract
Aloe barbadensis leaf extract~0.35–0.85%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium
Works for
Moisturizing

Traditionally used to treat sunburns, dermatitis and inflammation, but evidence for its effectiveness is lacking. The extract can contain humectants that help attract water into the skin

More about Aloe barbadensis leaf extract
Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.1–0.5%
Key active
Irritation risk
Low
Works for
Anti-oxidationAntibacterialAnti-agingAnti-blemishEvens skin toneMoisturizing

Can contain potent anti-oxidant compounds (abbreviated ECG, GCG, EGC, and EGCG) that might help protect the skin from free radicals. Can help calm down inflammation and has some anti-bacterial properties. Unfortunately, these antioxidants are unstable and lose their effectiveness very quickly in products. The concentration of the antioxidant compounds in the extract also tends to be low to be effective in topical formulation

More about Camellia sinensis leaf extract
Disodium edta~0.1–0.35%
Irritant · medium
Irritation risk
Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta
Parfum~0.1–0.3%
Irritant · high
Irritation risk
High

An aromatic blend of unspecified and possibly irritating ingredients

More about Parfum
Nonoxynol-12
Not recognized
Ingredient list view

Aloe barbadensis leaf water, Glycerin, 1,2-hexanediol, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Sodium hyaluronate, Beta-glucan, Snail secretion filtrate, Portulaca oleracea extract, Psidium guajava fruit extract, Allantoin, Zanthoxylum piperitum fruit extract, Pulsatilla koreana extract, Usnea barbata extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Polysorbate 80, Althaea rosea flower extract, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Disodium edta, Parfum, Unknown

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Worth comparing, line by line.

Match % combines shared ingredients, the first five ingredients, shared actives and hero ingredients, irritancy (lower counts in the alternative's favour), texture and body area. Only products in the same routine step are compared.

Side-by-side comparison of this product against its closest alternatives
Secret KeyAloe Soothing Moist TonerYOUR PRODUCTBentonAloe BHA Skin TonerISNTREEHyaluronic Acid Toner LARGENATUREKINDNatural Moisture Hyaluron Toner
Match—41%38%38%
Price—$11.13$12.33$39.24
Shared key ingredients—3 of 63 of 63 of 6
Key difference—Salicylic AcidPanthenolPanthenol
Irritancy Medium Medium Low Low
Drying alcohol————
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Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 17 studies and safety reviews.

  1. 1
    Glycerol and the skin: holistic approach to its origin and functionsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. 2
    The influence of alkane chain length on the skin irritation potential of 1,2-alkanediolsncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. 3
    Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin agingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. 4
    Hyaluronan (Hyaluronic Acid): a natural moisturizer for skin careresearchgate.net
  5. 5
    β-Glucans: Multi-Functional Modulator of Wound Healingncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. 6
    Anti-Wrinkle Therapy: Significant New Findings in the Non-Invasive Cosmetic Treatment of Skin Wrinkles with Beta-Glucanonlinelibrary.wiley.com
Secret Key Aloe Soothing Moist Toner
Secret KeyAloe Soothing Moist Toner
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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.