Secret Key

Secret Key Starting Treatment Essential Mask Sheet

Name: Secret Key - Starting Treatment Essential Mask Sheet
Brand: Secret Key

Efficacy75/100IrritancyHigh

See all ingredients

Works for

Moisturizing

Glycerin, Galactomyces ferment filtrate + 5 more

Works

What the product description says

“Secret Key Starting Treatment Essential Mask Sheet helps to hydrate and nourish the skin.”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product contains good ingredients to attract water to the upper layer of the skin. These ingredients are called "humectants": betaine, galactomyces ferment filtrate.

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~4.5–6.7%

Galactomyces ferment filtrateKey active· HumectantEffect: HighA yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores~3.4–5.1%

BetaineKey active· HumectantEffect: HighHelps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture~2.7–4%

Aspergillus fermentKey activeEffect: MediumAn extract from fungus (mold) that typically appears on rice. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin, might help neutralize free radicals and possibly somewhat reduce hyperpigmentation~1.6–2.5%

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~0.3–0.7%

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~0.15–0.65%

Aloe barbadensis leaf juiceEffect: 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~0.95–1.45%

Anti-aging

Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 1 more

May help

What the product description says

“Galactomyces Ferment Filtrate improves skin elasticity and reduces appearances of fine lines and wrinkles”

Source: Lila Beauty

This product contains galactomyces ferment filtrate. This ingredient might be able to help reduce and prevent fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and firmness, but there is not enough evidence that it actually works.

Galactomyces ferment filtrateKey activeEffect: MediumA yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores~3.4–5.1%

Anti-oxidation

Not advertised by the brand · Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Camellia sinensis leaf extract + 2 more

Works well

This product contains antioxidants (galactomyces ferment filtrate) that can help neutralize free radicals in skin. By doing so, they can lessen the damage the skin gets from the UV light (sun).

The following ingredients - camellia sinensis leaf extract also can have an antioxidant effect, but there is less evidence to confirm their effectiveness in skin.

Galactomyces ferment filtrateKey activeEffect: HighA yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores~3.4–5.1%

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~0.15–0.65%

Aspergillus fermentEffect: LowAn extract from fungus (mold) that typically appears on rice. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin, might help neutralize free radicals and possibly somewhat reduce hyperpigmentation~1.6–2.5%

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~0.3–0.7%

Evens skin tone

Not advertised by the brand · Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Aspergillus ferment + 1 more

May help

The following ingredient (ingredients) in this product might be helpful, but there is no evidence to confirm that it actually works: galactomyces ferment filtrate.

Can it cause trouble?

Irritancy

3 strong irritants: Salvia officinalis leaf extract, Tilia cordata flower extract + 1 more — patch-test recommended

High risk

We flagged 9 ingredients with irritancy potential. Severity depends on your sensitivity threshold; the table lists the worst offenders first.

IngredientFunctionIrritationEst. amount

Salvia officinalis leaf extractSage leaf extract. It can be irritatingHigh~0.85–1.3%est.

Chamomilla recutita flower extractPlant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritatingHigh~0.4–0.95%est.

Tilia cordata flower extract—High~0.35–0.8%est.

Hamamelis virginiana extractA plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritatingHigh~0.15–0.7%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~0.95–1.45%est.

Cucumis sativus extract—Medium~0.5–1.15%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~0.3–0.7%est.

TriethanolamineUsed to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smellMedium~0.1–0.3%est.

Disodium edtaStabilizes the product formulationMedium~0.05–0.2%est.

Comedogenic

Clean of flagged comedogenic ingredients

None flagged

Alternatives

Cheaper, or higher on efficacy

BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask Masque Hydrogel

Higher efficacy · 100/10060% match

$10.00

Benton Fermentation Mask Pack - 10 Units

Higher efficacy · 100/10060% match

View all alternatives

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Ingredients

Filter by role to see what each ingredient is doing.

Water~40–60%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Plain old water

More about Water

Glycerin~4.5–6.7%

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

Galactomyces ferment filtrate~3.4–5.1%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Anti-oxidationMoisturizingEvens skin toneAnti-agingMattifyingAnti-blemish

A yeast ferment filtrate (also known as Pitera - a trademarked name for the filtrate reserved by the SK-II brand). It helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin, can help neutralize antioxidants and can be helpful in evening out the skin tone. It might be somewhat helpful in preventing premature skin aging but solid evidence is lacking. A small manufacturer study also shows that, when used in high concentrations, it can help reduce sebum production and help against blocked pores

More about Galactomyces ferment filtrate

Betaine~2.7–4%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Moisturizing

Helps attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improves the product texture

More about Betaine

Bifida ferment filtrate~2–3%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Bifida ferment filtrate

Aspergillus ferment~1.6–2.5%

Key active

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-oxidationEvens skin tone

An extract from fungus (mold) that typically appears on rice. It can help attract water to the upper layer of the skin, might help neutralize free radicals and possibly somewhat reduce hyperpigmentation

More about Aspergillus ferment

Saccharomyces/potato extract ferment filtrate~1.4–2.1%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Saccharomyces/potato extract ferment filtrate

Saccharomyces/rice bran ferment~1.2–1.8%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

More about Saccharomyces/rice bran ferment

Aloe barbadensis leaf juice~0.95–1.45%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

MoisturizingAnti-inflammatoryReduces irritationAntibacterialReduces 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

Salvia officinalis leaf extract~0.85–1.3%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Sage leaf extract. It can be irritating

More about Salvia officinalis leaf extract

Cucumis sativus extract~0.5–1.15%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

More about Cucumis sativus extract

Chamomilla recutita flower extract~0.4–0.95%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

Plant extract that can have healing and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a potential allergen and can be irritating

More about Chamomilla recutita flower extract

Tilia cordata flower extract~0.35–0.8%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

More about Tilia cordata flower extract

Portulaca oleracea extract~0.3–0.7%

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

Hamamelis virginiana extract~0.15–0.7%

Irritant · high

Irritation risk: High

Works for

Anti-inflammatory

A plant extract that can help calm down inflammation in skin. Can, however, itself be irritating

More about Hamamelis virginiana extract

Camellia sinensis leaf extract~0.15–0.65%

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

Carbomer~0.1–0.45%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Works for

Cleansing

Helps create a thicker or gel-like product texture. It is not a surfactant but can be used in gentle cleansing formulations

More about Carbomer

Hydroxyethylcellulose~0.1–0.4%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

Used to thicken product formulations and create gel-like textures

More about Hydroxyethylcellulose

Triethanolamine~0.1–0.3%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Works for

Cleansing

Used to adjust pH of the product and can help improve the product's smell

More about Triethanolamine

Disodium edta~0.05–0.2%

Irritant · medium

Irritation risk: Medium

Stabilizes the product formulation

More about Disodium edta

Methylparaben~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative

More about Methylparaben

Phenoxyethanol~0.05–0.2%

Formula

Irritation risk: Low

A preservative. It helps prevent bacterial growth in cosmetic products

More about Phenoxyethanol

Ingredient list view

Water, Glycerin, Galactomyces ferment filtrate, Betaine, Bifida ferment filtrate, Aspergillus ferment, Saccharomyces/potato extract ferment filtrate, Saccharomyces/rice bran ferment, Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, Salvia officinalis leaf extract, Cucumis sativus extract, Chamomilla recutita flower extract, Tilia cordata flower extract, Portulaca oleracea extract, Hamamelis virginiana extract, Camellia sinensis leaf extract, Carbomer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Triethanolamine, Disodium edta, Methylparaben, Phenoxyethanol

Compare prices

Retailers ranked by price — lowest first.

🇦🇺 Lila Beauty (AU)30 g

≈ $1.72 Out of stock

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🇦🇺 Amazon Australia (AU)

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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 KeyStarting Treatment Essential Mask SheetYOUR PRODUCT	BIODANCEBio-Collagen Real Deep Mask Masque Hydrogel	BentonFermentation Mask Pack - 10 Units	numbuzinNo.3 Tingle-Pore Softening Sheet Mask
Match	—	60%	60%	58%
Price	—	$10.00	—	$4.16
Shared key ingredients	—	3 of 5	3 of 5	3 of 5
Key difference	—	Niacinamide	Copper Tripeptide-1	Niacinamide
Irritancy	High	Medium	Medium	High
Drying alcohol	—	—	—	Contains drying alcohol
	View product	Shop	Shop	Shop

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Product summary

"Secret Key - Starting Treatment Essential Mask Sheet" could be helpful for: Anti-aging, Moisturizing and Evens skin tone, but its actives are not the most effective or are not well-studied.

Ingredient callouts

Humectants (betaine 2.70% - 4.00%, pitera 3.40% - 5.10% and glycerin 4.50% - 6.70%). These ingredients help attract water to the upper layer of the skin and improve the skin hydration.

Price

The product retails for 2.50A$ in Australia.

For a detailed price comparison: click here.

Sources cited in this review

Every concentration estimate and effectiveness label is anchored to one of these 13 studies and safety reviews.

Secret KeyStarting Treatment Essential Mask Sheet

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As an Amazon Associate, WIMJ earns from qualifying purchases.