Secret Key
Starting Treatment Essence
A calming essence by Secret Key — featuring Arbutin (fades dark spots) and Acanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract (eleutherosides support skin cell…).
25 of 25 ingredients identified
Informational only — check the packaging and a professional for advice.
Category breakdown
Active · 6Soothing · 6Antioxidant · 5Solvent / vehicle · 4Other · 2Humectant · 1Preservative · 1
Relationships
Works well together
Physalis Alkekengi Fruit Extract + Galactomyces Ferment FiltratePhysalis Alkekengi Fruit Extract + Centella AsiaticaAcanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract + Panax Ginseng Root ExtractAcanthopanax Senticosus Root Extract + AdenosineVelvet Extract + AdenosineVelvet Extract + Centella AsiaticaCordyceps Sinensis Extract + AdenosinePortulaca Oleracea Extract + Centella Asiatica
Full ingredient breakdown
2
A gold-standard humectant that draws water into the skin.
4
A gentle brightening agent that inhibits pigment formation.
5
A yeast ferment filtrate rich in amino acids and vitamins, used for radiance and texture (K & J beauty).
6
A hydrating botanical with cooling, soothing properties.
7
An extract of Roman chamomile flowers used in cosmetics for its soothing, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties on sensitive and irritated skin.
8
A calming botanical (cica) prized for soothing stressed skin.
9
A polyphenol-rich antioxidant that also calms skin.
10
Extract from the fruit of Physalis alkekengi (Solanaceae, winter cherry / Chinese lantern), containing physalins, flavonoids (notably luteolin glucosides), withanolides, carotenoids, and ascorbic acid. In vitro studies show reduced ROS production, inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), and mixed-type tyrosinase inhibition. Used in ferment-forward K-beauty essences alongside galactomyces and ginseng extracts.
11
An extract from the root of Acanthopanax senticosus (Siberian ginseng / eleuthero), rich in eleutherosides and lignans. Provides adaptogenic, antioxidant, and mild anti-inflammatory benefits in luxury Japanese skincare.
12
An extract from the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum (reishi / lingzhi mushroom), distinct from the stem-only extract already in the KB; contains beta-glucans, polysaccharides, and ganoderic acid triterpenoids with antioxidant, adaptogenic, and skin-conditioning benefits.
13
A revered K-beauty botanical used for antioxidant, brightening and revitalizing effects.
14
Extract derived from pre-ossified deer antler (velvet antler), the fastest-growing mammalian tissue known. Contains collagen, glycosaminoglycans, IGF-1, EGF, and other growth factors. Enzymatically digested velvet antler peptides have been shown to accelerate healing, reduce scar formation, and improve collagen fiber organization via TGF-β/Smad2 pathway modulation. Used in K-beauty essences for anti-aging and matrix-nourishing properties.
15
Extract from the mycelium of Ophiocordyceps sinensis (syn. Cordyceps sinensis), a high-altitude fungus. Key bioactives include cordycepin (3'-deoxyadenosine), adenosine, and beta-glucan polysaccharides. Cordycepin modulates cellular energy pathways via NAD+ biosynthesis and sirtuin activation, while polysaccharides contribute humectant and barrier-supporting properties. EU CosIng registers five cosmetic functions: antioxidant, humectant, and skin conditioning.
16
A tannin-rich witch hazel extract with soothing and astringent properties.
17
Extract from Oryza sativa (rice); provides ferulic acid, gamma-oryzanol, and saccharides for antioxidant protection and brightening. One of the foundational ingredients in K-beauty and J-beauty.
18
An extract of purslane traditionally used to calm and soothe reactive skin.
19
Extract from the pericarp of Zanthoxylum piperitum (Japanese pepper / Sansho). Used in Japanese traditional medicine. Contains alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenes with soothing and antioxidant properties.
23
A nucleoside used at low concentrations to help smooth the look of fine lines; a common K-beauty anti-aging active.