Secret Key- Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel

Hey beauties and welcome back to my blog!

”BRIGHTENING” and “LIGHTENING”- two words that are on the mind of every skincare blogger and even those who are not very much aware of what type of beauty products to use and how to achieve that glow that appears to be gifted only to celebrities.

While the former always interests me, the latter is more of a superficial lie used to influence customers who are unhappy with their natural skin tone(Please learn to accept and love yourself). Today, brightening is used in many ways, to lighten dark spots, post acne marks, tan, reduce dullness induced by various factors and to maintain the youthful glow of our skin.

Korean brands have always been very innovative with their products, it’s only been a couple of years since the world has been going gaga over the unique formulations, exciting and often creepy yet tempting ingredients and their marketing skills through eye-catching titles and packaging. In terms of skin brightening, dark spot lightening and getting that porcelain glow reminiscent of Oriental beauties, Korean brands are always top picks for a majority of the population because of their cost-effective prices.

Today, I am going to share my thoughts on SECRET KEY’S LEMON SPARKLING PEELING GEL. The title gives out a lot of information already but what it is and how it actually works will be discussed in this post.

A bit about the brand:

Secret Key would have been just another Korean skincare brand if two of their products weren’t so popular, Secret Key Essence(a perfect dupe for Sk ll Treatment Essence and Missha Time Revolution Essence) and Racoon Gel Eye and Cheek Patches.

Founded in 2006 in Korea, Secret Key comprises both scientifically known ingredients as well as natural plant extracts to create comprehensive yet affordable skincare. This is definitely a brand that needs more credit.

 

L E M O N  S P A R K L I N G  P E E L I N G  G E L

A peeling gel made from Lemon Water and Sparkling Water that provides a mild gommage effect and when rinsed, reveals smooth, hydrated and brightened skin.

 

Price and Availability:

Currently at a steep discounted rate at Yesstyle

Indian residents can also buy directly from this authentic Instagram Seller

 

How To Use:

Squeeze a small amount on hands and apply on cleansed dry skin. Massage in gentle circular moments for 3-5 minutes and rinse with warm water.

 

Notable Ingredients: A brief introduction to the ingredient as a whole and not it’s concentration in the given product.

Lemon Water– Termed usually as Vitamin C and Citric Acid used in varying concentrations to provide exfoliation.

Zanthoxylum Piperitum Extract: Japanese pepper that possesses antioxidants properties that when used in higher concentrations can lead to sensitivities

Usnea Extract: Anti Microbial, Skin Conditioning

Sparkling Water: Exfoliating

Green Tea: High Antioxidant content

Hollyhock Extract: Skin soothing

Aloe Vera: Soothing properties, Great for oily easily irritated skin

Witch Hazel: Antibacterial, Antifungal, Astringent

Centella Extract: Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant

Papaya Extract: Enzymatic Exfoliation

Hydrolyzed Collagen: Plumping and Firming effect, Reduces wrinkles

Sodium Hyaluronate: Hydration, Humectant

Rice Extract: Skin brightening, Oil absorbent

Brown Algae: Skin conditioning

Broccoli Extract: Moisturisation, Antioxidant

Portulaca: Skin brightening

Chamomile: Anti-inflammatory

 

Texture and Consistency:

White coloured smooth gel cream

 

My Review:

Peels in skincare are usually referred to as extremely concentrated products containing a higher percentage of exfoliating ingredients. They are available both for at home use and at a dermatologist’s clinic/med spa. Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel is not one of those products. Consider it as a thrice a week gentle exfoliation.

The word “Sparkling” comes from the presence of Sparkling Water that either naturally includes minerals or is synthetically prepared by adding CO2 to Water. It basically gives an effect similar to using baking soda and water paste on the skin. But, the concentrations of any of the active ingredients in this product are not given on the site. There are multiple skin-soothing ingredients and antioxidants which is really good considering the price is quite reasonable.

It is advised to use this peeling gel on dry(damp) skin and for a very crucial reason. It has certain ingredients that can not perform efficiently on freshly washed wet skin. The brand refers to this function as “Gommage”, a word derived from French vocabulary that means “to erase”. Imagine those rubber particles/balls that form after you use an eraser, this product when massaged on dry skin turns into similar eraser like balls and provide a mild physical exfoliation.

Initially, you will feel a cooling sensation and once the peeling gel starts to dry a bit, you have to start massaging and it will turn into cellulose balls giving your skin a physical along with chemical exfoliation from the lemon. Do not use an unnecessarily adequate quantity or you will have to wait for longer than you may have anticipated before you can start massaging the gel to achieve the gommage effect. You don’t need any more than what I used in the picture(below).

Once massaged well, this peeling gel starts drying and thickens which along with the friction between the skin and our fingerpads causes it to ball up. You must be wondering why I still haven’t mentioned what is in this product that gives it this change of texture and consistency, it is the presence of Cellulose, Carbomer and Cetrimonium Chloride that together lead to the gommage effect(referred by the brand) while also avoiding any irritation due to the antistatic effect.

The Results?

Since I am reviewing this product and not claiming that I love it for whatever reasons, I have to talk about all the ups and lows in detail so you can have more information before you make a purchase.

The difference that I saw in my skin post use was a reduction in surface oils and softer texture. Some of the blackheads that were on the surface came off. Rinsing this peeling gel is very convenient and it does not leave that plasticky film which we have to remove by rubbing the skin hard. I must admit, my skin texture is generally not very rough or thick, to begin with so it will not be able to miraculously turn a thick uneven texture to a smoother slate. Also, there is no irritation or any discomfort when the product is on or after it is rinsed.

“IT WILL ALLOW FOR THE MAKEUP TO SIT BETTER BY GENTLY SLOUGHING OFF DEAD CELLS THAT LEAD TO DULL LOOK AND DENSE, UNEVEN ALMOST CONGESTION LIKE TEXTURE…” 

While the brand itself hasn’t made any huge claims and clearly mentioning that this product will give gentle exfoliation through gommage effect with Lemon and Sparkling Water, you must expect a subtle clarified effect and softer skin texture with each use.

Verdict:

Great for beginners or people with sensitive skin who cannot tolerate hard, skin tearing physical scrubs. This product does everything what the brand mentions and promises to offer.

It will allow for the makeup to sit better by gently sloughing off dead cells that lead to dull look and dense uneven almost congestion like texture. Regular usage will improve superficial dark spots and tanning quicker when couple with other treatment products.

This product will suit everyone except the ones having multiple active acne spots, not because it has any ingredients that will irritate your skin further but the friction involved is something to be avoided with any product while facing an acne breakout.

What are your favourite products from Secret Key? Have you used this Lemon Sparkling Peeling Gel? Thank you so much for reading!

For any further information check out: Secret Key Official

 

xoxo

 

 

 

 

PR/Gifted Product*