Skin Recovery Cleanser
A rich, soothing cleanser for very dry, sensitive skin that rinses completely without leaving any residue.

Skin Recovery Toner
Discover silky-smooth, radiant skin with this sophisticated blend of skin-fortifying ingredients.

1% BHA Lotion
Provides exfoliation with lightweight, matte finish moisture.

Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 & Antioxidants
This daytime moisturizer with mineral sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection to brilliantly restore and maintain healthy, radiant skin.

Skin Recovery Moisturizer
Restore vital moisture to very dry skin with this exceptionally elegant, rich cream that provides soothing protection and reduces free-radical damage

What Makes Paula's Choice Products Unique?

Ingredients

Skin Recovery Cleanser
Water, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate (very mild cleansing agent), Hydrogenated Polydecene (emollient), Acrylates Copolymer (suspending agent and film former), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil (plant oil/emollient), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (thickener), Polysorbate-80 (emulsifier), Cocamidopropyl Betaine (lather agent), Glycerin (skin-identical ingredient), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (anti-irritant), Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum) (emollient), Beta-Glucan (skin-conditioning agent), PEG-7 Glyceryl Cocoate (thickener), Butylene Glycol, Propylene Glycol (slip agents), Tetrasodium EDTA (chelating agent), Laureth-4 (surfactant), Sorbic Acid, Chlorphenesin (all preservatives), Phenoxyethanol, Sodium Hydroxide (pH adjuster).

Skin Recovery Toner
Water, Cyclopentasiloxane (silicone slip agent), Butylene Glycol (water-binding agent), Glycereth-26 (glycerin- and glycol-based water-binding agent), Dimethiconol (silicone slip agent), Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Borago Officinalis (Borage) Seed Oil (non-volatile plant oils), Sodium Hyaluronate (water-binding agent), Tocopheryl Acetate, Tocopherol (vitamin E/antioxidants), Ascorbyl Palmitate (vitamin C/antioxidant), Panthenol (water-binding agent), Allantoin (anti-irritant), Glycerin (skin-identical ingredient), Hydrogenated Lecithin (cell-communicating ingredient), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (emollient), Niacinamide (vitamin B3/cell-communicating ingredient), Superoxide Dismutase (antioxidant), PEG-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (emollients), Linoleamidopropyl PG-Dimonium Chloride Phosphate (stabilizer), Laureth-4, Laureth-23 (emulsifiers), Disodium EDTA (stabilizer), Sodium Benzoate, Phenoxyethanol, Chlorphenesin, Benzoic Acid, and Sorbic Acid (all preservatives).

1% BHA Lotion
Water, Cetyl Alcohol (thickener/emollient), Butylene Glycol (water-binding agent), Salicylic Acid (beta hydroxy acid/exfoliant), Allantoin, Bisabolol (anti-irritants), Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol (silicone slip agents), PVM/MA Decadiene Crosspolymer (film-forming agent), Sorbitan Stearate, PEG-40 Stearate, PPG-14 Butyl Ether (thickeners), Propylene Glycol (slip agent), Laureth-7 (emulsifier), Polyacrylamide (water-binding/film-forming agent), C13-14 Isoparaffin (thickener), Sodium Hydroxide (pH balancer), Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Diazolidinyl Urea (preservatives).

Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 & Antioxidants
Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 3.85%, Zinc Oxide 3%. Other Ingredients: Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (thickener), Prunus Armeniaca (Apricot) Kernel Oil (non-fragrant emollient plant oil), Isononyl Isononanoate (skin conditioning agent), Propylene Glycol (slip agent), Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Cetearyl Alcohol (thickening agents), Cyclopentasiloxane, Cyclohexasiloxane (silicone slip agents), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterols, Superoxide Dismutase (antioxidants), Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E/antioxidant), Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (stabilized vitamin C/antioxidant), Unbiquinone (coenzyme Q10/antioxidant), Ceramide-2, Sodium Hyaluronate (skin-identical ingredients), Allantoin (anti-irritant), Dimethicone (silicone slip agent), Palmitoyl Oligopeptide (cell-communicating ingredient), Tribehenin (skin conditioning agent), Alumina, Aluminum Stearate (thickening/opacifying agents), VP/Eicosene Copolymer (film-forming agent), Polysorbate-20 (emulsifier), PEG-10 Rapeseed Sterol (skin conditioning agent), Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Xanthan Gum (thickeners), Disodium EDTA (chelating agent), Sorbitan Stearate (emulsifier), Ethylhexylglycerin (skin-conditioning agent), Hexylene Glycol (solvent), PEG-4 Laurate (emulsifier), Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate (preservatives).

Skin Recovery Moisturizer
Water, Cetearyl Ethylhexanoate (emollient), Butylene Glycol (water-binding agent), Glycereth-26 (thickener), Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil (non-volatile plant oil), Cetyl Alcohol (thickener), Cyclopentasiloxane (skin-conditioning agent), Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate (thickeners), Glycerin (skin-identical ingredient), Cyclohexasiloxane (skin-conditioning agent), Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-3 (cell-communicating ingredients), Sodium Hyaluronate (water-binding agent), Tocopheryl Linoleate, Tocopheryl Acetate (antioxidant/vitamin E), Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate (antioxidant/vitamin C), Dipotassium Glycyrrhizate (licorice-derived anti-irritant), Sodium PCA (water-binding agent), Panthenol (soothing agent), Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract (anti-irritant/soothing agent), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice (water-binding agent), Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate (antioxidant/vitamin C), Tetradibutyl Pentaerithrityl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate (antioxidant), Saccharide Isomerate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate (skin-conditioning agents), Hydroxypropyl Guar (gel-based thickener), Propylene Glycol (slip agent), Allantoin (anti-irritant), Rosa Canina (Dog Rose) Fruit Oil (non-volatile plant oil), Dimethicone, Simethicone (silicone slip agents), Polysorbate 20 (emulsifier), Cetyl Hydroxyethylcellulose (thickener), Carbomer (gel-based thickener), Sodium Citrate, Triethanolamine (pH adjusters), Trisodium EDTA (chelating agent), Batyl Alcohol (stabilizer), Benzoic Acid, Chlorphenesin, Sorbic Acid, Phenoxyethanol (all preservatives).

Sources to support the claims made for Skin Recovery Cleanser

Cutis, March 2005, pages 17-21; March 2004, pages 183–187; and December 2001, Supplemental, pages 12–19; Skin Research and Technology, February 2005, pages 53–60; Dermatologic Therapy, 2004; 17 Supplemental 1, pages 26-34;  Dermatologic Therapy, January 2004, pages 16–25; Skin Research and Technology, July 2001, pages 49–55; and Contact Dermatitis, June 1999, pages 310–315.

Sources to support the claims made for Skin Recovery Toner

FEBS Letters, December 2009, Epbulication; Dermato-Endocrinology, March 2009, pages 72–76;International Journal of Molecular Medicine, August 2008, pages 229–236; Clinics in Dermatology, November-December 2008, pages 614–626; Skin Therapy Letter, September 2008, pages 5–9; Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, July 2008, pages S7–S12; Dermatologic Therapy, September-October 2007, pages 322–329; Dermatologic Surgery, "The Antioxidant Network of the Stratum Corneum," July 2005, pages 814–817; Exogenous Dermatology, June 2004, pages 154–160; American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, May 2004, pages 327–337; Dermatologic Therapy, January 2004, pages 16–25; Archives of Pharmacal Research, December 2002, pages 747–758; Toxicology Letters, December 2003, pages 65–73Skin Research and Technology, November 2001, pages 227–237; and Contact Dermatitis, November 1998, pages 231–239; and www.naturaldatabase.com.

Sources to support the claims made for 1% BHA Lotion

Biochemistry and Pharmacology, June 2007, pages 1,786-1,795; Archives of Internal Medicine, July 2002, pages 1531–1532; Annals of Dermatology and Venereology, January 2002, pages 137–142;Archives of Dermatology, November 2000, pages 1390–1395; Preservatives for Cosmetics, 1996, by David Steinberg, Allured Publishing, pages 39-40; Pain, January 1996, pages 71–82; and Seminars in Dermatology, December 1990, pages 305–308.

Sources to support the claims made for Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15 & Antioxidants:

Future Oncology, December 2008, pages 841–856; Clinics in Dermatology, November-December 2008, pages 614–626; Skin Therapy Letter, September 2008, pages 5–9; Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, July 2008, pages S7–S12; Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, June 2008, pages 136–149; Pharmazie, January 2008, pages 58–60; Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology, and Leprology, March-April 2007, pages 80–85; Journal of Pathology, January 2007, 241–251; Journal of Dermatological Science, September 2006, pages 159–169; American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, June 2005, pages 215–223; Journal of Postgraduate Medicine, July 2004, pages 131–139; International Journal of Dermatology, July 2003, page 505; Journal of Investigative Dermatology, January 2002, pages 117–125; and Clinical Experimental Dermatology, October 2001, pages 573–577.

Sources to support the claims made for Skin Recovery Moisturizer

British Journal of Dermatology, July 2008, pages 23-34; Chemical Research in Toxicology, January 2008;American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, April 2003, pages 771-788; Journal of Investigative Dermatology, February 2002, pages 372–379; Skin Pharmacology and Applied Skin Physiology, January–February 2002, pages 20–25; Toxicology in Vitro, August–October 2001, pages 357–362;Journal of Cosmetic Science, January–February 2001, pages 35–50; Journal of Investigative Dermatology, April 1995, pages 484–488; and Journal of Molecular Medicine, January 1995, pages 7–17.

Skin Recovery Cleanser
Directions: Splash the face and eyes generously with tepid to slightly warm water. Using your fingers, apply a quarter-sized amount on your face and eyes using vigorous but gentle circular motions. Rinse well and gently pat face dry with a clean towel.

Skin Recovery Toner
Directions: Shake well. After cleansing, soak a large cotton ball or pad with Skin Recovery Toner and gently stroke over the face. Do not rinse off. Follow with moisturizer and/or specialty product.

1% BHA Lotion
Directions: Apply to clean skin. Dispense a dime-sized amount and massage over face. Follow with a Paula's Choice Blemish Fighting Solution (if needed), moisturizer, and/or specialty product. For daytime, wear under a product rated SPF 15 or higher. Note: Persons allergic to aspirin should not use a product containing salicylic acid.

Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 & Antioxidants
Directions: Apply liberally before sun exposure. Do not apply any other skin-care product over sunscreen. You can apply foundation or pressed powder over sunscreens. For use on children under six months of age, consult a doctor.

Skin Recovery Moisturizer
Directions: Apply to cleansed skin. It works beautifully as an eye cream. For daytime, wear under a product rated SPF 15 or greater.

Detailed instructions on how/when to apply your Paula's Choice products can be found in our How to Put Together Your Own Skin-Care Routine article.

Skin Recovery Cleanser

Do I still need to use an eye or face makeup remover?
It depends on how much eye or face makeup you are using or if you are wearing waterproof mascara, waterproof makeup, or other hard-to-remove makeup. Otherwise, this cleanser effectively removes most types of makeup.

How does Skin Recovery Cleanser differ from the other Paula's Choice Cleansers-how doI know which one is best for me
Paula's Choice Skin Recovery Cleanser is slightly more emollient than our One Step Face Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin, which makes it preferred for someone with dry to very dry skin.

I have normal to dry skin on my cheeks but my T-zone is oily - would Skin Recovery Cleanser work for me?
While it is an option, your best bet would be to try the One Step Face Cleansers for Normal to Dry or Normal to Oily/Combination skin first.

I have normal to dry skin that gets noticeably drier in the winter - would Skin Recovery Cleanser be a good seasonal choice?
Yes! This would be a very good choice for normal to dry skin during the winter months.

Will this cleanser make me break out?
This cleanser is extremely unlikely to cause blemishes. However, normal to oily and blemish-prone skins will find this cleanser too emollient for their skin type.

Skin Recovery Toner

What do toners "tone"? I thought Paula didn't recommend toners!
Paula has always recommended toners that are well-formulated. Toners can be a great after-cleansing step to be sure you've removed all your makeup. When properly formulated, they soothe skin and add hydrating ingredients to make skin softer, not to mention they're another leave-on source for antioxidants and other ingredients that improve skin's healthy functioning.

How do I know which toner is right for me? Besides skin type, what are the main differences between the four Paula's Choice toners?
All of our toners restore skin, help remove last traces of makeup, are alcohol- and fragrance-free, and contain no unnecessary irritants such as menthol, peppermint, and citrus oils. They are great as an adjunct to a more thorough cleansing routine, especially post-workout or in hot/humid climates. Even more significantly they go beyond the basics by offering skin benefits you can see and feel.

Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner is an excellent choice for normal to oily/combination skin. It provides a weightless finish, and although it feels very light, it supplies skin with potent antioxidants and anti-irritants. Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner is a great option for those who want more protection and a soothing, soft, feeling on their skin, particularly those with sensitive skin. To get the benefits of both toners for normal to oily/combination skin, you may want use Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner in the morning and Skin Balancing Toner in the evening.

Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner contains ingredients that help soothe and restore normal to dry skin, plus it includes a greater amount of glycerin, a key ingredient to make dry skin look and feel better. It also contains a broad range of ingredients that aid the barrier repair process so those with dry skin (or normal skin with occasional dry patches) will receive even more benefit from their Paula's Choice moisturizer and/or specialty product. Moisture Boost Hydrating feels lighter than our Skin Recovery Toner, yet still provides an array of antioxidants, anti-irritants, and skin-protecting ingredients. To get the benefits of both toners for normal to dry skin, you can use Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner in the morning and Skin Recovery Toner in the evening.

Skin Recovery Toner for normal to very dry skin is an excellent choice for those who need more help protecting their skin from environmental damage or dryness. Skin Recovery Toner has a richer texture than any of our other toners and contains more plant oils and other emollients than our Moisture Boost Hydrating Toner. This is a great option for dry to very dry skin, extremely sun damaged skin, or those dealing with eczema or rosacea accompanied by dry skin.

Skin Balancing Toner for normal to oily/combination skin is excellent for protecting skin from environmental damage or dryness. In addition, its cell-communicating ingredients can, in theory, help balance skin so its oily areas do not worsen or lead to reddened or blemished skin. Skin Balancing Toner uses a more complex formulation than our Healthy Skin Refreshing Toner, and helps restore normal cell function.

Skin Perfecting 1% BHA Lotion

Your AHA (glycolic acid) products have a higher percentage than your BHA (salicylic acid) products. Does this mean AHA is a stronger exfoliant?
AHA products are most effective at a 5% to 10% concentration and BHA at 1% to 2% concentration. Think about it like making bread, the amount of yeast you need is tiny in comparison to the amount of flour you use but equally important to get the results you want. The percentage of effectiveness varies depending on the ingredient. Rest assured that the BHA products are not any less effective due to lower concentrations of the exfoliant.

What strength of BHA should I use? Will a higher concentration provide better and faster results?
Which BHA strength you opt to use should be based on your skin type and the stubbornness (or severity) of your acne or blackheads. The 1% BHA strength is a great starting point to see how using a pH-correct BHA can improve the skin's condition. The 2% concentrations can be a next level to see how that benefits skin.

Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 15 & Antioxidants

Should I reapply Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion during the day?
For casual wear, meaning less than four hours total time out in the sun, it is not necessary to reapply sunscreen as you will be protected all day. If you are perspiring or just spending a longer period of time outdoors, it should be reapplied.

Skin Recovery Moisturizer

My skin is dry. Which moisturizer do you recommend?
Several Paula's Choice moisturizers would work well for you. Choosing the perfect moisturizer has a lot to do with personal preference and trying a product to determine which one works best on your skin. A good place to start is with our Resist Barrier Repair Moisturizer but if you want a richer texture, try our Moisture Boost Hydrating Treatment Cream. Our most emollient moisturizer is the Skin Recovery Moisturizer. It is also helpful to use our Skin Recovery Super Antioxidant in combination with (on top of or underneath) any moisturizer you apply. You may also wish to treat your dry skin to frequent applications of our Skin Recovery Hydrating Treatment Mask.

I have very dry skin. Which moisturizer should I use?
Our Skin Recovery Moisturizer is designed for dry to very dry skin.